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Westy1999
Samba Member
Joined: June 29, 2015
Posts: 159
Location: U.S.
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 Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2016 9:02 am Post subject: New Dometic fridge v. Truck Fridge |
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I didn't know there is a new Dometic fridge. Bus Depot sells it here:
http://www.busdepot.com/j11895
Anybody have info on this? I love that it runs off of propane and 12 volt but I have no idea if it's as buggy as the original or what it looks like installed or if it's loud, etc. I can't find any info on it. Searching only brings up threads on the old version.
Thoughts? |
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tkic
Samba Member
Joined: December 13, 2004
Posts: 34
Location: Portland, OR
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| Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2016 9:37 am Post subject: Re: New Dometic fridge v. Truck Fridge |
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| The efficiency of the propane is awesome, but after dealing with 4 different propane fridges in campers i'm super happy with the electric truckfridge. Not having to worry about parking on perfectly level ground and cool down time are the primary advantages for me. |
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photogdave
Samba Member
Joined: April 05, 2004
Posts: 3139
Location: Vancouver Island, B.C.
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| Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2016 9:49 am Post subject: Re: New Dometic fridge v. Truck Fridge |
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The fact that it doesn't run on 110 is a deal killer for me.
I rarely camp in campgrounds, especially ones with electricity, but it's nice to have when you need it or to pre-cool the fridge.
Otherwise it would be sweet to have a modern more efficient fridge that runs off propane. Although I have to wonder if it could get as cool as the Dan Foss compressor electric fridges.
After recent threads about electrical fires and such I'm going to stick with the Dometic for as long as it chooses to work. I never have any problems (other than running out of propane!) and it runs no matter how off-camber I get on the roads and trails.
_________________
89 Syncro GL Westfalia 2.1 WBX/WBXaustSS
My Westy Movies:
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jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 8163
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2016 10:42 pm Post subject: Re: New Dometic fridge v. Truck Fridge |
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| Westy1999 wrote: |
I have no idea if it's as buggy as the original...
Thoughts? |
I had nearly 20 years with the original and never found it to be buggy. Both ran on all three modes and fired up easily. That said, they weren't fridges, they were coolers that did not keep meat and dairy at safe temps when it was warm outside.
_________________
- Jim
| Butcher wrote: |
| This is the main fault with DIY'ers, they get together on these forums and pat themselves on their backs spreading bad information. |
Guilty as charged.
Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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Stephenmarklay
Samba Member
Joined: August 10, 2016
Posts: 526
Location: Spokane
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| Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 4:05 am Post subject: Re: New Dometic fridge v. Truck Fridge |
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| photogdave wrote: |
The fact that it doesn't run on 110 is a deal killer for me.
I rarely camp in campgrounds, especially ones with electricity, but it's nice to have when you need it or to pre-cool the fridge.
Otherwise it would be sweet to have a modern more efficient fridge that runs off propane. Although I have to wonder if it could get as cool as the Dan Foss compressor electric fridges.
After recent threads about electrical fires and such I'm going to stick with the Dometic for as long as it chooses to work. I never have any problems (other than running out of propane!) and it runs no matter how off-camber I get on the roads and trails. |
Have there been any suspicions of a fridge causing fires? As I prepare to get mine on the road for next year it has crossed my mind to get a truck fridge and a propex heater but the last thing I want to do is be worried about safety. |
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Stephenmarklay
Samba Member
Joined: August 10, 2016
Posts: 526
Location: Spokane
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| Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 4:07 am Post subject: Re: New Dometic fridge v. Truck Fridge |
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| jimf909 wrote: |
| Westy1999 wrote: |
I have no idea if it's as buggy as the original...
Thoughts? |
I had nearly 20 years with the original and never found it to be buggy. Both ran on all three modes and fired up easily. That said, they weren't fridges, they were coolers that did not keep meat and dairy at safe temps when it was warm outside. |
Just go Vegan  |
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JudoJeff
Samba Member
Joined: May 24, 2013
Posts: 1179
Location: Near Springfield, MA
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| Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 4:56 am Post subject: Re: New Dometic fridge v. Truck Fridge |
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I love my TF-49, and it has at least 50 percent more room inside. At $600, it's also less money. I can run it on 12 volts for about 20 hours.
The Dometic in the Westy is a dog that doesn't hunt. Room enough for an Irish seven course meal, (potato and a six pack), and the beer would only be warm!
So I wouldn't buy the new Dometic...
