Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-15-2025, 08:11 AM   #1
Rivet Master
 
IanPoulin's Avatar
 
2024 30' Globetrotter
Full timer , Virginia
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 673
Images: 4
Late model - swap in a propane fridge?

I am on my third Airstream. My first two were a 2011 International Serenity 28W, and then a 2021 International 25FBT. I am now on a 2024 GT30RBT.

I am an avid boondocker, and I hate the electric fridge with a passion.

200Ah of stock battleborn batteries in my 2021 with a propane fridge could go four or five days of inclement weather before I need to top off with an emergency use of the Honda; but on this new trailer, even with constant use of nightsaver mode (even during the day), I am having to top off daily. (I've invested in a decent solar ground panel settup which may alleviate this but still)....

I also miss the days when the loudest noise in the trailer was the air coming through the window screens... The condenser motors in these 12v drive me up the wall.

Does anyone know of an Airstream shop that will do the necessary structural and line work to pull the 12v fridge and install a dual-fuel propane model? I recognize that with no roof chimney, I would need to install the lower and upper access panels that Airstream used in the approximately 2016-2019 era - and there are issues to contend with here involving heat flow.

I am taking an uneducated guess at the cost probably being in the 2-4k range; so that in itself may temper my resolve - but I'd like to at least spec quote with someone.

Ian
__________________
2024 Airstream Globetrotter 30RB
2022 Ford F350 Lariat Diesel
WBCCI 4CU 8118
IanPoulin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2025, 08:30 AM   #2
19’ Bambi Flying Cloud
 
BikeCamper's Avatar
 
2017 19' Flying Cloud
Airstream Coach - Other
Husqvarnia , Husqvarnia
Join Date: Feb 2024
Posts: 783
I can’t blame you. We’re very happy our 2017 operates on propane when ac power is not available.

Since you seem to be in Virginia, consider contacting DJ Mastin, Broken Rivets RV Service, Ashland VA, 804 994 1405
__________________
2017 Bambi 19 Flying Cloud
BikeCamper is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2025, 09:35 AM   #3
Rivet Master
 
JeffKim's Avatar

 
2023 25' Globetrotter
2021 16' Bambi
Forest Lake , Minnesota
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 1,872
I'd guess with enough money anything can be done. It sounds like the venting wouldn't be easy. Is there a model that fits? We've never had the dual fuel refrigerator only 12V electric, so maybe I've been conditioned to live with it.

My thought is that maybe instead beef up the electrical system with more batteries. Our 25' model can go indefinitely with 400Ah batteries and 700W of solar with decent sunshine. That doesn't solve the noise problem but might make it more tolerable and would be a nice upgrade and cheaper.
__________________
2023 Globetrotter 25FBT "Curly"
2017 Audi Q7 3.0T
WBCCI 6343
JeffKim is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2025, 09:48 AM   #4
Rivet Master
 
waninae39's Avatar
 
2022 25' Flying Cloud
NCR , Ontario
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,514
2 way fridges have a lot more space than 3 way
venting and levelling are an issue with 3 way
fewer 3 way fridges are being made these days

IMHO, get more lion batteries and solar as others have suggested
__________________
2023 25' FB FC, hatch, Queen,30A,1AC,Awning pkg, Convection uwave.Multiplus 12/3000-50,700A Lion,MPPT 100/30,Orion-TR 30,Cerbo GX,GX touch 50,Lynx distributor,dual BMV-712, smart shunt 500A&1000A, RUUVI temp/humidity sensors,2 Mopeka LP sensors
NCR,Ontario,VE3HIU since 1978
WBCCI# 21212
waninae39 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2025, 10:10 AM   #5
2 Rivet Member
 
1936RoadWarrior's Avatar
 
1936 20' Clipper
Reno , Nevada
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 26
In my 1936 AS we have a smallish propane/electric frig and 95% of the time we only use propane . Only problem ever was after 13 years since the total restoration, it took forever to get the propane to light. Turned out the orifice was plugged up. Had it fixed and am ready to travel.
__________________
1936RoadWarrior
1936RoadWarrior is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2025, 10:21 AM   #6
4 Rivet Member
 
2005 25' Safari
palm beach gardens , Florida
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 320
I would never give up my propane fridge. Two way, electric and propane have worked great for me going on 30 years and three AS's.
Starlight Mike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2025, 10:58 AM   #7
Rivet Master
 
2007 16' International CCD
Vintage Kin Owner
Somewhere , Colorado
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,751
I agree about the problems with electric only fridges. When our propane fridge aged out I replaced it with a new propane fridge.

