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[GMCnet] Smaller fridge - move up or down? [message #285189] Mon, 17 August 2015 08:28 Go to next message
Olly Schmidt is currently offline  Olly Schmidt   United States
Messages: 1265
Registered: February 2014
Location: Germany and Scottsville, ...
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Senior Member
I bought a new fridge, a Dometic RM2454. This is quite a bit shorter
than my existing Norcold. 52" to 36" height.

Now I wonder, do I put empty space below the fridge or above the fridge?

I would prefer to have empty space below, but would hate to have less
than optimal cooling in the fridge, and I read something about a chimney
effect one must have.

Any and all hints are greatly appreciated.
--
Best regards

Peer Oliver Schmidt
PGP Key ID: 0x83E1C2EA

'76a Eleganza II, VA

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Best regards

Olly Schmidt
PGP Key ID: 0x18a9 3a1f 4196 bf22
'76a Eleganza II, VA
'73 Sequoia, SH, Germany
Re: [GMCnet] Smaller fridge - move up or down? [message #285190 is a reply to message #285189] Mon, 17 August 2015 08:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jhbridges is currently offline  jhbridges   United States
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Location: Braselton ga
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My icebox was installed with insufficient venting (Norcold 3 way), merely a 4x12 vent above the icebox, although a decent sized one at the bottom. I got a new vent the same size and put two 12v computer fans in it. works fine this way.

--johnny


Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons. Braselton, Ga. I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
Re: [GMCnet] Smaller fridge - move up or down? [message #285192 is a reply to message #285189] Mon, 17 August 2015 08:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
rcjordan   United States
Messages: 1913
Registered: October 2012
Location: Elizabeth City, North Car...
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The Co-op put the microwave over the refer. We thought that was a great use of the space.

SOLD 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
76 Eleganza
Elizabeth City, NC
Re: [GMCnet] Smaller fridge - move up or down? [message #285193 is a reply to message #285190] Mon, 17 August 2015 08:39 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Olly Schmidt is currently offline  Olly Schmidt   United States
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Johnny,

as the older one already was a three way from the factory, I am pretty
certain that the vent itself is fine. The question is, whether to put
the fridge more near the bottom or more near the top of the coach. I
*think* top is better, as that way everything up there is like before,
but I'd prefer someone with more knowledge to confirm.

And I already have a temp controlled fan behind the fridge, courtesy of
my PO.

--
Best regards

Peer Oliver Schmidt
the internet company
PGP Key ID: 0x83E1C2EA


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Best regards

Olly Schmidt
PGP Key ID: 0x18a9 3a1f 4196 bf22
'76a Eleganza II, VA
'73 Sequoia, SH, Germany
Re: [GMCnet] Smaller fridge - move up or down? [message #285194 is a reply to message #285189] Mon, 17 August 2015 09:08 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lqqkatjon is currently offline  lqqkatjon   United States
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Location: St. Cloud, MN
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do you have a roof vent over the fridge? If so, no issues going up, and probably better. Key is good air in the bottom, then it is to get the hot air out the roof, and the most effective way of accomplishing that in your install.

if you only have wall vents, then you would want to keep the fridge low, and possibly install a roof vent anyway.



Jon Roche 75 palm beach EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now. St. Cloud, MN http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
Re: [GMCnet] Smaller fridge - move up or down? [message #285195 is a reply to message #285189] Mon, 17 August 2015 09:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
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Registered: August 2005
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Rad here
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/refer-cabinet-door/p20811-trash-container-in-place.html


On Monday, August 17, 2015, Peer Oliver Schmidt GMC
wrote:

> I bought a new fridge, a Dometic RM2454. This is quite a bit shorter
> than my existing Norcold. 52" to 36" height.
>
> Now I wonder, do I put empty space below the fridge or above the fridge?
>
> I would prefer to have empty space below, but would hate to have less
> than optimal cooling in the fridge, and I read something about a chimney
> effect one must have.
>
> Any and all hints are greatly appreciated.
> --
> Best regards
>
> Peer Oliver Schmidt
> PGP Key ID: 0x83E1C2EA
>
> '76a Eleganza II, VA
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>


--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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Re: [GMCnet] Smaller fridge - move up or down? [message #285197 is a reply to message #285189] Mon, 17 August 2015 09:15 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
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Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
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Peer,

I can't claim any special knowledge or experience, but I wouldn't even
consider putting it low. It seems obvious to me that the shorter the
chimney the better. And you'll be able to take advantage of the curvature
of the coach side to confine airflow to the fins (which I presume are
across the top rear like my RM2652's), which is the primary objective of
the chimney.