_________________
________________________________________
1989 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper, Burned up on 7/31/16.
1987 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper, Bostig & Rebuilt, sold
1986 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper, Bostig Sold May 10, 2021
1999 Ford GTRV Westfalia camper (30% bigger Westy layout) |
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jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 8163
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 7:10 am Post subject: Re: New Dometic fridge v. Truck Fridge |
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| Stephenmarklay wrote: |
Have there been any suspicions of a fridge causing fires? As I prepare to get mine on the road for next year it has crossed my mind to get a truck fridge and a propex heater but the last thing I want to do is be worried about safety. |
A freind's Sprinter burned to the ground 6 months ago. It was in the shop for work on the propane Dometic fridge. The forensics investigator could not conclude what specifically caused the fire but it was narrowed down to the fridge. It may have been tech error, it may have been fridge failure.
One data point, not super helpful.
_________________
- Jim
| Butcher wrote: |
| This is the main fault with DIY'ers, they get together on these forums and pat themselves on their backs spreading bad information. |
Guilty as charged.
Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 8163
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 7:15 am Post subject: Re: New Dometic fridge v. Truck Fridge |
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| Stephenmarklay wrote: |
Just go Vegan |
Nothing goes better with Kale than an ice cold pilsner!
_________________
- Jim
| Butcher wrote: |
| This is the main fault with DIY'ers, they get together on these forums and pat themselves on their backs spreading bad information. |
Guilty as charged.
Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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candyman
Samba Trout Slayer
Joined: December 20, 2003
Posts: 2717
Location: Missoula MT
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| Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 7:26 am Post subject: Re: New Dometic fridge v. Truck Fridge |
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| jimf909 wrote: |
| Stephenmarklay wrote: |
Just go Vegan |
Nothing goes better with Kale than an ice cold pilsner! |
Except coming out of a dometic it wouldnt be ice cold and the kale would still be ground temperature 
Seriously though, as a long time dometic devotee who has done every little mod to squeeze a slightler cooler temp out of them, since ive installed my TF i have never been Happier. I do love the propane concept though, I just love cold beer more |
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jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 8163
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 8:06 am Post subject: Re: New Dometic fridge v. Truck Fridge |
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| candyman wrote: |
| jimf909 wrote: |
| Stephenmarklay wrote: |
Just go Vegan |
Nothing goes better with Kale than an ice cold pilsner! |
Except coming out of a dometic it wouldnt be ice cold and the kale would still be ground temperature
Seriously though, as a long time dometic devotee who has done every little mod to squeeze a slightler cooler temp out of them, since ive installed my TF i have never been Happier. I do love the propane concept though, I just love cold beer more |
Agreed. I plugged in my VF(TF)49 last night to prepare for today's trip. In short order the freezer was down to 20*F, it's now 5*, there are ice cubes for tonight's manhattans, an ice pack for my grumpy knee, pre-cooked bacon for breakfast through next Tuesday and room for ice cream!
_________________
- Jim
| Butcher wrote: |
| This is the main fault with DIY'ers, they get together on these forums and pat themselves on their backs spreading bad information. |
Guilty as charged.
Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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photogdave
Samba Member
Joined: April 05, 2004
Posts: 3139
Location: Vancouver Island, B.C.
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| Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 8:18 am Post subject: Re: New Dometic fridge v. Truck Fridge |
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| Stephenmarklay wrote: |
Have there been any suspicions of a fridge causing fires? As I prepare to get mine on the road for next year it has crossed my mind to get a truck fridge and a propex heater but the last thing I want to do is be worried about safety. |
Not the fridge itself but electrical components related to powering it.
I don't even have a second battery in my van.
...and in the climate I typically camp in my Dometic makes ice while running on propane. High altitude or very warm climates is a different matter though.
_________________
89 Syncro GL Westfalia 2.1 WBX/WBXaustSS
My Westy Movies:
photogdave On Vimeo
photogdave On YouTube
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery! |
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Sodo
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2007
Posts: 10627
Location: Western WA
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| Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 8:35 am Post subject: Re: New Dometic fridge v. Truck Fridge |
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Lots of other cars don't burn up. Proper fuses can prevent electrical fires, almost 100%. You can reasonably expect a safety level of what "other cars" achieve. Fuses protect wires, prevent the WIRES from becoming a red/yellow/white hot filament.
