Jump to content


Photo
- - - - -

Adding 12v DC fridge & solar to 2001 Hawk (replacing ice chest)

solar 2001 Hawk engel truckfridge DC fridge

  • Please log in to reply
19 replies to this topic

#1 erika

erika

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 39 posts
  • LocationDurango, CO

Posted 08 July 2021 - 03:01 PM

Hi all, 

 

We are looking to replace our ancient ice chest in our 2001 Hawk, and add solar to run it. We are looking for some feedback on what to get- both the fridge & solar kit (we've already figured out usage calculations). We live in very sunny SW Colorado & camp in high elevations mountains in the summer and Utah desert in the spring. We definitely avoid the heat (above 85).  We've looked at these 2 fridges:

 

1. Engel SB70 DC front opening fridge-freezer for $670. 

https://engelcoolers...=33052513763461

 

Anyone with this Engel SB 70 DC fridge - are you happy with it and how loud is it? We are used to quiet nights and a loud fridge would be a huge bummer. It is self-venting - easier install but bummer for heat retainage? 

 

2. Truckfridge TF 65 fridge with freezer for $699 + $50 shipping:

https://truckfridge....=32009758212132

 

We are leaning towards this fridge since we've only seen positive reviews thus far, and they are supposedly Isotherms which FWC uses. The cabinet models are not self-venting and cutting into the camper requires more work. However, after a few of you stated it's not a big deal, we are thinking this may be better so that all the heat is not blown back into the camper.

 

Anyone know how the 2 brands compare as far as function, quietness of compressor, etc? 

Anyone install one of these in a 2001 Hawk and have to vent it?

 

SOLAR

My neighbors - an electrician & electrical engineer - have helped us with all the calculations. They used this 200W solar kit on their van for $350 & have suggested it for us:

https://www.renogy.c...ar-starter-kit/

 

This would be more than we need. We have calculated a 150W would be sufficient for a small fridge & lights. We have 2 deep cycle batteries that will work. 

 

After hearing from several of you, the 200W kit above should be more than sufficient for our needs, even if selecting shady spots. 

 

 

Thanks for any help!


Edited by erika, 12 July 2021 - 10:38 PM.

  • 0

#2 craig333

craig333

    Riley's Human

  • Members
  • 8,000 posts
  • LocationSacramento

Posted 08 July 2021 - 04:49 PM

I'm very happy with the noise level of my Truckfridge. As for venting its necessary. I'd really be surprised if the Engel wouldn't benefit from venting also. Its not hard. I watched Marty from All Terrrain campers cut a vent for mine. It was easier than I thought. 


  • 1

Craig K6JGV_________________________ 2004 2500 CTD 4X4 FWC HAWK 1960 CJ5


#3 CougarCouple

CougarCouple

    Senior Member

  • Members
  • 1,376 posts
  • LocationLas Vegas

Posted 08 July 2021 - 04:51 PM

Hello ericka

We have an Engle MR040 and are happy with our choice. Can be freezer or refrigerator not at same time. Best secure in front of rear axle not behind.

What I would look for in solar.
100ah lithium battery
Dc-dc charger/ solar charger combination with ability to monitor system (depending on vehicle one that can work with new smart alternator)
Placing solar panels in central area of roof is ideal, avoid over front bed area ( measure mounting area before buying)
Do this refrigerator/solar install with the understanding of mounting all mapped out before buying

I’m not an expert but just some point I think are important.
Contact a couple of companies that do solar installs and see what they recommend. There is a recent thread with companies listed.

Russ
  • 0
F250 extended cab, Cougar from ATC. You guys rock thank you!

#4 ckent323

ckent323

    Senior Member

  • Members
  • 1,216 posts
  • LocationSolvang, CA

Posted 08 July 2021 - 05:38 PM

I recommend using the Amps per Day Calculation spreadsheet to estimate your electrical usage before buying a house battery and solar system - at the link here:

https://www.wanderth...ay-spreadsheet/

Once you have a good idea of your electrical consumption needs then you can start designing a system.