Ken H.


On Mon, Aug 17, 2015 at 9:28 AM, Peer Oliver Schmidt GMC <
posde@theinternet.de> wrote:

> I bought a new fridge, a Dometic RM2454. This is quite a bit shorter
> than my existing Norcold. 52" to 36" height.
>
> Now I wonder, do I put empty space below the fridge or above the fridge?
>
> I would prefer to have empty space below, but would hate to have less
> than optimal cooling in the fridge, and I read something about a chimney
> effect one must have.
>
> Any and all hints are greatly appreciated.
> --
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] Smaller fridge - move up or down? [message #285198 is a reply to message #285195] Mon, 17 August 2015 09:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Olly Schmidt is currently offline  Olly Schmidt   United States
Messages: 1265
Registered: February 2014
Location: Germany and Scottsville, ...
Karma: 8
Senior Member
gene,

read it, but do not understand how it pertains to my question. But I
like the idea! :)

--
Best regards

Peer Oliver Schmidt
the internet company
PGP Key ID: 0x83E1C2EA


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Best regards

Olly Schmidt
PGP Key ID: 0x18a9 3a1f 4196 bf22
'76a Eleganza II, VA
'73 Sequoia, SH, Germany
Re: [GMCnet] Smaller fridge - move up or down? [message #285200 is a reply to message #285198] Mon, 17 August 2015 09:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
tphipps is currently offline  tphipps   United States
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Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Configure the extra empty space if big enough for the microwave. If not big enough, configure it for storage. Heat chimney is important.
Tom, MS II


2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552 KA4CSG
Re: [GMCnet] Smaller fridge - move up or down? [message #285202 is a reply to message #285200] Mon, 17 August 2015 09:41 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Olly Schmidt is currently offline  Olly Schmidt   United States
Messages: 1265
Registered: February 2014
Location: Germany and Scottsville, ...
Karma: 8
Senior Member
Thomas,
> Configure the extra empty space if big enough for the microwave. If not big enough, configure it for storage. Heat chimney is important.
It will become extra storage.

Microwave ain't important atm for us, and if it ever might become, it
will replace the oven.

--
Best regards

Peer Oliver Schmidt
the internet company
PGP Key ID: 0x83E1C2EA


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Best regards

Olly Schmidt
PGP Key ID: 0x18a9 3a1f 4196 bf22
'76a Eleganza II, VA
'73 Sequoia, SH, Germany
Re: [GMCnet] Smaller fridge - move up or down? [message #285203 is a reply to message #285189] Mon, 17 August 2015 09:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
rcjordan   United States
Messages: 1913
Registered: October 2012
Location: Elizabeth City, North Car...
Karma: 1
Senior Member
I should have added that I'm loading every nook with the Coop's fire suppression system. Engine and refer compartments were TOP on the list. I also plan to remotely monitor temps in that compartment (and others) with a bluetooth LE or -maybe- hardwired raspberrypi system. I have the TI bluetooth sensor on hand and it works, but the smartphone app is in dev mode and clunky. I'll use it, though, if I can't come up with something better. I also have the roof vent.

SOLD 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
76 Eleganza
Elizabeth City, NC
Re: [GMCnet] Electronics (was: Smaller fridge - move up or down?) [message #285205 is a reply to message #285203] Mon, 17 August 2015 10:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Olly Schmidt is currently offline  Olly Schmidt   United States
Messages: 1265
Registered: February 2014
Location: Germany and Scottsville, ...
Karma: 8
Senior Member
I've received a TI Sitara ARM AM335x Starter Kit from a friend and plan
on using that as well, for stuff that is nice to have but not essential.
Essential shall stay as stock as possible.

