Fridge/Freeze

[BajaTaco]

Here is a post regarding the Fridge/Freeze mod - open for discussion and pics.

I just posted a write-up (http://bajataco.com/fridge/fridge1.html) to my website for my particular setup. Let's see yours http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/camera_flash.gif

There are lots of brands and sizes out there (seems there are alot more choices overseas). I am really impressed with what I see on the FridgeFreeze (http://www.fridgefreeze.com/) site. Anyone ever get a chance to try one of these?

If you go to the ExploreOz forum, you will find countless debates on this topic... http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/lol.gif it's almost as bad as discussing religion and politics...


http://www.bajataco.com

[Tawayama]

AWESOME!!!!!

You definitely did that right. My only concern is that when the fridge is loaded it gets HEAVY. I'm sure you've figured out if that cam lock will hold it in place. I would not want that thing sliding around back there!

Tell me more about your battery management system.

Oh, and the temp guage thing is TRICK! Lid magnet- pure genius.

I love it! I want to see more!

/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif

EDIT: I put two of those fridges into my ChuckWagon. Kind of a similar mounting scenario, but mine don't slide. See it here:

http://tawayama.com/gear/trailer/chuckwagon.html

(will someone PLEASE help me figure out how to do links!!!)

/forum/emoticons/headscratch.gif

I've figured out the cute smilies at least! /forum/emoticons/yeah.gif
</div>

Post Edited By Moderator (WhiteThaiGer) : 3/9/2004 6:29:06 AM GMT

[WhiteThaiGer]

Tawàyama said...

http://tawayama.com/gear/trailer/chuckwagon.html

(will someone PLEASE help me figure out how to do links!!!)



Some hints:[/quote]

when editing a post select the text you want to become the link
click on the 'globe with chain links' icon above the editing area
enter the link in the edit field (in the case like the above it'll even put the link in for you)
Hope this helps...
</div>



***************************************
http://www.confluence.org
http://www.usgo.org

[blupaddler]

No actual experience yet with the Fridge/Freeze. So far it seems too expensive. They are a couple hundred dollars more than the ARB/Engel. (on that note what are people's experience with those models or what model do you have?) Although it is made by a local San Diego company. There is also a rumor flying around my department that the Fire trucks might be getting them soon. Something about hydrationhttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif </div>
I will update if I hear or see anything from locals.</div>

robb

[expeditionswest]

That chuck-wagon is soooo cool http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/supercool.gif. I don't know how I missed that article...http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/headscratch.gif
I have an ARB 42L freezer/fridge that Doron is babysitting for me, and an Engle42L that I have mounted in the Trooper. I got a great deal on the Norcold, or else I would not have two of these pricey toys. The ARB/ENGLE/Norcold units are all made by Engle, and they have the best aftermarket support for mounts, transit bags, sliders, drawer systems, etc.

Here is the install of the Norcold/Engle in the Trooper (http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/trooper/fridge_mo/Trooper_fridge.html)

This is a very nice Engle unit

http://www.expeditionexchange.com/sema2003/DSC08159_.jpg
Unless you have a monster like Chris', most units will only carry 4-5 days of food and drinks, so I have found some ways to make the best use of the space by refilling into the Fridge the items that can be left out until you need them (like drinks, etc.). These units also put a major strain on the battery. I have drained mine down several times, and even in a few hours. The dual (divorced) battery system is the only way to go, and will be a required mod for me...

</div>


Scott Brady
mailto:guide@expeditionswest.com (guide@expeditionswest.com)
http://www.expeditionswest.com

[Tawayama]

Nice install in the Trooper (I had 3 Troopers before I went to Land Rovers....).

I have a third ARB fridge, the medium size (can't remember the number), that I use in the rear box of the CrewCab when I don't take the ChuckWagon out. I haven't yet made a mounting system for it to affix it to the floor, so far have just used nylon straps to keep it in place.

Was thinking strongly about the slide-out that Engel sells, or doing something similar to what you did in your trooper with the turn-buckles and tiedowns.

Anyone have any thoughts about the slideouts?

Michael Slade
Tawàyama Safaris Inc.
http://www.tawayama.com

[BajaTaco]

Tawàyama said...
AWESOME!!!!!

