Replacing propane fridge w/ electric

[Bhkh226]

Hello all,
We are going to replace the fridge in our 28' 2004 international. As I see, we are not the only streamers that are just not happy with the factory fridge. We NEVER boondock and that seems to be the only reason to have propane. The dometic is 55". I bought a 43" electric, whitch will leave 12" of space that is perfect for a microwave. Has anyone done this???? Are there any surprises that I'm not seeing??
Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

Ben

[jcanavera]

My only concern regarding a standard non RV refrigerator is the ventilation of the unit and the compressor and it's piping being up to the vibration and movement when traveling. For example I had a little fridge in my office close to my desk. If I hit that with my foot, all the tubing and compressor would shake. It seemed to be on some type of suspension that was floating. I could guarantee you that something would break eventually if that unit was in an RV.

Jack

[lewster]

Be 'electric' do you mean a 120VAC residential fridge or a 12VDC marine unit with a Danfoss compressor?

You are looking at major differences between the two, as I have posted on many occasions: one will run directly from your batteries and is extremely durable, efficient and works up to 30 degrees off level.

The other is made for static use in a house and requires a continual supply of 120VAC to operate.


Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357

[idroba]

If you use an electric home stile refrigerator, be sure it has visible coils on the back. It is common today to use the sides and top of the smaller refrigerators as the heat dissipation surface, and if tucked closely into a small space that can't happen. Most of them say "free standing only" or something like 2 to 4 inches needed on each side and top. Any with coils on the back are fine.

[Miko38]

The home refrigerator is much more efficient. I put a apartment model in my airstream about 7 or 8 years ago thinking that it would only last 3 or 4 years and I would have to replace it, but it's still running and works great. I live in Ohio and it sits all winter. They also don't generate anywhere near the heat that a RV fridge does.

Mike

[NachoDaddy]

Thanks for the question and feedback.

Do the home models keep food cold enough while in transit? Does anyone run the refrigerator of their inverter?

[bellastream]

No way to properly secure house style fridge also no locking doors. Go down a bumpy road you could end up with anything from a broken jar of pickles to a fridge that has slid out of its hole smashed into the kitchen counter and flipped onto its side.

[lewster]

Sorry if I'm repeating myself, but a marine fridge has locking doors, is built to take the abuse, works 30 deg. off level, holds temps extremely well and RUNS ON 12 VDC DIRECTLY.


Lew Farber
RVIA/RVDA Nationally Certified Master Tech
Master Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
AM Solar Certified Installation Center
Lifeline Batteries**Magnum Inverters
541-490-6357

[Starstream]

Originally Posted by Miko38

The home refrigerator is much more efficient. I put a apartment model in my airstream about 7 or 8 years ago thinking that it would only last 3 or 4 years and I would have to replace it, but it's still running and works great. I live in Ohio and it sits all winter. They also don't generate anywhere near the heat that a RV fridge does.

Mike

What brand Apartment Fridge did you get?

Thanks,
Karl

[perryg114]

Does it not already have a microwave? The 12V marine fridge is not a bad idea. I don't how much they cost compared to a Dometic? A house fridge is very limiting for the reasons already stated above.

Perry

Originally Posted by Bhkh226

Hello all,
We are going to replace the fridge in our 28' 2004 international. As I see, we are not the only streamers that are just not happy with the factory fridge. We NEVER boondock and that seems to be the only reason to have propane. The dometic is 55". I bought a 43" electric, whitch will leave 12" of space that is perfect for a microwave. Has anyone done this???? Are there any surprises that I'm not seeing??
Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

Ben

[BigButtUgly]

Had OEM propane frig in my 1958 22' Caravanner. Did not even try to fire it up because, due to its age, felt it would not be dependable and parts replacement would be nearly impossible. Bought 3.1 cu ft 2 door 110v frig but will likely not use it. Became interested in a YETI ice chest but to get a decent volume they were stupidly expensive. Bought 2.5 sheets ridged foam 2" thick (R 10 each 2 " thickness) and will double to 4 " all 6 finished thicknesses ( R 20?) Top opens which is most efficient to prevent loss of chilled air inside. Approximate exterior size L:48"x W:24"x H:32". = 6,528 sq. ins. = 45 sq. ft. Interior L: 40" W: 16" H: 28" = 17,920 cu. ins. = 10.4 cu.ft. A movable insert divider inside can adjust interior volume to save on ice ( also adjustable to contents volume changes.) Will have a copper liner inside w/ball valve drain soldered in place. One by two wood frame on bottom and on 4 upright corners. Double rubber top seals recessed half way into the foam. Top held in place with heavy duty rubber cargo tie downs. Foam: 15 pounds , copper: 22 pounds, wood: 5 pounds, seals and straps: 4 pounds and with handles about 50 pounds total weight. Cost: approx $200. Expect 20 pounds block ice will last 2+ weeks. With 4 wheels will roll it out under the awning for one heck of a beer cooler. It sits at counter height of 34" and may have a cutting board top. My ice chest will sit curbside aft of door (yes both closet walls have been removed) Oh, forgot to mention YETI 250 chest is about 6.6 cu ft. inside volume @ $899.99 and 40 sq. ft. Mine is 75% of the interior volume of a YETI 420 which costs $1,399.99. I intend on buying 40 pounds of ice = 4 pack of 10 pound blocks.

