Forum Discussion

egarant's avatar
egarant
Nomad
Sep 05, 2015

Propane to Compressor Fridge Swap

I currently have a Dometic 2852 6 cu ft fridge that I would like two switch out to a compressor fridge.

I am currently eyeing the NovaKool RFU9000 witch is a 9.1 cu ft size. The cut out size for the current Dometic looks to be large enough for the NovaKool.

I've owned a Waeco 50 quart compressor fridge for years that I am extremely impressed with, probably the best camping investment I ever made.

I have 260 watts of solar and 2 group 31 Lifeline batteries, the NovaKool draws 5.4 amps when running, I think I good for power.

I want to swap out the fridge mainly because where I park my camper in the driveway I am on 8 degree slant, too much to be able to run the propane fridge. Parking it in the street where it is level is problematic for a few reasons......

Plus I would like to be able to have the fridge on all the time so we can take off for a quick day or afternoon trip and the fridge is ready to go.

I am interested in responses from those that are using a large compressor fridge either in their rig or using it in a solar application.

Thanks!

Mr. E

7 Replies

  • mlts22's avatar
    mlts22
    Explorer II
    Sep 08, 2015
    The -only- caveat I can think of by moving to a compressor fridge is resale value of the rig. People expect that a certain model of rig has certain appliances, and some people may expect the factory absorption fridge to be there, and walk off if it isn't.

    Other than that (and the caveat means nothing if you plan to keep your truck camper), if you have a good enough battery system, moving to a NovaKool will be one of the best upgrades you can make. Your beer will cool faster, you don't have to worry about being perfectly level, you won't have to worry about if you left the propane on or not, and when your rig is in storage, assuming it has enough solar to offset the fridge's draw, it will keep working. No need to worry if the propane burner flue is clean or not.

    Of course, you can use the space behind the rig (the hatch) as additional storage, should you feel like it.
  • _DJ_1's avatar
    _DJ_1
    Explorer II
    Sep 07, 2015
    I have the Dometic CR1110. If I were to do it again I would get the Nova. I got mine 2 years ago and it never worked good from the start, mainly the door would not close right and not seal causing the unit to run nearly constantly. My RV Dealer has been fighting with them all this time and I was told last week Dometic says tough.

    So I added more weather stripping and removed the interior light as it would not go off due to the door problem. Now I let it run all day but shut it off at night adding blue ice to get it through the night. :M
  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    Sep 06, 2015
    Before purchasing, measure the door or whatever opening you plan on going through. You wouldn't want to research and make a purchase only to find you can't get it inside.
  • crosscheck's avatar
    crosscheck
    Explorer II
    Sep 05, 2015
    Into year 5 of a NovaKool 7.5 cuft fridge/freezer. Have 330w solar and 4 AGM batts(400 ahr). Carry a Honda 2000 inverter genny which I never use. Fridge Draws 4.4 amps when cycling. Maximum temperature for camping has been 95F and no issues with cooling or freezing on setting 3.5 out of 10. We have 4 batteries as we use hair dryer, toaster, micro, (2000w inverter). No problemos so far.

    Dave
  • 2oldnslow's avatar
    2oldnslow
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2015
    X2 on that!

    I've been running a 5 cu ft NovaKool for the last 2 years in my truck camper. It ran just fine this summer in Alaska with many cloudy (or smokey) days.

    I have 2 6V (220 AHr) batteries and 400W of solar. Works great.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Sep 05, 2015
    Warning once you dump gas for a compressor fridge you'll never go back except to curse :) :) :)
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Sep 05, 2015
    I put in a 21cuft refer and it draws 8 amps when running. I've tested and with a separate 500AH of batteries I figure I can go 36 hours with the ice maker on before needing to recharge... No solar. With two 31's you should be able to go 24 hours if the refer was the only thing using power and no solar.

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