Check out this most reputable option for who might do the job:
https://airstreamnutsandbolts.com/
field & stream is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2025, 01:17 PM   #8
Half a Rivet Short
 
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle , Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 16,724
Hi

First up, I'd bet your cost estimate is low by about 2 to 3X. That's just a guess. I have no hard data to back it up. There is a *lot* of work to be done and you very much want it all done right. The fridge itself is not going to be cheap either ....

Next up. The days of propane fridges are drawing to an end. Thanks to the regulator empire, the "big guys" are all out of or pulling out of the business. You are left with small outfits making these things. For the ones I know of, the target audience is not RV use. They make them for stationary applications. There are certainly difference between an RV and a kitchen in a home / cabin. How well they handle those differences ... who knows.

If you buy a fridge today from Bob's Fridge Factory, will Bob still be there in X years when you need parts? If he's a small outfit ... who knows. Will somebody else make a part that works? Again, who knows. There is a risk there.

Like any mod to an AS this one will impact resale. Yes there are a few folks who would consider it a plus. Most folks would not. The typical buyer wants to be as close to "stock" as they can get. Smaller group of buyers pretty much always means a lower sell price.

Electric fridges come from a lot of folks. Some are noisier than others. You might want to do a bit of looking around .... Yes, if you find one to swap out, it likely will come right in the middle of what you have estimated for your total project cost. I *do* have hard data on that.

I'm not suggesting that this can't be done. It most certainly can be done. I'm also not suggesting that there is no reason to do it. The only point here is that it's a bit risky and most certainly expensive.

Bob
uncle_bob is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 01-16-2025, 09:52 AM   #9
Rivet Master
 
2019 25' Flying Cloud
Houston , Texas
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 1,150
We have a 2019 25RB which has the propane fridge with side air intake and vent. There is a 12v fan at the vent to help with air flow. The OEM fan was kind of noisy. I replaced it with a quieter one, but you can still hear it. It used to bug me and I had planned to improve, but now I barely notice it and do not care. So be aware that a side vent setup will still make some noise.
DCPAS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-17-2025, 05:17 AM   #10
Rivet Master
 
IanPoulin's Avatar
 
2024 30' Globetrotter
Full timer , Virginia
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 673
Images: 4
Quote:
Originally Posted by DCPAS View Post
We have a 2019 25RB which has the propane fridge with side air intake and vent. There is a 12v fan at the vent to help with air flow. The OEM fan was kind of noisy. I replaced it with a quieter one, but you can still hear it. It used to bug me and I had planned to improve, but now I barely notice it and do not care. So be aware that a side vent setup will still make some noise.
This there’s a solution for! Noctua makes a full line of silent 5v computer case fans in both high flow and directed flow variations; all with vibration control mounting. I’ve used them in many system builds over the years and they remain <ghost> silent even after longer durations.
__________________
2024 Airstream Globetrotter 30RB
2022 Ford F350 Lariat Diesel
WBCCI 4CU 8118
IanPoulin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-17-2025, 05:59 AM   #11
Keys Dave
 
2021 25' Flying Cloud
Big Torch Key , FL
Join Date: Aug 2023
Posts: 193
Images: 2
Blog Entries: 2
If you decide to go back to a propane 3 way I have one that was working when I took it out. It's from a 2021 FC25. It's the Dometic brand, I don't have the model number for it right now but if you are interested I can get it. Pick up in Florida.
Keys Dave is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-19-2025, 11:59 AM   #12
2 Rivet Member
 
2021 30RB Classic
West Sacramento , California
Join Date: Jul 2023
Posts: 98
Fridge

Quote:
Originally Posted by IanPoulin View Post
I am on my third Airstream. My first two were a 2011 International Serenity 28W, and then a 2021 International 25FBT. I am now on a 2024 GT30RBT.

I am an avid boondocker, and I hate the electric fridge with a passion.

200Ah of stock battleborn batteries in my 2021 with a propane fridge could go four or five days of inclement weather before I need to top off with an emergency use of the Honda; but on this new trailer, even with constant use of nightsaver mode (even during the day), I am having to top off daily. (I've invested in a decent solar ground panel settup which may alleviate this but still)....