Don't worry about the fridge focus on proper fusing and wiring paths & wire sizes. Don't think of the fridge as the problem, look at the battery, its full of fire. Your task is to ensure the fire can't get out of the battery. Choose a tech who truly understands this.
_________________
'90 Westy EJ25, NEW oil rings (!) 2Peloquins, 3knobs, SyncroShop pressure-oiled pinion-bearing & GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox.
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered original gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb |
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Jeffrey Lee
Samba Member
Joined: February 04, 2014
Posts: 1520
Location: Wisconsin
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| Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 9:13 am Post subject: Re: New Dometic fridge v. Truck Fridge |
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photogdave in Vancouver says his stock Dometic often "makes ice while running on propane," while jimf909 in nearby Seattle says it "does not keep meat and dairy at safe temps."
Obviously, there's a lot of variability between individual stock Dometics, and camping/traveling conditions.
Generally speaking, an OE Dometic in good form will run at temperatures 30-35F below ambient (including the Vanagon interior temps), so when camping in 70-75F temps, you'll usually be able to keep your food at safe temps. In the shoulder seasons, our 33-year-old unit has been known to accidentally freeze our lettuce/produce.
We've even succeeded in experimentally making ice in the cute little novelty ice-cube trays, but sadly it cannot keep pace with our consumption of Scotch ...
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Camp Westfalia
Camping Tips • Newsletter • Cool Campervan Apparel
www.CampWestfalia.com |
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photogdave
Samba Member
Joined: April 05, 2004
Posts: 3139
Location: Vancouver Island, B.C.
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| Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 9:19 am Post subject: Re: New Dometic fridge v. Truck Fridge |
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| Jeffrey Lee wrote: |
We've even succeeded in experimentally making ice in the cute little novelty ice-cube trays, but sadly it cannot keep pace with our consumption of Scotch ... |
You need the drink better Scotch!
Good whisky is best imbibed neat, or with a few drops of water.
_________________
89 Syncro GL Westfalia 2.1 WBX/WBXaustSS
My Westy Movies:
photogdave On Vimeo
photogdave On YouTube
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery! |
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VWinVT
Samba Member
Joined: April 21, 2013
Posts: 1541
Location: North East Kingdom
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| Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 9:26 am Post subject: Re: New Dometic fridge v. Truck Fridge |
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My stock Dometic stays nice and cold. We recently camped on Cape Cod in an RV park (we won't return) with no shade whatsoever. It was 85-90 each day and we were able to make ice in the ice trays while plugged in on AC120. My Miller LITE's were nice and cold! I recently removed the wimpy stock fan and installed the GoWesty fan.
I really like the propane option. It saves a lot of interior storage space and weight not carrying around all those extra batteries and solar panels.
_________________
1981 Westfalia with a 2001 Cabrio ABA
Small wheel turns by the firing rod,
Big wheel turns by the grace of God.
Every time that wheel turns 'round,
You're bound to cover just a little more ground. |
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Wendy.the.Westy
Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2012
Posts: 93
Location: Redding, CA
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| Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 9:33 am Post subject: Re: New Dometic fridge v. Truck Fridge |
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| Westy1999 wrote: |
I didn't know there is a new Dometic fridge. Bus Depot sells it here:
http://www.busdepot.com/j11895
Anybody have info on this? I love that it runs off of propane and 12 volt but I have no idea if it's as buggy as the original or what it looks like installed or if it's loud, etc. I can't find any info on it. Searching only brings up threads on the old version.
Thoughts? |
This is what you need:
Dometic RM 123
Dometic RM 123 Owners Manual
Looks like this fridge model is designed for purely convective cooling of the ammonia/ammonium loop in the rear. No fan=no noise, but you will have to cut new holes through the exterior sheet metal of the van to provide a cool air inlet and warm air exhaust. You will also need to fabricate a sheet metal chimney on the interior to optimize the convective air flow between the new vents.
Here are a few key points from the Dometic install manual for this fridge:
* The refrigerator should not exceed an angle of inclination of 3° so that the refrigerant can be circulated properly.
* All surfaces around exhaust pipe and burner housing must be of or covered by metal or other non-flammable material.
* In the outer wall an air inlet and vent hole with ventilation grid has to be provided so that emerging heat can be properly dissipated to the outside:
* air inlet: ventilation grid as flush as possible to the floor of the fitted
niche with a cross-section of at least 250 cm²
* vent hole: preferably atop the device. Here a ventilation grid with integrated exhaust gases duct can be used instead.
