15 replies to this topic

[Helimedic]

Hi all!

 

I recently purchase a 2003 Eagle model for my Tacoma.  One of my first mods is to get rid of the ice box and install a 2 way fridge.  My question to you all is...

 

Who makes the most install friendly version?  As in, what will come closest to just sliding in without major modification?

 

Im sorry if this is a frequently asked question... I promise Ive been searching and reading for a while!

 

Thanks!

[billharr]

Measure and buy what will fit. You will love the two way fridge.

[EDR]

I recently removed the ice box from my Hawk and put a 45L Norcold portable compressor fridge in the same spot. It sticks out a bit more than the ice box, but it's still within the foot print of the lower cabinet. I also removed the framework and drawer surrounding the ice box to open the space up and help with airflow behind the fridge.

One thing to consider, if you plan to add a front opening fridge you'll need to add vents in the camper wall behind the fridge for airflow. There have been recent discussions on this topic that will give you ideas on what you can do. Good luck.

[Stalking Light]

Don't get a Dometic they suck power like crazy. FWC is changing brands to Isotherm I think.

[orion]

I have the Dometic CR1080 in mine, and yes it sucks down the power. 

I'm wondering if the Isotherm CR85 is going to be a big enough reason to upgrade to pull out my CR1080 and sell it. Tech specs show 380w/day avg. for the Isotherm. My Dometic comes close to double that. 

Anyone have one of the new Isotherm fridges out there who can comment? 

[97grandby]

I have the dometic 65l and it slid right in with zero modification. Didn't work well and used a ton of power until I vented it correctly and used some computer fans. Now it works great. You might check truck fridge If your considering a cooler style fridge. They gave us a group buy in but it expired end of last month but they might still honer it. I got a 45l shipped to my house for 411.00


1990 Ford F-250
1997 fwc grandby

[97grandby]

Here is the link to my fridge swap along with other mods. http://www.wanderthe...w-to-me-grandby


1990 Ford F-250
1997 fwc grandby

[Helimedic]

Awesome.  Thanks for all the replies!

 

I have a Dometic fridge in my other camper, and holy hell does it suck a battery down in no time.  I will be sure to avoid them.  I'll check out the Norcolds and Isotherms.

[Squatch]

Truckfridge makes portable units and they also sell some built in replacements for semi truck sleepers and such. One of those might slip right in.

http://www.truckfridge.com/

[Kodachrome]

I have been running a Dometic 65L for 5 years now and other than likely needing to do the fan mod and perhaps giving it a freon charge, it has been fine. When I installed it, I already had the upper and lower grates for ventilation of the previous 3-way so I wrapped the unit in Reflectix insulation and left the coil and fan area exposed for cooling and servicing. I also stuffed insulation in every nook and cranny in the cavity it sits in so overall the fridge is super insulated. 

 

Sure, I could drop 1-2AH off the power draw by going to an Isotherm but in the long run I see it as being much cheaper just to add another 100W panel and save my self the labor and aggravation of pulling everything apart, buying a new fridge and selling the one I have now which clearly works. 

 

I'd be curious to know how much it is actually drawing but all I know is that I have gobs of solar as it is and full batteries quite often.