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Ice Box [message #302417] Mon, 20 June 2016 12:12 Go to next message
Buckeyemac is currently offline  Buckeyemac
Messages: 12
Registered: May 2016
Location: NE Ohio
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Junior Member
I am considering installing an old fashion icebox in my motorhome. I will then never have to consider the energy concerns of an electric/propane frig. It only requires a hole in the floor for the water drain tube. These appliances are available new in Amish country; I use my motorhome only on weekends, and the block of ice I would make myself lasts much longer. What are your thoughts on this throw back idea?

Newbe, NE Ohio, Palm Beach
Re: Ice Box [message #302449 is a reply to message #302417] Mon, 20 June 2016 19:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
roy1 is currently offline  roy1   United States
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
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Senior Member
The propane refrigerator is a big plus over an ice box it uses very little propane or 12 volt power. An older unit uses only propane.

Roy Keen Minden,NV 76 X Glenbrook
Re: Ice Box [message #302453 is a reply to message #302417] Mon, 20 June 2016 21:22 Go to previous message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
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Senior Member
As someone that grew up with pond ice for "refrigeration", let me adjust your plan.... And oil lamps...
Do not put an ice chest where the refrigerator is. If it is a stand up unit, take it out and build a storage chest to replace it.
Next, pick a place like a dinette seat to build a horizontal ice chest in. Make it out of low density styrene foam and do the outside shell with fiberglass and EPOXY. Polyester or vinylester resin will attack the styrene foam. You will have to put about 18oz of glass in the bottom to prevent impact damage from cans dropped into the chest. If you fasten the lid to the seat, it will be easy to access. Don't put ice in it. Freeze the water in jugs so the bottom of the chest never get wet (more than condensation). You can drink the cold water, but you have to make special arrangements to have ice for drinks.

This is a condensation of how my father built the ice chest for his last sailboat and very much how I did the same for mine. If you do it right, you can beat a Yeti all the way along.

Matt


Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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