--
Best regards

Peer Oliver Schmidt
the internet company
PGP Key ID: 0x83E1C2EA


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Best regards

Olly Schmidt
PGP Key ID: 0x18a9 3a1f 4196 bf22
'76a Eleganza II, VA
'73 Sequoia, SH, Germany
Re: [GMCnet] Smaller fridge - move up or down? [message #285207 is a reply to message #285197] Mon, 17 August 2015 10:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Olly Schmidt is currently offline  Olly Schmidt   United States
Messages: 1265
Registered: February 2014
Location: Germany and Scottsville, ...
Karma: 8
Senior Member

> I can't claim any special knowledge or experience, but I wouldn't even
> consider putting it low. It seems obvious to me that the shorter the
> chimney the better. And you'll be able to take advantage of the curvature
> of the coach side to confine airflow to the fins (which I presume are
> across the top rear like my RM2652's), which is the primary objective of
> the chimney.
>

Below it is. Any suggestion on what to use to keep the fridge up? My
idea would be MDF, go to Lowe's, get them to cut me three pieces. One
for the top (as wide (22") as the empty space between is, and as deep as
the fridge is (19")), two for the side, and one for the back, but maybe
others have better ideas.

--
Best regards

Peer Oliver Schmidt
the internet company
PGP Key ID: 0x83E1C2EA


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Best regards

Olly Schmidt
PGP Key ID: 0x18a9 3a1f 4196 bf22
'76a Eleganza II, VA
'73 Sequoia, SH, Germany
Re: [GMCnet] Smaller fridge - move up or down? [message #285211 is a reply to message #285189] Mon, 17 August 2015 10:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
rcjordan   United States
Messages: 1913
Registered: October 2012
Location: Elizabeth City, North Car...
Karma: 1
Senior Member
>TI Sitara ARM AM335x Starter Kit

New one is plug-n-play (except the UI on the app sucks. Hopefully, some dev will produce a better one soon.)

http://www.ti.com/ww/en/wireless_connectivity/sensortag/

>Essential shall stay as stock as possible

With just hanging the dongle, everything stays stock for the purists. And, with the horror stories about refer fires here at gmcnet and at the co-op, I consider temp monitoring essential.


SOLD 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
76 Eleganza
Elizabeth City, NC
Re: [GMCnet] Smaller fridge - move up or down? [message #285223 is a reply to message #285189] Mon, 17 August 2015 11:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Steve Jess is currently offline  Steve Jess   United States
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Registered: April 2012
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Senior Member
The POs of my coach also put a smaller fridge in (I'm hoping to fix that someday...) They raised it up with wood inserts so the top lined up with the original opening, than put small doors in front of the six inches or so of shelf space that was created...which is pretty deep and makes a handy place to store dry goods, though a drawer would have been a better idea.

Steve Jess - Helena, MT
Helena Bureau ChiefMontana Public Radio

> To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
> Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2015 09:27:12 -0700
> From: rallymaster@juno.com
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Smaller fridge - move up or down?
>
>
> If you have the roof vent, Peer, I'd move the fridge up, and put a new
> bottom in the compartment for the fridge to sit on. The NoCold folks
> claim the bottom of the lower vent should be at the bottom of the fridge
> compartment for best operation and to keep any propane leakage from
> pooling in the compartment. I don't know if Dometic mentions that or
> not. Check their installation manual.
>
> RonC
>
> On Mon, 17 Aug 2015 09:28:14 -0400 Peer Oliver Schmidt GMC
> writes:
>> I bought a new fridge, a Dometic RM2454. This is quite a bit shorter
>> than my existing Norcold. 52" to 36" height.
>>
>> Now I wonder, do I put empty space below the fridge or above the
>> fridge?
>>
>> I would prefer to have empty space below, but would hate to have
>> less
>> than optimal cooling in the fridge, and I read something about a
>> chimney
>> effect one must have.
>>
>> Any and all hints are greatly appreciated.
>> --
>> Best regards
>>
>> Peer Oliver Schmidt
>> PGP Key ID: 0x83E1C2EA
>>
>> '76a Eleganza II, VA
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>
>
> Ron & Linda Clark
> North Plains, ORYGUN
> 78 Eleganza II
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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Re: [GMCnet] Smaller fridge - move up or down? [message #285224 is a reply to message #285189] Mon, 17 August 2015 11:27 Go to previous messageGo to next message
&lt;rallymaster is currently offline  &lt;rallymaster   United States
Messages: 361
Registered: May 2014
Karma: 2
Senior Member