I also miss the days when the loudest noise in the trailer was the air coming through the window screens... The condenser motors in these 12v drive me up the wall.

Does anyone know of an Airstream shop that will do the necessary structural and line work to pull the 12v fridge and install a dual-fuel propane model? I recognize that with no roof chimney, I would need to install the lower and upper access panels that Airstream used in the approximately 2016-2019 era - and there are issues to contend with here involving heat flow.

I am taking an uneducated guess at the cost probably being in the 2-4k range; so that in itself may temper my resolve - but I'd like to at least spec quote with someone.

Ian
Try turning the fridge off on the way to bed and back on when getting milk for the first coffee. Makes a huge difference

Also, if the freezer isnt full throw in some blue ice to keep it full
pboomerx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-19-2025, 05:29 PM   #13
Rivet Master
 
Life is a Highway's Avatar

 
2021 30' Flying Cloud
Airstream - Other
Airstream - Other
Lady Lake , Florida
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,336
Your not done

You’re just starting the amazing new Airsteam fun. NOT!

Wait till you shower , might as well use the outside creek about as warm and uses less water as that piece of work Girard.

Won’t be long before you’re asking about a Truma swap in unit
Life is a Highway is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2025, 07:23 AM   #14
Rivet Master
 
gator.bigfoot's Avatar
 
2007 30' Classic
KW , Ontario
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 1,014
I'll never give up my propane powered appliances for another unit. I recently looked at a new Class A and decided against it for that reason (as well as the lack of windows). I heard there was some Amish group in the US that is repairing and supplying propane units? Solar is great if you have enough sunshine, but let's face it most campgrounds are speckled light at best. I get a fraction of the charge in the campgrounds I go, compared to when I park in open areas. Also, the roof of the trailer doesn't lend itself to the best positioning of the panels. Yes the ground mounted would help, but are a pain and you can't just put them out at every spot. I can go 3-4 weeks on propane. This is the optimum for me to stay in the backwoods.
gator.bigfoot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2025, 07:21 AM   #15
Half a Rivet Short
 
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle , Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 16,724
Quote:
Originally Posted by gator.bigfoot View Post
I'll never give up my propane powered appliances for another unit. I recently looked at a new Class A and decided against it for that reason (as well as the lack of windows). I heard there was some Amish group in the US that is repairing and supplying propane units? Solar is great if you have enough sunshine, but let's face it most campgrounds are speckled light at best. I get a fraction of the charge in the campgrounds I go, compared to when I park in open areas. Also, the roof of the trailer doesn't lend itself to the best positioning of the panels. Yes the ground mounted would help, but are a pain and you can't just put them out at every spot. I can go 3-4 weeks on propane. This is the optimum for me to stay in the backwoods.
Hi

One way to tell if you just pulled up to an Amish home is the lack of any electric lines running up to the place. They don't "like" the idea of running stuff on electricity. No electric lights, no electric heat or refrigeration. Since this is based on religious grounds it's not likely to change.

Most of what others do with electricity, they do with gas or by burning wood or coal. The gotcha is refrigeration. Their answer has been to use the same sort of "propane" fridge technology that we use in RV's.

The net result is that (just like making those buggies) there are folks who make "propane" fridges for the Amish. They also make some *really* impressive gas lighting if you ever are looking for some.

The fridges they make are targeted at stationary applications. They make a range of units. The grocery store needs them just like the home does. They do seem to work. Just like Amish furniture (the real stuff, not the factory version ....) they like to get paid for what they make. Their target market does not have all of the "needs" an RV does (you don't tilt the fridge in a stationary setup ...). How much of an impact this has .... who knows.

Fun !!

