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Post by universalexports on Jul 28, 2011 1:22:10 GMT -5
well, I have been looking for a refridge, I was wanting a 2 or 3 way refridge, however they are crazy high priced, so I think I am going to buy a honda 2000i quiet generator, to power my AC and fridge. my local park told me they do not allow generators, I have a loud Cummings generator, however after some research, I found the rules for state parks, they allow generators with less than 68 decibels at 50 feet (or something close to that, I forget) mine is an older one that is really loud, the honda is something like 59 DB at 20 feet, (super quiet) anyway I am going with the honda to run my AC and refridge, which should be around 950watts, however the AC compressor start up will be a bit higher, but I think the Quality Honda Generator will handle it anyway, here is my Refridg, it is a little over 33 inches tall, 3.2 feet of storage, and energy star compliant (most small fridges are not) I have never hear of the brand, but after reading 60 reviews, it seems quality and is sold by the home depot. I JUST ordered it, should be here in 4-5 days!!!!! it is a sunpentown (SPT) 3.2 Cubic feet fridge.
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Post by Bow_Tied on Jul 28, 2011 20:14:52 GMT -5
Nice. does it fit in the stock place or are you modifying to install it?
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Post by universalexports on Jul 28, 2011 20:36:29 GMT -5
I have no idea if it will fit, I plan on a complete remodel on the inside, with a hole different floor plan.
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Post by lopo on Mar 1, 2012 15:55:07 GMT -5
I have found this available still, and it looks great. There's a slightly smaller version that I would need to fit the spot in my Compact, BUT since I'm going to be mostly road tripping rather than camping, I'll need to keep the food in a cooler in the car while on the road and then transfer it, right? I'm so tempted to spring for that 2-way Norcold, but if an LP fridge doesn't operate well if the trailer's not level, how the heck will it operate on the road (understanding, of course, that I really shouldn't leave the LP gas on while towing)? Seems like maybe for my situation I maybe should be looking backwards to the icebox that Vintage Trailer Supply has. What do others of you do on the road?
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Post by LittleVintageTrailer on Mar 1, 2012 16:38:57 GMT -5
That's a nice fridge! It will be nice for you to have an actual freezer. Mine has a little freezer area but ice cream bars melt so it doesn't do a great job in that department. Keeps other food cold though.
Lopo, we always shop after we get to where we are going so haven't ran into that problem. Although we will take things like condiments with is and those we just put in small cooler along with some waters and pops for the road.
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Post by lopo on Mar 1, 2012 17:15:42 GMT -5
Thanks, Kel. I think I'm going to have to just stick with an icebox or maybe even a top quality ice cooler in my van until the time comes that I actually land somewhere for a few days. My trips to Southern Mexico are pretty much just 8 day hauls, stopping before dark each night. I'm so looking forward to stopping with my own bed and decent food, and cooking myself breakfast in my little Shasta. I think I need to search for a travel forum or book for some of this stuff.
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Post by universalexports on Mar 1, 2012 19:17:38 GMT -5
I would think that with a new energy star fridge (better insulation) if you had it plugged in until it got cool, then stuck a couple of bags of ice in the bottom, it would keep cool for hours, when you stop to get gas, just pitch in a new bag of ice.
the fridge fits in the stock location, and will work fine for me since 99% of my camping is around an hour from the house. I just do weekend trips, although before I die I want to make a trip to an ocean beach, and camp on the ocean.
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vikx
3K Post Member
Posts: 3,556
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Post by vikx on Mar 2, 2012 0:52:33 GMT -5
Propane refrigerators work well on the road, level or not. The movement keeps the solution flowing and the fridge working. It's only when you park that the fridge needs to be level. Since you are going to Mexico, I'm thinking a little propane fridge would be great; no need to hunt for ice. We always use a big cooler for drinks, tho. The fridge is for perishable foods... VK
PS: The AC/DC Norcolds are nice, $$$; they do run the battery down.
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offspringin
1K Post Member
Never question the engineer's judgement!
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Post by offspringin on Mar 2, 2012 9:07:50 GMT -5
I just do weekend trips, although before I die I want to make a trip to an ocean beach, and camp on the ocean. would this be an item on the "sand" bucket list???
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Post by lopo on Mar 2, 2012 10:27:16 GMT -5
I read someplace that the Norcold fridges require DC for controls. Is that right? I don't want to deal with DC - just propane and AC. If DC isn't required,I am so tempted to buy myself that 2-way Norcold for my birthday. But firist, to get obsessive here, If I'm boondocking and I don't have the trailer 100% level (say I'm on a crummy patch in Mexico and it's kind of dark an I'm pooped and can't see to level it anyway), will it just let my food spoil or will it damage the unit if it's not level?
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Post by universalexports on Mar 2, 2012 13:10:04 GMT -5
some do require DC, but IIRC some do NOT require it. I was checking into them but the price was so high I just went electric.
a couple of jacks will get your camper level enough unless you are on some super crazy ground.
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vikx
3K Post Member
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Post by vikx on Mar 3, 2012 1:59:20 GMT -5
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Post by lopo on Mar 3, 2012 9:18:57 GMT -5
That Norcold Piezo is the one I am thinking about, and surely I can deal with keeping it level. The Norcold it is. Thanks.
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Gone Kayaking
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long live the Vintage Shasta Trailer Forum....we're gone but you are not forgotten!
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Post by Gone Kayaking on Mar 3, 2012 23:37:26 GMT -5
If you want a really great cooler, these are what is used on the grand canyon on 16 day raft trips. canyoncoolers.com/index.php?main_page=reviews These are the best. Depending on size the pro coolers will hold ice for more than a week, some up to 20 days! I use one of these plus the ice box in the camper for things I'll want to get to during the day and only try to open the cooler once or twice a day. (More times open, faster the ice melts And some excellent tips on keeping things cold. canyoncoolers.com/index.php?main_page=cooling_tips
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Post by lopo on Mar 4, 2012 14:44:21 GMT -5
Thanks! I saw those and thought about it, but don't want to drag something from the car to the trailer and back every day. I wish they'd make one that was fridge-shaped to fit in my perfect little fridge spot on the left above the sink. Even if I built something to keep it from sliding around, I'd have to stand on my toes or a stool to see inside it. Norcold, Honda generator, a/c...I might have to sell my '71 VW in order to support this project because now I'm on a roll and have a cool retrofit pictured more than going original!
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Post by mirahatland on Apr 11, 2012 13:22:54 GMT -5
Any ideas of where to get a propane generator?
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Post by lopo on Apr 11, 2012 13:46:52 GMT -5
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Post by lopo on Apr 11, 2012 18:01:30 GMT -5
This really should be posted as a new topic "propane generators." Sorry I didn't catch that.
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cowcharge
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I suffer from Shastasomiasis.
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Post by cowcharge on Apr 16, 2012 12:56:34 GMT -5
As to the leveling of the propane fridges, if I understand it correctly, the thing to watch out for is to not negate the trickle-back-down-to-the-boiler slope of the condenser tubing in the back, which looks like a switchback roadway going down a mountainside. Like so, but squished to a much flatter slope: > > > > If it's tilted sideways enough to turn one half of the legs into "level" or worse, "uphill", then the water will pool in the corner and won't run back down into the boiler, and the boiler will overheat and crack. The last thing I read from a pro said +/- 2 degrees, but it could be measured on a particular fridge by looking at the back with a protractor... And depending on how it's installed in your camper, end wall or side wall, that would make it more important to be level side-to-side or fore-and-aft, respectively.
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