 

Keep in mind that the amount of power available from a Lead acid type battery (FLA/AGM/Gel) is roughly 50% of the rated capacity when discharged routinely (i.e. a 100 Ah battery will provide ~50 Ah of power).  Whereas an LiFePO4 battery will provide around 80% of rated capacity when discharged routinely without significantly reducing the battery life.

In addition, a lead acid battery needs to be fully recharged as soon as possible before discharging again in order to maximize battery life.  A LiFePO4 battery on the other hand can tolerate a partially charged state.

The point of this is that if your electrical usage in 24 hours is say around 30 Ah - 40 Ah (typical 12v refrigerators consume an average of 2 or 3 amps per hour or 24 to 36 Ah per day) then you need a battery that can cover the overnight usage as well as a solar system that can produce at least as much power that you use a day on average (which varies significantly due to shade, weather and season).

Given weather and shading effects on solar power production many folks add margin to their system size to ensure that in the event they have one or two successive days of low solar production they can avoid shutting off the refrigerator or not have to run the vehicle to recharge the batteries from the alternator.

Considering these things a number of use have upgraded our Solar systems to large residential panels producing more than 300 watts per day due to weight and cost considerations.  Panels this size require a controller that can handle upwards of 48 volts and 20 or 30 amps (e.g. Victron 100/20 or 100/30).

Large residential panels are available from residential panel distributors.  I bought an LG 360 watt panel for $325 which weighs 40 pounds.  I have seen 320 watt panels from other manufaturers as cheap as $235.  My new 360 watt panel replaced two 100 watt panels that weighed 21 pounds each and cost $100 each.  

 

If you are using cheap 12V AGM batteries and don't mind replacing them every couple of years due to sulfation caused by cronic undercharging then you may decide to use a smaller and slightly cheaper solar system.  

I chose more expensive Lifeline 6V AGM Deep cycle battries that cost just under $300 each.  They are now 3 years old and have 3 cycles on them with deepest discharge (2 times) of 50% according to my Victron BVM-700 battery monitor.  They are rated for well over 800 cycles.

Vic Harder put together a good post which is worth reading if you have not already:
 

So, you want to setup a good electrical system in your camper?
 

https://www.wanderth...hl=+want +solar

 

 

I hope this is helpful

 

Craig


Edited by ckent323, 08 July 2021 - 05:53 PM.

  • 0

1993 Dodge Cummins W-250 Club Cab long bed, 2007 FWC Keystone


#5 BC3400

BC3400

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPip
  • 10 posts

Posted 08 July 2021 - 07:57 PM

I recently cut upper and lower vents into my FWC and found it fairly easy. Start from the inside by removing the plywood to find the edges of the frames, then use a drill bit to drill a hole into the corners to mark them on the outside. We got the vents from FWC and they installed easily once I had the holes cut out.


  • 0

#6 erika

erika

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 39 posts
  • LocationDurango, CO

Posted 09 July 2021 - 01:25 AM

I'm very happy with the noise level of my Truckfridge. As for venting its necessary. I'd really be surprised if the Engel wouldn't benefit from venting also. Its not hard. I watched Marty from All Terrrain campers cut a vent for mine. It was easier than I thought. 

Great to know, I have not heard any bad reviews about the Truckfridge, so we are definitely considering this one. Also great to know cutting the vents was easy. 


  • 0

#7 erika

erika

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 39 posts
  • LocationDurango, CO

Posted 09 July 2021 - 01:26 AM

I recently cut upper and lower vents into my FWC and found it fairly easy. Start from the inside by removing the plywood to find the edges of the frames, then use a drill bit to drill a hole into the corners to mark them on the outside. We got the vents from FWC and they installed easily once I had the holes cut out.

Thanks so much for this info! My husband has a large shop full of tools so he can definitely handle this. Great to know it's not hard. 