* If the air inlet‘s ventilation grid cannot be mounted flush to the floor, an
additional air inlet (fig. 3 4, page 3) must be provided in the floor to discharge leaking gas.
* At the back of the refrigerator must be enough space so that air can
circulate around the cooling element.
* Provide a heat conducting plate on the upside so that
heat cannot build up inside the vehicle.
Bus depot should really provide the install and owner's manual on their product listing so that their customers can make an informed decision.
Personally, I would keep the original Dometic RM 182B. It was designed for the vehicle and it works. But if yours is gone already or you don't have the interest in becoming a 182B shaman, then I would go the truckfridge/aux. battery/solar panel/charge controller route.
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Stephenmarklay
Samba Member
Joined: August 10, 2016
Posts: 526
Location: Spokane
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| Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 10:13 am Post subject: Re: New Dometic fridge v. Truck Fridge |
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| jimf909 wrote: |
| Stephenmarklay wrote: |
Just go Vegan |
Nothing goes better with Kale than an ice cold pilsner! |
Good point. Fail  |
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Sodo
Samba Member
Joined: July 06, 2007
Posts: 10627
Location: Western WA
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| Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 11:00 am Post subject: Re: New Dometic fridge v. Truck Fridge |
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| Westy1999 wrote: |
I didn't know there is a new Dometic fridge. Bus Depot sells it here:
http://www.busdepot.com/j11895
Anybody have info on this? I love that it runs off of propane and 12 volt but I have no idea if it's as buggy as the original or what it looks like installed or if it's loud, etc. I can't find any info on it. Searching only brings up threads on the old version.
Thoughts? |
BusDepot doesn't give the dimensions in inches so here they are:
(588 mm H x 382 mm W x 439 mm D) = 23.15 H x 15 W x 17.25 D
Truckfridge CF49 is 20 ½" h x 15" w x 18" d for example. I have a TF and it eats batteries. Not sure I can get 20 hours. I really like the idea of solar but parking the van in the sun just for that seems like robbing Peter to pay Paul.
BusDepot doesn't list the amps/watts requirements either, wonder how badly they want to sell these, maybe theres no profit in refrigerators.
_________________
'90 Westy EJ25, NEW oil rings (!) 2Peloquins, 3knobs, SyncroShop pressure-oiled pinion-bearing & GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox.
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered original gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb |
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Outback Kampers
Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2004
Posts: 2340
Location: Oregon Outback
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| Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 11:18 am Post subject: Re: New Dometic fridge v. Truck Fridge |
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| Sodo wrote: |
| Westy1999 wrote: |
I didn't know there is a new Dometic fridge. Bus Depot sells it here:
http://www.busdepot.com/j11895
Anybody have info on this? I love that it runs off of propane and 12 volt but I have no idea if it's as buggy as the original or what it looks like installed or if it's loud, etc. I can't find any info on it. Searching only brings up threads on the old version.
Thoughts? |
BusDepot doesn't give the dimensions in inches so here they are:
(588 mm H x 382 mm W x 439 mm D) = 23.15 H x 15 W x 17.25 D
Truckfridge CF49 is 20 ½" h x 15" w x 18" d for example. I have a TF and it eats batteries. Not sure I can get 20 hours. I really like the idea of solar but parking the van in the sun just for that seems like robbing Peter to pay Paul.
BusDepot doesn't list the amps/watts requirements either, wonder how badly they want to sell these, maybe theres no profit in refrigerators. |
'Eats batteries'. Virtually all of the small compressor fridges, C51, TF49, etc will consume 20-30ah per 24 hours depending on ambient temperatures and how far the thermostat is cranked up. If you get 20 hours most likely the battery is insufficient, perhaps a 44ah? Installing a larger dedicated quality battery will cover the deficiency. 100-240 ah battery banks are required. Solar isn't required unless camping 5+ nights on a large battery bank. I had 200ah in the stock locations in my previous Westy, talking up no additional space, running a C60 fridge. 4 days was not a problem.
FWIW, the fridge BD sells they get here: http://www.justkampers.com/dometic-refrigerator-rm123-12v-240v-lpg-gas.html
The idea of cutting ventilation holes in the sidewall of a van just to help a fridge cool seems counter to most folks' goals.
_________________
Karl Mullendore
1990 Syncro 16" sunroof Reimo highroof conversion
1990 Westy Multivan 112i automatic
1992 LT31 Karmann Distance Wide 'La Tortuga'
2014 Touareg X TDI |
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