Adding 12v fridge to 09 Eagle

[dslada760]

Greetings all,

I currently have an 09 eagle with the original invertor/charger in it. But I have added a 150w solar panel and charge controller to the system with the original lead acid battery.

The camper never had an icebox or a fridge originally, so it is not wired for one. I want to install a 12v fridge in the camper and upgrade my charger/invertor.

Any recommendations on a good:

- 12v fridge
- invertor/charger set up that will work with a shoreline and solar
- lead acid vs lithium ion battery

The only equipment I will have using power in the camper, is the led over head lights, fan, and fridge (once installed).

I appreciate any advice or experiences yall have had or can share.

Cheers,
Doug

 

[Stan@FourWheel]

If you pull the "Ice Box" out (just a few screws), you will probably see 2 wires coiled up in the back of the cabinet (pre-wiring for the 12V connection).

And just on the other side of the Ice Box / Refrigerator cabinet wall there will usually be a 120V house outlet.

Should be pretty easy to install a 12V compressor refrigerator.

Camper should already be equipped with a 30amp IOTA power converter inside the cabinets (if you have a full camper that has a sink, stove, propane, water, battery, ice box, furnace, etc. etc..)

If your camper is an "Empty Shell Model",, then nothing above really applies.

 

[Stan@FourWheel]

Generic Pics . . .

 

[Jon R]

Consider a portable compressor fridge as well. They are useful for many activities.

 

[veryactivelife]

Consider a portable compressor fridge as well. They are useful for many activities.

And more efficient as well.

 

[ckent323]

Doug (dslada760),

I have a now somewhat dated comparison spreadsheet I made to help guide our 12v/115 v refrigerator purchase (we chose a Dometic CFX unit).

If you are interested send me a private message and I will send the spreadsheet to you.

If you gather any new or updated information I would appreciate it if you would add that to the spreadsheet and return it to me and I will continue to share it with others.

Craig

 

[buckland]

I installed the Isotherm 65L ... very quiet, only sips electricity. Very happy.

 

[dslada760]

Thanks y'all!! I appreciate the help

 

[Tom n N]

I also have an older model Eagle Shell. Like you my only electrical loads are my fridge, fan and a couple LED lights. I use an over 20 year old Engle chest type fridge and couldn’t be happier with it. I’m glad I got the largest size available (can’t have too much beer and food in the outback!) and you can cram way more stuff in a chest versus a front door style, plus it won’t be booby trapped when you open the door after a long bumpy day on the trail. Being portable it’s also handy to be able to pull it out and use for overflow fridge space during holidays or parties at the house.

As far as batteries go I’ve always stuck with the good old AGM marine type in the camper. Make sure to get the one that has a fitting on the top that you can attach a hose to for venting out-gas to the outside of the camper. They are cheap and readily available anywhere. Have not had problems from rough road vibrations and they last a good long time if you keep a trickle charge on them when the camper is not in use. They also play well with the main starting battery of the truck (also AGM). With this setup I don’t need a fancy charge controller between the two batteries. Just a simple solenoid that activates when the truck is running. Looks like the old Ford starter solenoids but is rated for continuous duty. This has worked flawlessly for several decades, and again, the parts are cheap and readily available . I always carry a spare, but have never needed it.

I’ve been an electrician for 40 years (much of it spent as a troubleshooter), and in that time learned two important things. Simple is always better, and most failures are due to improper installation (think loose connections) rather than component failure. Keep that in mind when designing your system, as an electrical meltdown in the middle of nowhere may not end well.

Good luck on your project, and happy camping,
Tom

*Can also share my very simple and reliable shore power and solar setup with you if you want. Happy to answer any questions.

 

[Vonvergmann]

I have an 03 hawk, and the original propane fridge went out. I removed it and put in an Iceco 42 L chest type fridge on their slide mount. It fits in perfectly. It uses very little power, and stuff doesn’t fall out when you open the door. The only downside is when the top is down. It’s hard to get inside, but you can still stick your hand in. One of the best mods I’ve made to the camper. I’m happy to share photos if you like.

 

[Honeybadger]

I installed the Isotherm 65L ... very quiet, only sips electricity. Very happy.

How did you get a IT 65L in that space? I’ve thought about upgrading my old Dometic CR-1065 (doesn’t keep anything cold when outside temps above 85) with the IT, but didn’t think it would fit, in my ‘08 Eagle.