Forum Discussion

4x4FF's avatar
4x4FF
Explorer
Aug 11, 2014

Planning for future residential fridge replacement

As the title says I am planning ahead to replace the fridge in the RV with a residential one. (By planning ahead I mean I want to have it all prepped so when my fridge shoots craps at an inopportune time I can just swap it out). Anyway I currently have a Dometic RM2862 and am looking at replacing it when I do with this jewel so something similar Whirpool Fridge. I currently do not have a inverter and only have 1 12V battery. My plan is to install 2 6V batteries and an inverter to run the fridge only when we are traveling. My wife and I are probably going to start full timing next year and even though most say it will stay cold I would feel more comfortable knowing it was still running. With that being said, the fridge is in a slideout. I would like a switch to switch back and forth between 'shore power' and batteries or an automatic transfer switch. How is the best easiest way to wire this up?? Also having a little trouble determining just how big of an inverter I would need. Again I don't plan on boondocking at all just enought to power the fridge.

Thanks,

Steve
  • whistlebritches's avatar
    whistlebritches
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2014
    newman fulltimer wrote:
    there is a better one that fits at home depot for 250.00 and comes in black.I trimed a half inch off one side slide in perfect

    Seriously? You can can buy any refrigerator for $250? What model is it?
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Aug 12, 2014
    I want a baffle mechanism to move the heat out in summer and keep the heat in during winter.
    Maybe even switch by day and night.
  • Gdetrailer's avatar
    Gdetrailer
    Explorer III
    Aug 12, 2014
    4x4FF wrote:
    MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
    Insulation Insulation Insulation

    My install would have failed without having had clad the residential with more insulation. Too much thermal loss.


    I had figured on doing this....you just reaffirmed that!! Thanks

    Steve


    Whoa..

    You can not do that with ALL residential fridges, some embed coils in the sides and top of the fridge. The sides and top radiate the heat gathered by the refrigerant.

    Also, apartment size fridges (7cu ft- 13 cu ft) tend to already have at least twice the amount of insulation than "dorm" (1.1cu ft- 5cu ft) sizes. Therefore if you select apartment types there is no need for adding insulation and with some models adding insulation will make your fridge work harder since you might be covering the sides and top holding the heat IN..

    Generally if there is no coils on the back and no coils UNDER the fridge they WILL be in the sides and top..

    If no coils then you need to allow an inch or two between the fridge sides and top..

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