Anybody have any experience with these? If not, any thoughts?
Thanks!
Steve,
I am planning on installing one in my Liner rebuild.
Bill
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Bill Kerfoot, WBCCI/VAC/CAC/El Camino Real Unit #5223
Just my personal opinion
1973 Dodge W200 PowerWagon, 1977 Lincoln Continental
1979 23' Safari, and 1954 29' Double Door Liner Orange, CA
We installed a RFU 9000 on a 1974 31' Sovereign that we "remodeled." We absolutely loved it!
First off, it has a smaller footprint than the old Dometic, yet a larger interior capacity.
We were able to install the fridge plus a small storage drawer in the same area. We also loved the freezer below.
Secondly, with the 12V, you don't have to worry about having the propane off/fridge off when travelling.
We're definitely replacing the old Dometic in "Our Gussy" with a Nova Kool.
When you buy, don't bother with the units that have a combo 12V/110V - it's a waste of $$$ - the compressor is 12V and the 110V option merely adds a converter.
I'd also recommend an interior 12V fan for air circulation.
That was quick! Which model are you installing? Where did you get it (if I may ask). I've read that Backwoods solar is the best place.
Since I've gutted may trailer... I think this would be a great alternative.
I am going to get the 7.5 or 8 CF model. Don't have it yet as I am still removing interior skin and need to re-wire the inside. The same type of fridge is made by Dometic under the Tundra line and is available at marine supply stores. I will start looking in the next few months for the best price. This fridge is used in some high end motorhomes. "Odessey" whose blog you can get to from Airstream Life has one which the run on 24V.
Bill
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Bill Kerfoot, WBCCI/VAC/CAC/El Camino Real Unit #5223
Just my personal opinion
1973 Dodge W200 PowerWagon, 1977 Lincoln Continental
1979 23' Safari, and 1954 29' Double Door Liner Orange, CA
Thanks for the info on your experiences. Very interesting about the AC equipped models.
Bill,
I checked out Our Odyssey: Search results for nova kool Sean has made an interesting discovery in regard to the Nova Kool's Low Voltage shut down feature. I wonder if this would be a reason to pay the extra $$$ for the AC model and avoid this problem when connected to shore power. Interesting info.
I'll be waiting to hear what you find when you start shopping.
One thing I would be careful of, is if the fridge needs more power than your charge line can provide. It will make the battery in your coach dead. An upgade of the wire would be money well spent, before you experience this.
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Terry Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine
AIR#2611
I'm not sure about Odyssey's 24V system - our NovaKool was designed to shut down when the battery dropped to around 10V.
We had a battery monitor & 3 stage charging system on our 31' - when plugged to shorepower, the charger always kept the batteries well above the 10V. The unit was 8' from the batteries - we used 8 gauge wire for the power run. Probably an overkill.
We also had 2 - 75 W solar panels.
When running (the compressor cycles), the large NovaKool draws around 5 amps. We had this unit at the Salem ralley in the 100++ temps & it worked flawlessly and we never had a power problem.
Remember, these 12V units were originally designed for the marine environment, where they can operate at 30 degrees heel and take lower voltage battery abuse.
I'm not sure about Odyssey's 24V system - our NovaKool was designed to shut down when the battery dropped to around 10V.
We had a battery monitor & 3 stage charging system on our 31' - when plugged to shorepower, the charger always kept the batteries well above the 10V.
This seems to be the key... to have the charging system kick in before the fridge battery protection circuit cuts out. If that is the case then I would agree that the AC unit is an unecessary expense.
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