Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Buying a new fridge.
| Buying a new fridge. [message #150787] |
Sun, 27 November 2011 18:37  |
glacierfl
Messages: 444
Registered: June 2011
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Hello,
Have taken the old fridge out. Please can you folks, let us know if you have replaced the old fridge, what have you replaced it with. Thinking of a 3 way, they do seem to come in various sizes. Do the new ones fit exactly, or is there some adjustment needed. Want to fit 2 batteries behind the fridge for solar cell use. One that is not too deep would be an advantage. Please let us know what you fitted and any problems etc. 120v or 110v ????
Thank you
Steve & Debbie
Monticello, FL
77 Palm Beach :- Aurora
EX G4WDT
|
|
|
|
| Re: Buying a new fridge. [message #150800 is a reply to message #150787] |
Sun, 27 November 2011 19:31  |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
|
Senior Member |
|
|
| glacierfl wrote on Sun, 27 November 2011 18:37 |
Hello,
Have taken the old fridge out. Please can you folks, let us know if you have replaced the old fridge, what have you replaced it with. Thinking of a 3 way, they do seem to come in various sizes. Do the new ones fit exactly, or is there some adjustment needed. Want to fit 2 batteries behind the fridge for solar cell use. One that is not too deep would be an advantage. Please let us know what you fitted and any problems etc. 120v or 110v ????
Thank you
|
Look up a Dometic 2620 or 2650. I forget which one I have. They will fit in the hole where the old Norcold was installed. They will stick out approximately 1". These are 2 way (120 V and propane). A 12 volt one does not work well any way. A tank of propane will last forever so why run 12 volts.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
|
|
|
|
| Re: Buying a new fridge. [message #150802 is a reply to message #150800] |
Sun, 27 November 2011 19:37 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I should have told you to call the part departments of Palomino RV. in
Colon, MI 49040
269-432-3271
or
2551 Century Dr.
Goshen, IN 46528
574-642-0606
They had the best pricing by far when I replaced mine. Someone on the net here told me about them at the time.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Buying a new fridge. [message #150822 is a reply to message #150802] |
Sun, 27 November 2011 21:37 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I can drop ship a Norcold unit, call and I'll quote a delivered price.
I'm not offended if you find a better price.
On Sun, Nov 27, 2011 at 5:37 PM, Ken Burton <n9cv@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>
> I should have told you to call the part departments of Palomino RV. in
> Colon, MI 49040
> 269-432-3271
>
> or
>
> 2551 Century Dr.
> Goshen, IN 46528
> 574-642-0606
>
> They had the best pricing by far when I replaced mine. Someone on the net here told me about them at the time.
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Buying a new fridge. [message #150845 is a reply to message #150822] |
Mon, 28 November 2011 11:39 |
Larry C
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
The old original was long gone when I bought the 74 Glacier. A po had put in a DOMETIC. I never liked it. It was supposed to be new but never worked on gas and I did not like its colors of shades of brown. I finally drew the short straw when I stepped inside the GMC had a face full of amonia smell, ( cough, cough ).
I replaced it with a 3 way Norcold. I had to made the space a bit deeper on mine as the Norcold is a bit deeper size wise.
The 3 way is great. 120vac for land power, 12vdc for running down the road and gas for booning.
It is automatic, switching between 120ac and gas, and last resort 12vdc.
The 12vdc should only be used when the engine is running, it can run a battery down in short order. Gas is by far the most efficient. I like my Norcold.
My thoughts
Gatsbys' CRUISER  08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" />
http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
|
|
|
|
| Re: Buying a new fridge. [message #150864 is a reply to message #150787] |
Mon, 28 November 2011 13:02 |
Rick Williams
Messages: 256
Registered: July 2004
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Steve
I have a Norcold N641 in my coach and a Dometic RM2652 in my travel trailer. Either one should fit in your coach but be sure to check dimensions. Both brands have had their share of recalls but I think that either one is fine. Sort of like Ford vs Chevy. I like the Norcold better from a looks standpoint. The door handles are recessed into the door and therefore do not stick out into the hallway of the coach. It is not a big deal but it is about three inches. I was able to get real wood raised door panels for the Norcold from Bontragers RV salvage in White Pigeon, Michigan . http://bontragers.com/
I would not bother with a three way. The 12 volt feature will only maintain cold once the frig has reached temperature. Like Ken said, a tank of propane will last a long time.
Rick
Rick Williams
Bliss, Michigan
1978 Eleganza II
|
|
|
|
| Re: Buying a new fridge. [message #150894 is a reply to message #150787] |
Mon, 28 November 2011 19:35 |
 |
mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
| glacierfl wrote on Sun, 27 November 2011 16:37 |
.. the old fridge, what have you replaced it with. Thinking of a 3 way, ...
... Want to fit 2 batteries behind the fridge for solar cell use. ...
|
I would NOT put batteries in the same compartment as a PROPANE (as in FIRE) refrigerator. Gases from batteries are explosive.
