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Refrigerator recommendation?


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#11 Beach

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Posted 04 March 2018 - 03:05 PM

I run my fridge on propane most always but like to use the A/C option for cool down at home before we load it up. Also the occasional park stay where electric is avail. I'll save the propane
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#12 Smokecreek1

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Posted 08 March 2018 - 07:18 PM

Owning one of these things is a learning experience and WTWing will provide you with many opportunities to play with and adapt to different situations.  I did the 3 way for years and despite occasional starting and cooling problems, it served me well. However, my long range plan was always to go solar one day. So, over the years, when money, opportunity or breakdown forced me to,  I have added solar panels (200wts worth), an extra house battery, a comptroller, some other neat things and  few years ago (due to a forced field break down), a compression frig/freezer (CR-110) that even fit in the hole where the old Norcold 3 way was-can't beat that!  Now, I just have to remember to sweep off the roof when it snows and to check the comptroller/battery  to make sure the things are still working! Just remember, nothing is forever, so what ever you do get, enjoy it and have fun.

 

Smoke


Edited by Smokecreek1, 08 March 2018 - 07:19 PM.

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#13 Bigfoot

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Posted 23 October 2018 - 09:23 PM

Thought I'd resurrect this thread instead of starting a new one (since this one is nicely tucked into a sticky thread).

 

I need to replace my refrigerator.  I've narrowed it down to three choices (all 3.0 cu ft):

 

Nova Kool R3100 DC

Virtifrigo C90IBD4

Isotherm Cruise 85 Elegance

 

Anyone that has one of these refrigerators could you please tell what you like/dislike about them and also how many watts or amps it uses in 24 hours.  Also if you think AC/DC is worth an extra $50 - $80.

 

Anyone know where I can get the best price on any of these?

 

Thanks, jim

The Nova Kool is rated at 2.2A. We have the slightly smaller R3000 AC-DC. The AC is handy for reaching operating temp more quickly when the unit has been off and we are preparing for a trip, and for those rare occasions when we can plug in (visiting a friend, stopping at a full-service campground, etc.). 

 

The downside of a compressor refrigerator is when it needs service. Infrequent, perhaps, but when it happens as it did recently to us there is a dilemma: few RV shops will service them because of the refrigerant, and few refrigerator repairmen will work on them because they are made for an RV. I contacted 6 places and even tried a Marine & RV dealer that advertised full service on all brands--they wouldn't touch it. The repair is potentially simple but the only thing these places will do is replace the old unit with a new one.

 

I also called Nova Kool and they said to bring it to the factory in BC where they would take a look at it. My choices seem to be to have a new one installed or to pull the old one, ship it to the factory ($100 both ways) and hope for the best. Something to consider. 


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#14 ckent323

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Posted 23 October 2018 - 10:21 PM

We have an OEM Norcold model 300.3,  3-way 2.7 cu ft refrigerator/freezer in the camper and we now also use a Dometic CFX-35 in the extended cab portion of the truck. The Dometic is easily reachable from the passenger seat while underway.  No more messing with buying ice and dumping melted ice.  We keep drinks, snacks and sandwiches in the Dometic when we are underway.  Otherwise we keep all the food in the Norcold refrigerator/freezer.

 

We just completed  45 day 7900 mile driving trip to/from Anchorage Alaska.  The pilot for the Norcold blew out only once on the whole trip (at highway speed on a windy day).   

 

We did a 16 day trip in our railroad speeder motorcar as part of a group excursion of 22 cars running the entire length of the Alaska railroad round trip.  While we were gone we left food in the Norcold refrigerator and freezer with a full tank of propane. 

When we returned 16 days later there was still a 1/4 tank of propane and both the freezer and refrigerator were still operating as we left them.  Admittedly temps only got into the low 60s while we were gone but the camper was parked closed up in a sunny un-shaded parking area (yes, it was mostly clear skies and sunny - we got very lucky to have that during our excursion).  

Bottom line the Norcold 3-way works well and uses little propane.  It is great for the camper.  However, it is a power hog on 12V so we seldom use it on 12V.  It works great on 110/115 V shore power.  The Dometic works great on 12V in the truck, keeps things plenty cold and sips power.  We generally turn it off overnight to ensure we do not run down the truck battery and it stays cold overnight in a moderate climate.

 

Based on my experience if I were going to use a 12V compressor refrigerator in the Camper I would want lots of solar as in 240 W or more and plenty of battery capability (at least 80 Ah of usable capacity) to ensure power availability over consecutive days of poor solar charging due to clouds. 

 

Craig


Edited by ckent323, 24 October 2018 - 02:15 AM.

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#15 Vic Harder

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Posted 23 October 2018 - 10:58 PM

I like the TruckFridge brand.  Heavily used in the trucking industry so parts/maintenance should be a breeze.  Haven't needed any service yet so can't verify that!


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#16 BillTheHiker

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Posted 24 October 2018 - 12:07 AM

Vic,

 

I had great service from Truckfridge this summer. Last May I bought the tiny 18 liter and about two weeks into my cross country trip to the East Coast I hit some rainy and cloudy weather in MN. The fridge kept quitting during the night but would run again as soon as I drove or got sun on the solar panel. I read the manual and it has 3 settings for "battery protection" which I had not heard of. I was familiar with the term low voltage cutoff, but dummy me failed to connect those terms. Anyway, Truckfridge shipped under warranty a new unit to closest town, but same thing happened. When I called again they realized what was going on. the default setting is for maximum battery protection so it cuts off at too high a voltage. they had me change the setting to least battery protective and now it runs fine.


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