If you have the roof vent, Peer, I'd move the fridge up, and put a new
bottom in the compartment for the fridge to sit on. The NoCold folks
claim the bottom of the lower vent should be at the bottom of the fridge
compartment for best operation and to keep any propane leakage from
pooling in the compartment. I don't know if Dometic mentions that or
not. Check their installation manual.

RonC

On Mon, 17 Aug 2015 09:28:14 -0400 Peer Oliver Schmidt GMC
writes:
> I bought a new fridge, a Dometic RM2454. This is quite a bit shorter
> than my existing Norcold. 52" to 36" height.
>
> Now I wonder, do I put empty space below the fridge or above the
> fridge?
>
> I would prefer to have empty space below, but would hate to have
> less
> than optimal cooling in the fridge, and I read something about a
> chimney
> effect one must have.
>
> Any and all hints are greatly appreciated.
> --
> Best regards
>
> Peer Oliver Schmidt
> PGP Key ID: 0x83E1C2EA
>
> '76a Eleganza II, VA
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>


Ron & Linda Clark
North Plains, ORYGUN
78 Eleganza II


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Re: [GMCnet] Smaller fridge - move up or down? [message #285228 is a reply to message #285189] Mon, 17 August 2015 11:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Carl S. is currently offline  Carl S.   United States
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Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
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Senior Member

The only advantage to moving it down would be that you would have less angle on the flue. This would probably be cancelled out by the increased length. When I installed my Norcold 3-way, there was a note in the installation instructions about the angle of the flue, I exceeded it by quite a few degrees, but the fridge works fine.

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] Smaller fridge - move up or down? [message #285243 is a reply to message #285189] Mon, 17 August 2015 16:04 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   Australia
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Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
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Peer, Here's what I did to make sure the coils of the fridge had plenty of air flow.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/aa-miscellaneous-photos/p43958-fridge-compartment-fan-installation.html



Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Smaller fridge - move up or down? [message #285244 is a reply to message #285243] Mon, 17 August 2015 16:07 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Olly Schmidt is currently offline  Olly Schmidt   United States
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Location: Germany and Scottsville, ...
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Senior Member
Woah, that looks overkill, but I am sure it helps to fight the heat :)

Any idea on my plan for below the fridge? Is MDF a good idea? What
thickness is best?

--
Best regards

Peer Oliver Schmidt
the internet company
PGP Key ID: 0x83E1C2EA


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Best regards

Olly Schmidt
PGP Key ID: 0x18a9 3a1f 4196 bf22
'76a Eleganza II, VA
'73 Sequoia, SH, Germany
[GMCnet] Size of bottom compartment below RM 2454 [message #285250 is a reply to message #285244] Mon, 17 August 2015 16:57 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
Olly Schmidt is currently offline  Olly Schmidt   United States
Messages: 1265
Registered: February 2014
Location: Germany and Scottsville, ...
Karma: 8
Senior Member

> [..]
> Any idea on my plan for below the fridge? Is MDF a good idea? What
> thickness is best?
>
It seems I need 2 times 15x24 for the sides, 1 time 24x24 for the top, 1
time 13 1/2 x 24 for the back. All at 3/4" thick should be good to go imho.

The old Norcold is 52 1/8 x 21 3/4 x 24, the new RM 2454 is 36-9/16 x
23-11/16 x 24 and weights 78lbs empty.

Comments?

--
Best regards

Peer Oliver Schmidt
the internet company
PGP Key ID: 0x83E1C2EA


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Best regards

Olly Schmidt
PGP Key ID: 0x18a9 3a1f 4196 bf22
'76a Eleganza II, VA
'73 Sequoia, SH, Germany
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