You definitely did that right. My only concern is that when the fridge is loaded it gets HEAVY. I'm sure you've figured out if that cam lock will hold it in place. I would not want that thing sliding around back there!

Tell me more about your battery management system.Thanks! So far the cam system works OK. But I would like to come up with something that looks better, and works better. An issue I have found with the cam, is that the rope get's a little bit of "memory" to it, and allows just a little bit of play - so that during hard cornering or jarring the fridge will move back and forth just enough to be annoying. The short fix is to wedge a shirt, or a towel in between the rope and the fridge. But, I would like to add a 3rd rail under the fridge, that has a couple sliding pegs of some sort,that can be locked down at any given point along the track. That would be a better setup.

Regarding the battery management system - I will start another thread on that. I am curious about yours too.


http://www.bajataco.com

[MrS]

Since we are doing a fridge tell-all, here is what I've got.</div>



I picked up and old Norcold about 1998. Not much to tell, but having it hooked up to an aux battery is a big plus. The one I have is small and we seem to overfill it often. I hope to someday have a big fridge like Baja.</div>



I'd guess this unit was about 10 years old when I got it, but since it was only $100, I figured it was a good buy. Now that it 6 years later, I'm happy.</div>



I do know this thing is great. I haveused it when the outside temps are in the 110 to 115 degree range, inside the camper I was hotter, and everything stays nice and cold. While others are burning-thru (no pun) ice, I'm adding warn drinks for later. I would be bummed if I had to go back to an ice chest.</div>



One con to a fridge is, it could stop working without any warning. Ice chest gives lots of warning. I'd like to add, it easy to carry extra everything, except ice.and if you add warn dricks to ice, it goesFAST.</div>




KF6YSB

[blupaddler]

O.K. </div>
http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/hop.gif http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/hop.gif So Uncle Sam finally came through and hooked me up. Now I can get the desired Fridge/Freeze. I think I have decided on the Engel 42(?). They seem to be a little cheaper than the ARB units, and since they are made by the same people, it should not matter.</div>



My Question is: I have searched around the internet and it seems they go for around $700 or so. Does anyone know of some special place to find one cheaper? I have been checking ebay everyday searching both ARB/Engel. So any recommendations? Or even better yet anyone want to sell me theirs? Or...should I be considering the 60 model?!?!http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/joker1.gif http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/joker1.gif </div>

robb

[BajaTaco]

I don't know of any super-cheap places to get one. When I was in the market to buy, I regularly checked eBay, and they are not listed very often. When they are, they usually get bid up pretty high. One thing you might consider, is to try to organize a group buy and see if there is a dealer who is willing to work with you on that.

http://www.4x4groupbuy.com/

I have a friend who knows the guys at ARB USA, so if you can come up with some serious candidates for a purchase, I could talk to him to see if he can arrange a discount through ARB in Washington. (but like you said, the ARB's usually cost more, so I'm not sure how effective this would be).


http://www.bajataco.com

[Tawayama]

Call up ARB directly in Seattle. See if they have any damaged ones. Usually the damaged ones get sent back and re-sold for CHEAP. I got two of mine that way and saved a bundle.

They won't be damaged to the point of not working, usually it's just a dent or scratch on the metal cover. Get a transit bag and fuggettabouuuutit.

:)

Michael Slade
Tawàyama Safaris Inc.
http://www.tawayama.com

[JackSilb]

Boy, you guys are doing serious work here. This is discussion good.

Michael, what great job on the trailer. Way cool!
-JACK


So much to see, so little time. Try using your 4WD tosee and do more.
Tread Lightly! empowers generations to enjoy the outdoors responsibly...
http://www.4wdtrips.net

[BajaTaco]

OK - one issue to discuss here is using a fridge while camped in one spot for any length of time, with no driving to recharge the battery(s). This situation results in a couple of different scenarios.

1. You run the fridge as long as possible on your batteries reserve power, until it falls to whatever you have determined is an acceptable limit. This could be totally flat, or only down to 12.0 volts, or maybe 10.0 volts, or whatever. The capability of your alternator to charge the battery back up when you do eventually get back on the trail is a consideration.

