Dry Ice..

[1953 Flying]

Hi all,

We have a working Marvel fridge that only runs on 120v. At this current time we prefer to do more boon docking than full hook ups. So my question is, does any one have experience with using dry ice to keep there fridge cold? If so were do the gasses go from the dry ice and do you keep it in the wrapper that it comes in. I have only used it to make fog for Halloween. I would like to get away from packing 2 coolers. One for food the other for beverages.

Thanks in advance for your help,

[Excella CM]

Dry ice is just solid carbon dioxide. It sublimates directly from the solid to the gas. It will work fine if not confined, but it can generate beaucoup pressue if not allowed to vent. The vapor is heavy and mixes easily with the cabin air so you need ventilation. An old trick was to put a chunk of dry ice in a container with grain that needed to be preserved. The "ice" was allowed to "melt" and displace the air afterwhich the container was sealed to preserve the grain. When I worked at a paint store we would put a piece in a new 1 gallon paint can and seal it up and put back up on a high shelf. After a few minutes we were treated to a really loud bang! We used to get it free out inthe Mojave in the winter when the dry lakes froze, but by summer when we really needed it, it was all gone.

[Ahab]

First time we tried it in a Coleman ice chest it cracked the plastic liner. We used to freeze 1 gallon juice containers which would last at least 5 days with the new 5 or 6 day coolers. Today our Dometic in the '08 22 SS runs on propane or 120v and does a great job. No need for coolers.

[1953 Flying]

Originally Posted by Ahab

First time we tried it in a Coleman ice chest it cracked the plastic liner. We used to freeze 1 gallon juice containers which would last at least 5 days with the new 5 or 6 day coolers. Today our Dometic in the '08 22 SS runs on propane or 120v and does a great job. No need for coolers.

I have also cracked an ice chest with dry ice. We kept our AS to the original design, Fridge and stove. It works why change it. If we wanted to up date to a newer fridge I would have to cut a hole on the side for ventilation of the propane. My better half would have my head if I did this. I'm more concerned with the gas matter being contained to a seal container. But then again I'm not 100% sure that the 55 year old fridge is air tight either.

[Aerowood]

I have read that there is a company that can modify the old 110 Marvel fridges that only runs on 110 vac to a new modern LP, 110 vac, or12 vdc cooling unit. Something to consider.

Kip

[wkerfoot]

Originally Posted by Aerowood

I have read that there is a company that can modify the old 110 Marvel fridges that only runs on 110 vac to a new modern LP, 110 vac, or12 vdc cooling unit. Something to consider.

Kip

If that modification can be done, then the conversion to a DanVoss compressor, used on the Dometic Tundra and Nova Cool lines, is possible also and you don't have to cut vent holes. The DanVoss compressor runs on 110V and 12V or 24V.

Bill

[1953 Flying]

Originally Posted by wkerfoot

If that modification can be done, then the conversion to a DanVoss compressor, used on the Dometic Tundra and Nova Cool lines, is possible also and you don't have to cut vent holes. The DanVoss compressor runs on 110V and 12V or 24V.

Bill

The only problem with running on 120v and 12v and not being plugged into shore power is it will drain my 2 marine batteries in about 12 hours.

I was also thinking of a frozen milk jug filled with water but that would take up to much space.

[wkerfoot]

Originally Posted by 1953 Flying

The only problem with running on 120v and 12v and not being plugged into shore power is it will drain my 2 marine batteries in about 12 hours.

I was also thinking of a frozen milk jug filled with water but that would take up to much space.

Robert,

The 7.5CF Nova Kool draws 3.2 Amps per hour on 12V, while running only. I have one for my Liner and also solar panels to recharge the batteries. I will be able to let everyone know how it works after the Liner is complete. Smaller units use less electricity, of course.

Bill

[1953 Flying]

Originally Posted by wkerfoot

Robert,

The 7.5CF Nova Cool draws 3.2 Amps per hour on 12V, while running only. I have one for my Liner and also solar panels to recharge the batteries. I will be able to let everyone know how it works after the Liner is complete. Smaller units use less electricity, of course.

Bill

Wow thats not very much at all. I will have to look into it. Thanks

[byamcaravanner]

Originally Posted by wkerfoot

Robert,

The 7.5CF Nova Cool draws 3.2 Amps per hour on 12V, while running only. I have one for my Liner and also solar panels to recharge the batteries. I will be able to let everyone know how it works after the Liner is complete. Smaller units use less electricity, of course.

Bill

I have this unit to be installed in my '67 Ambassador. It provides a large capacity for an under counter unit.

Novakool sells conversion kits that can be retrofitted to your Marvel box.

[COLORADO_CAMPER]

DO NOT USE DRY ICE in a confined space. OK to use in a cooler stored out of doors but it can kill you in your sleep if you try to use it in your camper. The amount of CO2 released can be enough to put you to sleep for good in a sealed, confined spcae like a camper.

See here for more info ... http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/293/13/1585

-Kevin

[1953 Flying]

Originally Posted by COLORADO_CAMPER

DO NOT USE DRY ICE in a confined space. OK to use in a cooler stored out of doors but it can kill you in your sleep if you try to use it in your camper. The amount of CO2 released can be enough to put you to sleep for good in a sealed, confined spcae like a camper.

See here for more info ... http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/293/13/1585

-Kevin

WOW. Thanks Kevin for the info. I new it put off gasses. But I didn't know at such high rate. I guess there goes that idea.

I guess we will have to look more into the Nova conversion kit. I just feel if it's not broke then don't fix it.

[nilesrob]

Originally Posted by COLORADO_CAMPER

DO NOT USE DRY ICE in a confined space. OK to use in a cooler stored out of doors but it can kill you in your sleep if you try to use it in your camper. The amount of CO2 released can be enough to put you to sleep for good in a sealed, confined spcae like a camper.

See here for more info ... JAMA -- Brief Report: Acute Illness From Dry Ice Exposure During Hurricane Ivan--Alabama, 2004, April 6, 2005, 293 (13): 1585

-Kevin

Absolutely agree with Kevin. I used to use dry ice in an ice cream store I managed if we had issues with our freezer. The fumes are very powerful. My personal opinion - I would never use dry ice in a trailer.

[1953 Flying]

Yes, after further investigation and great suggestions we have decided not to use dry ice. I have contacted Novacool regarding pricing for there 12v kits. I guess for the time being I will still have to pack a couple of coolers. This is one of the down falls of keeping every thing vintage.

As always there is great advise here on the forums. Much thanks.

[overlander63]

My two cents' worth of suggestion:
Get a bag of ice from your local convenience store, and put it in the fridge. The bag will hopefully keep the water from draining everywhere in the fridge, you will have ice for your drinks, and you won't have to modify anything. An 8 pound bag of ice is currently $1.59 at the 7-11 on the corner, it will take a lot of them to pay for even a small conversion.