can a rv fridge be converted to a comperser type ???

[crown]

  i have a new bought in 99 side by side rv fridge with ice maker but dont want to use lp gas or cut holes in side and roof
when i had a sailboat it had a cold plate and the comperser was about 3 feet away so could i remove the cooling unit
and put in house type parts ?? if i can convert it would be better then scraping it thanks

[TomC]

There are kits to make an insulated cabinet into a refrigerator or freezer.  But the cost of the new equipment is very high.  Look at Summit refrigerators.  I'm using the FFBF280W which is energy wise rated.  They are home type refrigerators, but at around $1,000.00, will be cheaper then trying to convert.  Good Luck, TomC

[belfert]

Your current fridge is likely to be worth much more to someone who wants a working RV fridge than as a cabinet for a compressor fridge.  Of course, you may have a limited market to sell it because of your location.

[BG6]

  i have a new bought in 99 side by side rv fridge with ice maker but dont want to use lp gas or cut holes in side and roof
when i had a sailboat it had a cold plate and the comperser was about 3 feet away so could i remove the cooling unit
and put in house type parts ?? if i can convert it would be better then scraping it thanks

It will cost you more to do this than to just go buy a new fridge at Costco.

And if you bought it in 99, it may have been new THEN, but it's pretty much expended now, and subject to damage during removal, so find someone to buy it who will see it work in place, but let THEM take it out.  If you mean you bought it in 09, you may be able to sell it for more than the cost of the Costco fridge.

[belfert]

Remember that the OP is in Costa Rica so a quick trip to Costco is out.

[BG6]

Remember that the OP is in Costa Rica so a quick trip to Costco is out.

I didn't know that.  However, it still remains that the cost of conversion would be more than the cost of a new fridge.

[niles500]

Remember CR has a tremendous import duty tax - cost of new can be prohibitive - FWIW

[NewbeeMC9]

Does the RV fridge work on propane?  And  I understand you do not want holes for the propane burning?

Could it be converted to run on electricity like the dual fuel ones. Perhaps an electric heater where the propane burner was?   

Seems like that would be cheaper and easier and possibly more efficient,  Interesting let us know how you work it out. 

[Lin]

If the frig works, I would guess that the ability to run on propane might be considered a real benefit in some parts of the country.  So selling it and getting what you want might not be that hard.

[crown]

 hi the fridge in new never installed but i want to use elec. yes i am in costarica i imported this and many other
parts. last year when up in the states i talked to a couple of rv tecks thinking i could just use it on elec but was
told i still needed a side vent and roof vent so at this point its convert it or it goes to the dump and buy a home
fridge so any advice as to how to convert it we have a ref factory nearbuy  so getting parts is eazy and many
repir shops but no one has seen a rv fridge if i known where to start i could tell them what to do thanks

[NewbeeMC9]

Hey Crown,

I found this link which might give you some Ideas.   
http://www.ehow.com/how_4674656_build-own-refrigerator.html

You would have the opportunity to put your condenser below the floor. 



Let us know how you work it out.

[wrench]

   Can you state the brand & model#, being a side by side RV type, must be late model & be a 2 way(propane & electric(possibly 110AC)). If so it will run on 110 AC 24/24.  If 3 ways( gas/12VDC/110AC) it still can be run electric with a transformer to 12VDC.   As for air circulation, no outside vent is needed if you don't use propane, a gap at the top & bottom of the fridge & a couple PC fan, 1 at the top & 1 at the bottom will circulate the air on the condenser.
        wrench

[crown]

 wrench i will go get the model # and imfo and take a picture will post after i go to storge
thanks

[JackConrad]

John,
  All gas absorbtion refrigerators require a "chimney" behind the unit with an air intake near the floor and an air exhaust at the roof (this is the chimney). The refrigerators work by heating the ammonia solution in the cooling system. This heat source can be 12 volt, 120 volt, or LP, but the this heat has to be removed as well as the heat given off by the coils.  A compressor type refrigerator does not use a heat source and can get by without the "chimney", only requiring air to circulate around the condensor coils.  Jack

[crown]

  dometic royale designer series rm 7030 side by side with ice maker
  hi jack thats what i was told even on 110v you need to vent it ?