Electric Refrigerators

[hdrecktrah]

We are looking to replace an RV refrig.  We have a space restriction where we need a unit that will fit without major cabinet renovation.  We have found a Summit refrig, www.summitappliance.com, model FF1112W, 10.4 cf, self defrost, energy star rated, with the right dimensions to fit our space.  We have a 2800W Magnum Sinewave inverter, and 15,000 KW generator on an MCI 8.  We plug into electricity except for travel time which amounts to anywhere from 4-7 days.  If anyone knows anything about these refrigs we would like to hear your opinions or suggestions or other manufacturers with a good product that might work for us.  Since our space is limited we don't have many options size wise.  Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

[4104GA]

 :)I just replaced my rv refrigerator with an electric one from Sears.  It fit in the space the old one was in and I plan to install a 1000 whatt inverter to power it when not pluged into shore power.  Works for me.

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi hdrecktrah,

You have more options then you think. Just for instance, I have a  Frigidaire 24cf counter depth side by side refrigerator in my bus that is energy star rated.

It draws 4.3 amps in refrigeration and 6.7 amps in defrost.  I have a 1000 amp hr battery bank and a Xantrex RS 3000 sine wave inverter. The refrigerator has survived

5 days by it's self on the battery bank sitting in my yard and 3 days traveling on the road [using other 12v appliances also] before having to recharge.

The key here is the energy star rating. Much better insulation then non star units. Plus, you can add additional insulation if you like. 

Don't think you have to limit your choice to a tiny cf unit. You can go larger and still save lots of power. Your choice!

Good Luck with your selection
Nick-

[TomC]

Couple of points- household type refrigerators are not reinforced for over the road vibration-so the life of the unit maybe cut short.  Also-as nick pointed out, his pulls 4.3 amps when running at 120vac.  If you are running a 24v inverter that converts to about a 25 amp draw.  If you have a 1000 amp hour battery bank, you can do it.  Otherwise, the Norcold AC/DC compressor type that I have at 6.3cu/ft draws just 5.5 amps at 12v-but it is also expensive-around $1,300.00.  If you like it-get it.  Good Luck, TomC

[hdrecktrah]

Thank you all for your input.  It is very helpful.  The one thing I forgot to mention is that we have a bank of 10 golf cart batteries also.

[Gary W]

We had a 10cu. ft electric fridge in our old bus 1973 MC-7 and the people we sold it to say it is still working great after 15 years.We have an LG house fridge in our new bus, it draws only 2 amps. I have 8 golf batteries and 4000 W 24 volt inverter. Works great.

Gary

[Brian Diehl]

I also run a apartment sized household fridge in our conversion.  It is an older Heir model.  It draws about 6amps @ 24v and does not have auto defrost.  I have had it in the bus for 5+ years and 40,000 miles.  No issues to date.  It cost me $120 on clearance.  Might not be designed for mobile use, but I can buy a lot of small fridges for the cost of an RV fridge.  Works for us.

[kyle4501]

If vibration is a concern, buy one made for use in California . . . .           

[FloridaCliff]

Since your looking to fit an existing location I would search for an apartment size that is "energy star' rated.

I have a 10cf in mine and it works flawlessly, much colder than any RV model I have seen or used.

If I remember correctly I found the Stainless unit for $299 on sale, was $100 more than the black/white normally.

Like Brian pointed out, I could replace it many times for an RV units price.

And it doesn't sound like you do a lot of and prolonged boondocking, so electric only is fine.

Let the shopping begin,

Cliff

[FloridaCliff]

If vibration is a concern, buy one made for use in California . . . .           

You are one funny Guy......

[belfert]

We had a 10cu. ft electric fridge in our old bus 1973 MC-7 and the people we sold it to say it is still working great after 15 years.We have an LG house fridge in our new bus, it draws only 2 amps. I have 8 golf batteries and 4000 W 24 volt inverter. Works great.

Which LG takes only 2 amps?  Is this from the sticker or actual measured usage?  Most of the stickers on fridges I see show 4.5 amps and up if they have auto defrost.  The defrost heater is probably the biggest amperage user.

[buswarrior]

There are tricks to reducing the power consumption of a house hold refrigerator for busnut use.

Defeating the auto defrost,

some have anti-condensation heating circuits at the door edges.

the butter tray may be heated.

hardcore misers defeat the interior light as well.

All these may be located on the schematic and carefully terminated in order that they may be restored later.

Or, start cutting all the wires except the refrigeration and thermostat.

All these will consume power, and make work via their heat for the refrigerator to cool down, increasing run time.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[RJ]

Just saw a black 10/12 cu. ft Whirlpool apartment fridge at an appliance store last weekend that I thought would work perfectly in a coach.  Didn't investigate more, since grandkids were dragging Grandpa to the Baskin Robbins next door, but it had a price sticker on the freezer portion saying $399.

FWIW. . .

[Gary W]

The LG model GR_382R is the same model as  Craig Shepard's Avanti .fridge the model is 9.7 cu ft, including a separate above freezer. In Canada it is sold under the LG brand. Craig tested the amp draw of 1 to 2  amps on his inverter.

Gary