  • 0

#8 erika

erika

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 39 posts
  • LocationDurango, CO

Posted 09 July 2021 - 01:43 PM

I recommend using the Amps per Day Calculation spreadsheet to estimate your electrical usage before buying a house battery and solar system - at the link here:

https://www.wanderth...ay-spreadsheet/

Once you have a good idea of your electrical consumption needs then you can start designing a system.

 

Keep in mind that the amount of power available from a Lead acid type battery (FLA/AGM/Gel) is roughly 50% of the rated capacity when discharged routinely (i.e. a 100 Ah battery will provide ~50 Ah of power).  Whereas an LiFePO4 battery will provide around 80% of rated capacity when discharged routinely without significantly reducing the battery life.

In addition, a lead acid battery needs to be fully recharged as soon as possible before discharging again in order to maximize battery life.  A LiFePO4 battery on the other hand can tolerate a partially charged state.

The point of this is that if your electrical usage in 24 hours is say around 30 Ah - 40 Ah (typical 12v refrigerators consume an average of 2 or 3 amps per hour or 24 to 36 Ah per day) then you need a battery that can cover the overnight usage as well as a solar system that can produce at least as much power that you use a day on average (which varies significantly due to shade, weather and season).

Given weather and shading effects on solar power production many folks add margin to their system size to ensure that in the event they have one or two successive days of low solar production they can avoid shutting off the refrigerator or not have to run the vehicle to recharge the batteries from the alternator.

Considering these things a number of use have upgraded our Solar systems to large residential panels producing more than 300 watts per day due to weight and cost considerations.  Panels this size require a controller that can handle upwards of 48 volts and 20 or 30 amps (e.g. Victron 100/20 or 100/30).

Large residential panels are available from residential panel distributors.  I bought an LG 360 watt panel for $325 which weighs 40 pounds.  I have seen 320 watt panels from other manufaturers as cheap as $235.  My new 360 watt panel replaced two 100 watt panels that weighed 21 pounds each and cost $100 each.  

 

If you are using cheap 12V AGM batteries and don't mind replacing them every couple of years due to sulfation caused by cronic undercharging then you may decide to use a smaller and slightly cheaper solar system.  

I chose more expensive Lifeline 6V AGM Deep cycle battries that cost just under $300 each.  They are now 3 years old and have 3 cycles on them with deepest discharge (2 times) of 50% according to my Victron BVM-700 battery monitor.  They are rated for well over 800 cycles.

Vic Harder put together a good post which is worth reading if you have not already:
 

So, you want to setup a good electrical system in your camper?
 

https://www.wanderth...hl=+want +solar

 

 

I hope this is helpful

 

Craig

Thanks for all this info, Craig. We have already calculated our usage & should be set with the deep cycle batteries we have. Our neighbors are electricians & electrical engineers and are helping us with this part. The only thing I'm trying to find now is a 150w solar kit that's one panel. We don't need 200w (the kit I linked) and would rather install only what we need. We'd like to upgrade to a new FWC at some point in the very near future. 


  • 0

#9 Beach

Beach

    Senior Member

  • Members
  • 866 posts

Posted 09 July 2021 - 02:28 PM

Unless weight or space on the roof is a issue, going from a 150 watt system to the slight overage of a 200 watt system will be a plus when it comes to getting your batteries charged back up quickly. Shading, clouds, rainy days, on roof mounted panels will/can reduce panel output severely and if you enjoy a shaded campsite, you'll probably only get max panel output for a few hours per day. Vic might chime in here as he can provide you with hard numbers on what he sees with his Victron monitored system.


  • 1

#10 goinoregon

goinoregon

    Senior Member

  • Members
  • 507 posts
  • LocationPDX

Posted 10 July 2021 - 12:19 AM

i would agree with beach's recommendation about solar panel sizing.  i like a shaded campsite if available, so i had atc put 2 100 watt panels on my roof. with larger surface area, i figure i might catch more rays :) .


  • 0

Oregon






Also tagged with one or more of these keywords: solar, 2001 Hawk, engel, truckfridge, DC fridge

0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users