Hi just bought our first caravan a 2006 Destiny Jayco. The fridge is a RM2350 and works well when it's cool but as soon as it gets over 30 it's hopeless. I have read on heaps of forums about the problems with this Fridge and want to replace it with a compressor Fridge.
I have 3x100 batteries and can charge these on the go from the ute and have a good Honda generator. What fridge would would you recommend? Is there one that will fit straight into the place of the old fridge? Is it hard to disconnect the gas and how do you get them in and out the door? Thanks
madaboutled said
05:23 PM Feb 2, 2017
If memory serves me an RM2350 is a Dometic 90 Litre single door 3 way fridge, if so that should go through a standard caravan door. We changed our fridge just over a year ago to a Vitrifrigo C115i 12V or 24V Fridge Freezer and we're very happy with it. Very simple to fit if you have the know-how. You'd need to terminate the existing gas line and for that you should see a licensed gas fitter. You'd then need to run a heavy pos/neg fused cable from your battery to the fridge, for that I'd use 6 B&S. That said, your existing wiring might be heavy enough. If you don't have the know-how then most caravan repair places should be able to help you.
Don't say the gen er ator word too loudly round here, there are some people that get very upset when you mention them. Not me though, I love my Kipor!, but I will say you should invest in some solar panels to minimise the use of the.... of Honda thingy (note I typed this last sentence softly, hopefully it will avoid another petrol powered argument).
-- Edited by madaboutled on Thursday 2nd of February 2017 05:25:19 PM
warhorse said
05:33 PM Feb 2, 2017
hi krazy, firstly welcome to the grey nomads forum,as for the frig i had the same model in a little poptop,it worked ok but did struggle a bit in hot weather,i stuffed insulation in the side cavities and across the top, and also fitted a computer fan to move air around the rear of the frig,never had to use the fan as the insulation made a huge difference,it might be worth considering before you fork out for a new compressor frig,if you have to go with a compressor frig probably evakool would be the pick 'aussie made' your old frig should fit out through the door,if not maybe the window,as for gas you will have to get a gas fitter to seal off the gas line to the frig....you have plenty of batterys why not go with solar if you have to buy a compressor frig...hope this is of some help. cheers ray
briche said
06:32 PM Feb 2, 2017
Go up the search function. There has been lots and lots of comments on this subject. We had a bit of trouble with our gas fridge in the first place but after fitting two computer fans to help with the movement of hot air behind the fridge and filled all the space between the fridge walls and the timber surround with roof insulation material the fridge now operates so much better in the hot weather.
briche
LLD said
09:44 PM Feb 2, 2017
madaboutled wrote:
Don't say the gen er ator word too loudly round here, there are some people that get very upset when you mention them. Not me though, I love my Kipor!, but I will say you should invest in some solar panels to minimise the use of the.... of Honda thingy (note I typed this last sentence softly, hopefully it will avoid another petrol powered argument).
-- Edited by madaboutled on Thursday 2nd of February 2017 05:25:19 PM
At Green's Lake last week there were generators aplenty. All but one near me all got turned off reasonably early. One close by was left going late. Not sure if the person was spoken to but there were cheers all thru the camp when it turned off.
It was so hot at Green's that my solar panel was insufficient to keep my Engel going & top up my battery-box for overnight use on the Engel. Have sorted out today what I need to do next time.
Check under the van near the fridge there should be a on/off valve for the gas.
-- Edited by CC Bear on Friday 3rd of February 2017 12:45:42 AM
Diane1 said
11:16 AM Feb 3, 2017
Hi.
I,ve changed out a couple of 3 ways for compressor fridges.after a few yrs comparing and reading reviws and consumption levels I use Waeco. The 90?ltr unit slides straight in.
Get some half inch or so styrene sheeting, and line sides of cavity, I glued sme above fridge too.
Leave the back unlined, buy some inch and half flat ally strip and some stainless screws.
Read wiring chart and wire in first, slide fridge in hole and screw the 3 strips in to restrain it.
Waeco run same (or did) compressor as Vitrif, Are better internalĺy insulated, anvd MORE power efficient
Than eIther Vitrifrigo or Engel. A long way in the latter part,
I use that small one inside van, as fridge. With an 80ltrfr/freezer in rear of vèhicle.
Generator ALWAYS and panels to suit. On car and van roof.
Krazy said
02:17 AM Feb 5, 2017
Ok thanks for the replys. Some solar panels are on the cards in the future. So how hard is it to remove the old fridge? Thanks for the tip on the tap for the gas mine has the same which makes it easier. I have looked at the fridges on eBay and they are half the price of the brand name fridges like waeco and engel. Are these cheaper fridges any good? I'm a bit worried about buying one of these and then having to pay for another fridge because they are not good enough. The convenience of the more expensive fridges that will fit straight in without any cabinet work is appealing. Do you have to buy a mounting kit with these fridges or do they have screw in points? Just trying to work out if it is worth tackling this job myself or getting someone else to do it for me. I am fairly handy and have all the tools needed just don't won't to start something I can't finish. Thanks
iana said
09:32 AM Feb 5, 2017
Just a note, the fridge you will most likely install is called a 12/240v. But in fact it is only 12v with an 240-12v external transformer and switch over relays. You may not need this as you already have the 240-12v conversion in the existing electrical box. Just run some heavy wires from you existing box to the fridge, jobs done.
If memory serves me an RM2350 is a Dometic 90 Litre single door 3 way fridge, if so that should go through a standard caravan door. We changed our fridge just over a year ago to a Vitrifrigo C115i 12V or 24V Fridge Freezer and we're very happy with it. Very simple to fit if you have the know-how. You'd need to terminate the existing gas line and for that you should see a licensed gas fitter. You'd then need to run a heavy pos/neg fused cable from your battery to the fridge, for that I'd use 6 B&S. That said, your existing wiring might be heavy enough. If you don't have the know-how then most caravan repair places should be able to help you.
Don't say the gen er ator word too loudly round here, there are some people that get very upset when you mention them. Not me though, I love my Kipor!, but I will say you should invest in some solar panels to minimise the use of the.... of Honda thingy (note I typed this last sentence softly, hopefully it will avoid another petrol powered argument).
-- Edited by madaboutled on Thursday 2nd of February 2017 05:25:19 PM
Go up the search function. There has been lots and lots of comments on this subject. We had a bit of trouble with our gas fridge in the first place but after fitting two computer fans to help with the movement of hot air behind the fridge and filled all the space between the fridge walls and the timber surround with roof insulation material the fridge now operates so much better in the hot weather.
briche
At Green's Lake last week there were generators aplenty. All but one near me all got turned off reasonably early. One close by was left going late. Not sure if the person was spoken to but there were cheers all thru the camp when it turned off.
It was so hot at Green's that my solar panel was insufficient to keep my Engel going & top up my battery-box for overnight use on the Engel. Have sorted out today what I need to do next time.
Need a new fridge check this link. I have never used them so can't vouch for them.
stores.ebay.com.au/JLK-OUTDOOR-DISCOUNT-STORE/12v-24v-dc-fridges-/
Check under the van near the fridge there should be a on/off valve for the gas.
-- Edited by CC Bear on Friday 3rd of February 2017 12:45:42 AM
Also make sure that the new fridge is "T" rated.
PeterH