If you want to use the space for batteries use a electric refrigerator. I have seen that.... plus the refrigerator can be counted on to keep ice cream frozen. (I have never had much luck with that from a propane refer.)
There are some very good 12volt refers and some excellent 2 or 3 way ones. None are very cheap. The main thing that really makes a difference on which is best for YOU, is how much you boon-dock.
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
|
|
|
|
| Re: Buying a new fridge. [message #150895 is a reply to message #150787] |
Mon, 28 November 2011 19:37 |
glacierfl
Messages: 444
Registered: June 2011
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Thanks for all your input on the new fridge topic. It seems from your comments that LP gas works great. I think the 12v option works for us as when driving, as its not using any other resources. What do you all think about the smaller Dometic Americana RM 2454 height 36 9/16. How much space would you need in a fridge for dry camping, several weeks as a time. The other advantage of a shorter fridge, is you could fit a small microwave below/above it. This would seem to make a space for 2 batteries for solar use if the microwave was mounted below the fridge, in the spare space ????. Want to make sure that we get the best option for our needs. Any comments on the above issues appreciated.
Thanks
Steve & Debbie
Monticello, FL
77 Palm Beach :- Aurora
EX G4WDT
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Buying a new fridge. [message #150898 is a reply to message #150895] |
Mon, 28 November 2011 19:52 |
emerystora
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
|
Senior Member |
|
|
On Nov 28, 2011, at 6:37 PM, steve & debbie <zzdebz@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> Thanks for all your input on the new fridge topic. It seems from
> your comments that LP gas works great. I think the 12v option works
> for us as when driving, as its not using any other resources.
What about the gasoline you are using to run your generator to provide
the 12 volts? The extra load will definitely burn more. It would
probably be cheaper ito use propane.
Not to forget about the extra cost for the three way. I have a three
way but never use the 12 volt. It won't cool down the refrigator and
as far as maintaining the temperature, it won't in hot weather!
Emery Stora
> What do you all think about the smaller Dometic Americana RM 2454
> height 36 9/16. How much space would you need in a fridge for dry
> camping, several weeks as a time. The other advantage of a shorter
> fridge, is you could fit a small microwave below/above it. This
> would seem to make a space for 2 batteries for solar use if the
> microwave was mounted below the fridge, in the spare space ????.
> Want to make sure that we get the best option for our needs. Any
> comments on the above issues appreciated.
>
> Thanks
> --
> Steve & Debbie
> Monticello, FL
> 77 Palm Beach
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Buying a new fridge. [message #150904 is a reply to message #150898] |
Mon, 28 November 2011 20:25 |
glacierfl
Messages: 444
Registered: June 2011
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Hello Emery, thanks for your input. Perhaps i have my calculations all screwed up here. My thoughts were to have 4 high current batteries, powered from solar cell panels. These batteries would be individually selectable. One charging while the other is in use etc. There would also be 2 house batteries in the back by the genset. The thought is that with 4 batteries available, it may ???? be possible to run all needed appliances.
Only running the fridge on 12v when gas is out/low or gasoline is low. I have read that runnning the fridge during travel, on the genset could damage the compressor, as they do not like operating unlevel. Perhaps that is a load of old hogwash.....
Regards
Steve & Debbie
Monticello, FL
77 Palm Beach :- Aurora
EX G4WDT
|
|
|
|
| Re: Buying a new fridge. [message #150905 is a reply to message #150896] |
Mon, 28 November 2011 20:26 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I installed a Norcold 641 in our coach a few months ago. It is a three way and it works great. I just came home from a four day dry camping trip and the difference between the old swing motor fridge and the new heat absorption was like night and day. I did run it on DC while driving the 260 miles to our destination (and back) and it certainly did maintain the temps. the thing seems to sip propane, and there is no excessive heat around the burner or flue area. So far I'm very happy with it.
I didn't realize Jim K had things like this available, but it makes sense that he does. If I had known I could get it from him, I would have, at least, checked with him before ordering it from my local RV supply store.
Pics are here:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=5863
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Buying a new fridge. [message #150908 is a reply to message #150904] |
Mon, 28 November 2011 20:35 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
|
Senior Member |
|
|
To the best of my knowledge, compressors don't care
that much about being dead level. You don't want to
try to operate them at a 45 degree angle but then
you'd have more serious troubles!
Our boat fridge was 120VAC and 13VDC only and the
boat certainly didn't stay all that level!
As far as I know, it's the absorption fridges that
don't like being non level.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ex-Palm Beach, 76 ~ ~ ~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: zzdebz@yahoo.com
> Date: Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:25:20 -0600
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Buying a new fridge.
>
> Hello Emery, thanks for your input. Perhaps i have my calculations all screwed up here. My thoughts were to have 4 high current batteries, powered from solar cell panels. These batteries would be individually selectable. One charging while the other is in use etc. There would also be 2 house batteries in the back by the genset. The thought is that with 4 batteries available, it may ???? be possible to run all needed appliances.