[Bhkh226]

Thanks everyone, we put the 110 volt in yesterday. It's a 4.1 cubic ft fridge. It's a bit smaller than the dometic so there is plenty of space on all sides for ventilation. There is a little bit of trim work to be done, but looks good so far. The condensing coils are sealed in the back, so there's not much I can do about that. My international did not come with microwave so this helps with space. I am going to rebuild the dometic and post it for sale,If this works like I think it will.

[Miko38]

I can't remember which brand it was. I bought it at lowes. They sell a refridgerator about the same size as a RV unit. Most RV refrigerators run on gas or 110V. A 12V one would be nice because you could cool it down while you traveled. I never liked to travel with the gas left on ( a whole different discussion) I run a bungee cord across the front of the fridge while traveling and never had a door come open. I think you will be very happy with your 110 fridge.
Mike

[Bhkh226]

Thanks mike and all you "streamers". Spent the weekend getting it fit-in. A little molding here and there and off we go!! It was 93* here in Cocoa fl and it only took 1 hour to cool down. So far, so good.
BTW. it has PLEANTY of ventilation in back. I can't believe something is working in my favor for once!

[slowmover]

Originally Posted by Bhkh226

Hello all,

We are going to replace the fridge in our 28' 2004 international. As I see, we are not the only streamers that are just not happy with the factory fridge. We NEVER boondock and that seems to be the only reason to have propane. The dometic is 55". I bought a 43" electric, whitch will leave 12" of space that is perfect for a microwave. Has anyone done this???? Are there any surprises that I'm not seeing??

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!



Ben

Surprises?

IMO, you've significantly decreased the value of your still "new" Airstream to a buyer. Doesn't matter whether one plans to sell or not, it's the wrong path to take.

The water and propane systems are the heart of an RV. Compromise them and the cost to restore them is high to the next person. That one does not presently boondock does not mean one never will. An ice chest is no substitute.

Next would be a window A/C unit. Old bedsheets for "curtains" Etc.

This is the path a deteriorating trailer undertakes as successive owners keep expenditures to their minimum. A flashing warning light to others about obvious and HIDDEN problems.

A quality electric as Lewster tried to point out, is the "right" way to go.

The "surprise" is the lowered appraised value. Which is a good deal greater than the cost of proper equipment.

Keep this in mind as you go along.

[bellastream]

Originally Posted by slowmover

Surprises?

IMO, you've significantly decreased the value of your still "new" Airstream to a buyer. Doesn't matter whether one plans to sell or not, it's the wrong path to take.

The water and propane systems are the heart of an RV. Compromise them and the cost to restore them is high to the next person. That one does not presently boondock does not mean one never will. An ice chest is no substitute.

Next would be a window A/C unit. Etc.

This is the path a deteriorating trailer undertakes as successive owners keep expenditures to their minimum. A flashing warning light to others about obvious and hidden problems.

A quality electric as Lewster tried to point out, is the "right" way to go.

The "surprise" is the lowered appraised value. Which is a good deal greater than the cost of proper equipment.

I really wanted to say this, but I was biting my tongue not to sound rude. The previous owner of my AS pulled out the fridge put in a 110 apartment fridge. It cost me over $1500 bux to repair the propane system and replace the fridge. This included redoing the cabinet surrounding the fridge that was ruined by installing the 110v unit. This cost was with me doing all the labor. IMO not a good idea.

[Pick]

Ours had an apartment fridge when we bought it. Ran it for 13 years and just replaced it, because it was looking a bit crusty. We found a new apartment style fridge for $365 and are quite happy with it. Cools real nice.

[Starstream]

Which apartment fridge did you get?

We are debating between the Haier 10 cu ft and the Whirlpool 10 cu ft from Lowes or the Vissani 10 cu ft and Frigidaire 10 cu ft from Home Depot.