Bob
uncle_bob is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2025, 08:58 AM   #16
Rivet Master
 
crispyboy's Avatar
 
1994 30' Excella
alexandria , Kentucky
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,417
Images: 3
You can find cooling units in Shipshewana, Indiana. You will likely need to source the body parts from Airstream for DIY or take the trailer to a custom repair shop for installation.


https://fixyourfridge.com/


https://jc-refrigeration.com/


https://adventure-rv.net/


https://www.pinesrv.com/product-category/cooling-units/
__________________
Steve, Christy, Anna and Phoebe (Border Collie)
1994 Classic 30'11" Excella - rear twin
2009 Dodge 2500, 6 Speed Auto, CTD, Quad Cab, Short Bed, ARE cap, Bed Rug
Propride 3P Hitch
WBCCI # 3072 Airstreaming since 2008
crispyboy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2025, 10:05 AM   #17
Rivet Master
 
JeffKim's Avatar

 
2023 25' Globetrotter
2021 16' Bambi
Forest Lake , Minnesota
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 1,872
I don't know if the OP is still considering this, but to me this is asking for trouble if it can be done at all. I'd also be concerned about the resale value with this modification. I wouldn't buy a used trailer that had been modified to install something that will be obsolete if it isn't already.
__________________
2023 Globetrotter 25FBT "Curly"
2017 Audi Q7 3.0T
WBCCI 6343
JeffKim is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2025, 10:57 AM   #18
Rivet Master
 
crispyboy's Avatar
 
1994 30' Excella
alexandria , Kentucky
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,417
Images: 3
Modified trailers are bought and sold everyday. If it's done tastefully there will be plenty of buyers who still want a propane fridge. Propane refrigerators will be around for awhile in some form or another due to the number of RV's that had these as original equipment.
A conversion can also be changed back to a 12v refrigerator. My first trailer came with a dorm refrigerator and I changed it back to a propane many years ago. In my causal campground conversations many have said that they don't want a new RV because of the 12v refrigerator. It may be due to it being a new type of system that they will have to learn and manage along with the possible expenses of a lithium battery bank and solar.
__________________
Steve, Christy, Anna and Phoebe (Border Collie)
1994 Classic 30'11" Excella - rear twin
2009 Dodge 2500, 6 Speed Auto, CTD, Quad Cab, Short Bed, ARE cap, Bed Rug
Propride 3P Hitch
WBCCI # 3072 Airstreaming since 2008
crispyboy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2025, 12:03 PM   #19
Rivet Master
 
JeffKim's Avatar

 
2023 25' Globetrotter
2021 16' Bambi
Forest Lake , Minnesota
Join Date: Mar 2021
Posts: 1,872
Quote:
Originally Posted by crispyboy View Post
Modified trailers are bought and sold everyday. If it's done tastefully there will be plenty of buyers who still want a propane fridge. Propane refrigerators will be around for awhile in some form or another due to the number of RV's that had these as original equipment.
A conversion can also be changed back to a 12v refrigerator. My first trailer came with a dorm refrigerator and I changed it back to a propane many years ago. In my causal campground conversations many have said that they don't want a new RV because of the 12v refrigerator. It may be due to it being a new type of system that they will have to learn and manage along with the possible expenses of a lithium battery bank and solar.
Well, if the choice is to spend the money to install a propane frig or get extra batteries and solar, I'd say there are a lot more buyers for an unmodified trailer with a 12V refrigerator with lots of batteries than propane aficionados looking for a propane refrigerator.

And if I'm a buyer who wants a 12v, the choice of buying a trailer with a factory installed 12V refrig versus one where I have to buy a 12v and rip out the propane one, not happening unless they really had to have 2024 30' and it was the last one on Earth.
__________________
2023 Globetrotter 25FBT "Curly"
2017 Audi Q7 3.0T
WBCCI 6343
JeffKim is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2025, 04:14 PM   #20
Rivet Master
 
2019 25' Flying Cloud
Houston , Texas
Join Date: Jan 2019
Posts: 1,150
Quote:
Originally Posted by IanPoulin View Post
This there’s a solution for! Noctua makes a full line of silent 5v computer case fans in both high flow and directed flow variations; all with vibration control mounting. I’ve used them in many system builds over the years and they remain <ghost> silent even after longer durations.
Thanks for this. Perhaps I will try again to rid the noise with a couple of these fans. But a question: Isn't this a 12v circuit, not 5v? I went to look at my OEM fan, but I think I threw it away.
DCPAS is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Axle swap - propane line location? rwnash Axles 3 07-16-2016 04:06 PM
Major Model Year Changes to Late Model Flying Clouds Mark Pratt 2009-2015 Flying Cloud 12 03-23-2015 06:27 AM
Late Model Vehicle Tow Ratings Andy R Tow Vehicles 2 07-20-2008 07:11 PM
Anyone own a late model AS motorhome? idahosafari General Motorhome Topics 14 10-23-2004 01:18 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 10:33 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.