> Only running the fridge on 12v when gas is out/low or gasoline is low. I have read that runnning the fridge during travel, on the genset could damage the compressor, as they do not like operating unlevel. Perhaps that is a load of old hogwash.....
>
> Regards
>
> --
> Steve & Debbie
> Monticello, FL
> 77 Palm Beach
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
|
|
|
|
| Re: Buying a new fridge. [message #150910 is a reply to message #150905] |
Mon, 28 November 2011 20:44 |
glacierfl
Messages: 444
Registered: June 2011
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Hello Carl,
Your fridge looks very nice, and i love the metal panels, makes for a nice modern feel, that is the feel we want to go for in our renovations.... Going to fit stainless steel panels around the cooker/kitchen area, so that would match rather nicely.
Looking at the pics you have, i see there is some space behind the fridge. Do you think it would be possible to get 2 - 12v batteries in that space ???.
Regards
Steve & Debbie
Monticello, FL
77 Palm Beach :- Aurora
EX G4WDT
|
|
|
|
| Re: Buying a new fridge. [message #150912 is a reply to message #150787] |
Mon, 28 November 2011 20:47 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
|
Senior Member |
|
|
The 3 way auto switch over mode units are nice. The 12V mode does draw some amps, and from the sound of my 80A alt whining when it is on 12V it's sapping some MPG as well. Also the 12V mode is more for a cold 'hold' function once the unit and contents are at cooled temp. Not a fast cool down. I try to load the frige the night before with the coach on 50A shore power and it auto switched over to 120V. Then use the 12V running down the road and back to 120V or propane at the camp.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Buying a new fridge. [message #150917 is a reply to message #150895] |
Mon, 28 November 2011 21:18 |
Bruce Hart
Messages: 1501
Registered: October 2011
Location: La Grange, Wyoming
Karma: 5
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Doesn't leave much room for the beer
On Mon, Nov 28, 2011 at 6:37 PM, steve & debbie <zzdebz@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> Thanks for all your input on the new fridge topic. It seems from your
> comments that LP gas works great. I think the 12v option works for us as
> when driving, as its not using any other resources. What do you all think
> about the smaller Dometic Americana RM 2454 height 36 9/16. How much space
> would you need in a fridge for dry camping, several weeks as a time. The
> other advantage of a shorter fridge, is you could fit a small microwave
> below/above it. This would seem to make a space for 2 batteries for solar
> use if the microwave was mounted below the fridge, in the spare space ????.
> Want to make sure that we get the best option for our needs. Any comments
> on the above issues appreciated.
>
> Thanks
> --
> Steve & Debbie
> Monticello, FL
> 77 Palm Beach
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Bruce Hart
GMC Wannabe
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
1977 28' Kingsley
La Grange, Wyoming
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Buying a new fridge. [message #150930 is a reply to message #150920] |
Mon, 28 November 2011 23:00 |
glacierfl
Messages: 444
Registered: June 2011
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
You ,mention the difference between 12V and 120V regarding the heating element used in the system.
Just trying to understand all the pros and cons here.
Having high current batteries, and putting the 12V into an inverter to get 120V i wonder how it might be possible to calculate how long the battery would typically last running the fridge alone. I know you get losses due to the convertion from 12V to 120V in the form of heat etc.
I guess trying to work out the practicality of using a 12V battery just for fridge use. Lets assume that the battery could be charged up in one day via solar panels. Would the battery be able to keep up with the demands of the fridge??.
1:- using the 12V option.
2:- using the 12V converted to 120V
Regards
Steve & Debbie
Monticello, FL
77 Palm Beach :- Aurora
EX G4WDT
|
|
|
|
| Re: Buying a new fridge. [message #150931 is a reply to message #150787] |
Tue, 29 November 2011 00:10 |
kingd
Messages: 592
Registered: June 2004
Karma: 2
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Steve or Debbie. Think about the real amp hours that solar panels can provide. You need to look at the cost of panels, their output and how to manage their placement. ALL current solar panels are VERY fussy about facing the sun. Flat on the roof of an RV won't provide many amp hours in a day and don't forget the fridge will run at night and the panels will be producing 0 amps at that time. The specs are probably available for the 120 Volt current draw. I would figure about 80% maximum efficiency facing the sun on a good day and if the panels are fixed this might only be for 4 hours per day and much less for the rest of the daylight hours. Listen to Ken B. propane is cheap and has lots(relative)of BTUs. Electric works well when plugged in but not great for dry camping. Lots of tracking solar panels in a big array would work if you are staying in 1 location for many days and the neighbours don't mind the space you are taking up with the solar panels.
DAVE KING
DAVE KING
lurker, wannabe
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
|
|
|
|
Goto Forum:
Current Time: Sun Nov 17 23:52:20 CST 2024
Total time taken to generate the page: 0.01489 seconds
|
GMCforum
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