2. Solar power or other means of recharging the battery(s). I suppose there are any number of possibilities, but solar is probably the most common. If using solar, you may want to consider a regulator between the panel(s) and your battery, depending on the type of panels, battery, and what your current consumption (load) is.

I do not have a solar setup, so I am limited to scenario number 1 for the time-being. I initially tried to expiriment with running my reserve battery pretty low and unfortunately was not able to get any reliabledata because my battery was a lemon. I still have yet to run the full gamut of tests with the new battery. I am using an Optima yellow top D31T as my aux. battery. I have a stock Toyota alternator. I am not sure of the output, but believe it is somewhere in the neighborhood of 70 to 90 amps. When fully charged by the charging system, the battery's resting voltage is about 13.0 volts

This past weekend, I went to the Kofa Nat'l Wildlife Refuge to train with Scott and Uwe for the adventure race. I tried an obvious trick with my fridge - I used two plastic containers of water totaling 3.5 gallons, and froze them before I left on the trip. I loaded them in the fridge with my food and drinks and left on Friday afternoon. I got to camp around 7 pm on Friday night. The truck stayed parked until Sunday around noon (about 41 hours). I adjusted the thermostat on the way to Kofa so that the fridge would maintain about 33° F (0.5° C). At camp on the first night, I adjusted it to about 36° F (2.2° C). Before retiring for the night, I turned it off. I was careless and did not record the overnight ambient air temperature in the cabin where the fridge is (in fact, I neglected to record actual cabin temps all weekend - my mind was preoccupied with other things). My guess is that overnight temps were in the low 60's F (mid teens C). When I checked the fridge temp. in the morning, it had only increased by 2 degrees. We left for the day's training, and I had to lock up the truck. I left the side vent windows cracked open for some air circulation. I adjusted the thermostat to the highest temperature setting to drain the battery as little as possible. I am sure the ambient temperature inside the cabin exceeded 100° F (38° C)during midday on both days, as outside temps were likely in the mid 90'sF (mid 30's C). I checked the fridge on late Saturdayafternoon when we returned, and it was at a cool 40.7° F (4.8° C). Not bad! I again turned it back down to a setting of about 36° F (2.2° C) for the rest of the evening. Once again, I turned it off before retiring. Sunday was a repeat of the previous day, except that we departed camp around noon. Before leaving, I pulled the negative connections from the battery and let it sit for about 15 minutes before taking a voltage reading with the MM. I recorded a voltage of 12.7 volts http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/wink.gif . Keep in mind that other than the fridge, I only used the battery for about 20 minutes of VHF radio operation, and maybe 10 minutes for a 5W halogen lamp.

Using this info, I can see an advantage to having a 60 liter fridge is the ability to put some nice big ice containers in there to reduce power consumption, and still have ample room for food and beverages. Of course, this ratio would diminish on a longer trip, but it is still pretty nice. Also, adding some insulation to the box for the time when it is sitting idle in the heat would certainly help as well. I noted that one of my ice containers (2.5 gallon), did not have a chance to freeze completely before I removed it from the freezer at home and left for the trip. The one gallon container did. If I was able to get the larger container to freeze solid, that would have helped even more. Using this preliminary data, I am speculating that I could use about 35-40% (24 liters)of the storage capacityfor icecontainers, and use theremaining (36 liters)for food and drink, and be able to park the vehicle for possibly 4 days without flattening the battery (or running out of food?). Beverages can always be added to the fridge asneeded (but this will increase power consumption somewhat). And this also depends on the type of beverage and ambient dry storage temperatures.I will just have to expiriment more!

</div>


http://www.bajataco.com


Post Edited (BajaTaco) : 3/23/2004 12:33:18 AM GMT

[VikingVince]

Hello everyone...I just joined the forum and this is my first post, although I've been reading the forum for a few weeks. This site is a great idea, a wealth of information, and obviously filled with adventurers who have a great deal of knowledge and experience...thanks to all for sharing.

