Adding a Refrigerator

[aquavita]

We just purchased a new TT that does not have an outside kitchen. For the most part we do not want one because it takes up a lot of our outside storage. However, I would like to add a small drink fridge to the storage area that would have been the outside kitchen if we had one.

Does anyone know where I could buy such a fridge? If I buy just a small cheapo fridge not meant for a TT is that going to cause a problem? I don't want to spend a ton, but I would like to be able to store drinks and small snacks outside so my kids are not constantly running in and out. Plus cut down on the ice we purchase.

[chr_]

Nothing keeps the beer colder than a good cooler and ice...

[thomasmnile]

We have a 1.6 cu ft. Danby fridge (110v) in the basement of our Jayco Whitehawk(installed option by Jayco). Have used it once and was underwhelmed. Temperature control set to near max. cold and it produced barely cool beer and soda after hours of operation. As nice an idea as it may be, I think the problem with the basement fridge may be the manufacturers (at least this Jayco model) make no provision for heat dissipation from the refrigerator's operation. The refrigerator evaporator coil is trying to dissipate heat from normal operation into a closed space, made even hotter with the sun beating down on the TT all day.

[ScottG]

kevden wrote:
Our TT has an outside kitchen. I installed an inverter to power the fridge while traveling. The Trucks alternator keeps the battery charged while driving, so no worry about the inverter draining the TT battery. I put in a 1750 watt inverter, but I have read that an 800 watt unit will work. The fridge uses much less than that while running, but needs a higher wattage to start the compressor.

I've been considering the same floor plan. I also considered adding the inverter to keep that little fridge going but I was concerned there isn't enough air space for the fridge to run and cool while the outside door is closed.
I take it you've had no problem with it?

Thanks,
Scott

[kevden]

Our TT has an outside kitchen. I installed an inverter to power the fridge while traveling. The Trucks alternator keeps the battery charged while driving, so no worry about the inverter draining the TT battery. I put in a 1750 watt inverter, but I have read that an 800 watt unit will work. The fridge uses much less than that while running, but needs a higher wattage to start the compressor.

[skipnchar]

Only problem with using a dorm fridge is you're limited to using it where you have electric hook ups. If that's where you stay it is a viable solution.

[APT]

$50-300. Best Buy, Walmart, etc.

[Dog_Folks]

A dorm fridge will work just fine for the needs you have outlined.

[GaryWT]

We have the outside kitchen and still can sleep 4 in the bunkhouse. If you have a spot for a fridge, pick up a dorm type fridge at wally world or where ever and find a place to plug it in.