I've been looking at RV refrigerators today, trying to get an idea of what I want to replace the residential electric-only fridge in the Caboose. There are several propane fridges that are not marketed as RV refrigerators. No electric required at all, manual light. Some are a nice size (both interior and exterior) to fit in a small trailer. I had a 6cft in the KZ and did ok with that all summer but a little bit larger would have been nice. I was looking at these:
Is there something special about the RV specific refrigerators? (Dometic, Norcold) or would something like this work? I do know that the 2-way I had needed electricity even if running on propane, which I would like to avoid. Is anyone familiar with a 2-way fridge that doesn't require electric at all if you're not plugged in? It would be nice to have the option of using the power if I'm at a campground instead of burning propane all the time.
I also looked at some solar (DC) ones, but I haven't won the lottery yet so I'll just keep looking! LOL
Lucky Mike said
03:27 AM Mar 11, 2013
I would suggest a 2 way , the power they use is minimal and you get the best of both worlds...if boondocking or off grid living is part of the equation this is the way to go. used units are available all over.
the roof of the caboose will be able to support a good area of solar array........
all 4 examples of refrigeration you have shown are basicly the same as rv refers and are set up the same way except they are using batteries to power the lighting and omitted the control board for ac/dc operation.....venting requirements are the same as in an RV
Terry and Jo said
04:10 AM Mar 11, 2013
At the moment, I can't remember where I read it, but do the research on a propane only fridge. What I've heard is that some of those are used a lot by those that don't have electricity, like the Amish. The problem with them is that they generate a lot of heat.
If I run across where I read that before, I'll let you know.
Terry
01zeosix said
04:53 AM Mar 11, 2013
Take a look at the "Refrigeration" page at "Backwoodssolar dot com" (Sorry, I'm on the tablet and can't insert the link.) Great folks to deal with, very knowledgable, good resource for "hard to find" items for boondocking, as well as solar products.
Hope this helps some.
-- Edited by 01zeosix on Monday 11th of March 2013 04:55:40 AM
Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Monday 11th of March 2013 07:05:07 AM
nightsky said
08:44 PM Mar 11, 2013
Thanks for the link, lots of good info there. I'll have to check it out further.
I've been looking at RV refrigerators today, trying to get an idea of what I want to replace the residential electric-only fridge in the Caboose. There are several propane fridges that are not marketed as RV refrigerators. No electric required at all, manual light. Some are a nice size (both interior and exterior) to fit in a small trailer. I had a 6cft in the KZ and did ok with that all summer but a little bit larger would have been nice. I was looking at these:
http://www.diamondrefrigerator.com/dd10.html
http://www.diamondrefrigerator.com/dd13.html
http://crystalcold.com/crystal-cold-cc11/
http://www.propaneproducts.com/catalog/servel-by-dometic/servel--dometic-rge-400-8-cu.-ft.-propane-refrigerator-231.html
Is there something special about the RV specific refrigerators? (Dometic, Norcold) or would something like this work? I do know that the 2-way I had needed electricity even if running on propane, which I would like to avoid. Is anyone familiar with a 2-way fridge that doesn't require electric at all if you're not plugged in? It would be nice to have the option of using the power if I'm at a campground instead of burning propane all the time.
I also looked at some solar (DC) ones, but I haven't won the lottery yet so I'll just keep looking! LOL
the roof of the caboose will be able to support a good area of solar array........
all 4 examples of refrigeration you have shown are basicly the same as rv refers and are set up the same way except they are using batteries to power the lighting and omitted the control board for ac/dc operation.....venting requirements are the same as in an RV
At the moment, I can't remember where I read it, but do the research on a propane only fridge. What I've heard is that some of those are used a lot by those that don't have electricity, like the Amish. The problem with them is that they generate a lot of heat.
If I run across where I read that before, I'll let you know.
Terry
Take a look at the "Refrigeration" page at "Backwoodssolar dot com" (Sorry, I'm on the tablet and can't insert the link.) Great folks to deal with, very knowledgable, good resource for "hard to find" items for boondocking, as well as solar products.
Hope this helps some.
-- Edited by 01zeosix on Monday 11th of March 2013 04:55:40 AM
Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Monday 11th of March 2013 07:05:07 AM