3-Way Frige Kaput - Suggestions
So after reading an earlier post about someones freezer getting to 0 but the refrigerator at about 50 degrees and all of the comments about "ït's toast", I am resigned to the fact that mine's toast al...
Forum Discussion
whizbang wrote:
There is a bunch of folks on internet forums that want to re-think or re-invent the RV frig solution.
I've always had great luck with your standard, old school, 2 way or 3 way, ammonia based RV frig.
Why switch from something that works and has stood the test of time?
A friend of mine just bought a 1988 Jayco that is the twin of my camper. I came over to his house and showed him how to light the frig. I was stunned when the 29 year old frig was cold within the hour.
If it's not busted, don't fix it.
Well WB I can think of a whole lotta reasons to switch from OLD SCHOOL.
First - "Because it's OLD SCHOOL". I'm not saying to upgrade just for technology sake but if you must replace anyway why not go with something that outperforms old school?
Second - Propane refrigerators have ALWAYS been a compromise at best. Sure you can use them on very little propane and they work. They're not always that good in the southwest when it's really hot. They take a very long time to cool. Once cool is lost (due to opening doors) they take a long time to re-cool. They can/do leak ammonia at times. They can/do leak propane at times.
Third - a 2-way, 3-way is kind of a misnomer. I could never run my 3-way on just DC power without sucking the batteries dry (even with T-105's and solar). That leaves propane and AC. I always ran on propane (unless parked on my camper pad) but the last few years, all of the servicing in the world didn't keep me from having problems with the Nocold N300.
Fourth - Many would argue how well a Nocold N300 has withstood the test of time. There are countless RV and Marine forums with more than countless complaints about Nocold refrigerators being **** or burning a unit to the ground/water. Just look at the RV salvage places at all of the fire struck units and see where the fires originated.
Lastly -- my Nocold N300 is toast and I have to replace it no matter what. I have plenty of battery/solar to run a DC refrigerator (with a danfoss compressor). These new compressors offer efficiency, simplicity, and agility. I say agility because I can run it up to 30 degrees off-level (try that with propane). It's a simple and safe installation that removes one more source of combustible gas use and carbon monoxide generation. It just seems like the best solution for an upgrade where one is necessary.