Chris, it seems to me your frig/freez and battery came through that test scenario with flying colors. The minimal drain on the aux battery was especially impressive. I hope you'll keep us posted of results on a longer trip. I've had my eye on the ARB type units for several years but couldn't justify the price. A little info for everyone - recently in my web wanderings I discovered the Coolmatic frig/freezer. They have several size units, the largest being a 52 quart model for $487...a good price compared to similar ARB, Engel etc. models. At the web site(posted below), there's a good review from a boating magazine. (Coolmatic is in Florida and apparently does lot of boat business)

Also, most of these ARB, Engel, Norcold units are electrical only. I found one portable frig/freez (a 2.2 cubic ft Zero for $665 - website below) that is electrical and propane...thereby being able to switch to propane when sitting in one place for 5-6 days...don't know if it's designed to withstand offroad angles. However, I've read from several different sources that the propane function does not keep things as cold...consensus for propane seems to be 40-47 degrees in 90 degree ambient temp...NOT cold enough for my beer!!...but servicable for food. Does anyone have experience with propane units, such as the Explorer(propane only) or the Dometic RC 3000(3 way). I don't mean small RV frigs...these Explorer and Dometic units look like plastic/polyethylene coolers.

www.coolmatic.com (http://www.coolmatic.com)
www.propaneproducts.com (http://www.propaneproducts.com)

bye for now

Post Edited By Moderator (WhiteThaiGer) : 3/24/2004 5:40:54 PM GMT

[AlWalter]

I have a Dometic 3 way cooler. You are correct, the propane mode doesn't cool to as low a temperature as the 110 mode. I have never used the 12v mode. I've had it for about 10 years now & the only real problem I've had is in the propane valve/reg. unit. It had to be replaced 3 times at about $35.00 each time. In propane mode, keeping the unit level helps.

For trips up to 4 days, I use my extreme cooler with 2 liter water bottles frozen. Longer trips I do use the Dometic. Depending on the situation, I'll use the propane cannisters or a 2 gal or 5 gal bulk tank.

KG6SGM
Always ready to go.

[expeditionswest]

Vince

Thanks for posting! If you purchase one of those units, let us know how it works out.

One of the great features of the ARB and similar products is the near silent operation and hinged compressor. It will work at any angle, and has survived years of abuse in my case.http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/hitting.gif

Take care!

Scott Brady
mailto:guide@expeditionswest.com (guide@expeditionswest.com)
http://www.expeditionswest.com

[BajaTaco]

Here is a link for FLYWGN - we were discussing units that have both freezer and fridge compartments. This is the place in Tucson (http://www.actionafrica.com ) that I mentioned that carries one of the brands I was talking about. It looks like theydo indeed work with24V (as well as multiple AC power options) and are called R-Tique (http://www.actionafrica.com/freezex.html)

They look NICE! (and I'll bet the price matches the looks toohttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif ).
</div>


http://www.bajataco.com

[bufeo]

Many thanks, 'taco',</div>
I looked up Pat's (or was it Tim's...can't remember) review on off-road.com and remembered having read about the fridge/freezer elsewhere. Turns out it was in a letter from a friend about this same subject. Oh well, so much for memory synapses.</div>
I'll do my homework.</div>











Here's to meeting good people on bad roads!

[VikingVince]

Holy sh**...a new 60 liter Norcold MRFT frig/freezer retails for $1400.!!!!!...I'm thinking there has to be a cheaper way. I recently discovered this website posted below. This guy has been in the boat frig business for 20 years and has a couple books out...one is all about 12v and 24v refrigeration. At his website, he claims you can take any large cooler and convert it to a refrigerator using a compressor and an evaporator. He recommends the Danfoss 35BDf compressor...a very good compressor which is used in Waeco units and I think some other name brands...maybe some of the Norcold. You can buy this compressor for $122 from Johnstone Supply...don't know what the evaporator costs. Anyway, the 12v book is $25...am thinking of ordering it...has anyone tried this? If this works, you could have a 60 liter frig at a fraction of a new Norcold MRFT 60.
www.kollmann-marine.com (http://www.kollmann-marine.com)

Post Edited By Moderator (BajaTaco) : 4/1/2004 9:16:43 PM GMT

[GoodTimes]

I am doing some research into building my own 'fridge, most likely by converting a cooler. You would need more than a compressor and a evaporator (lets not forget the condensor and expansion valve to make the most basic of a 'fridge, and all the associated piping). To make it practical, you will also need a fan for the condensor, and really, for the evaporator too.

But, like so many projects, I have too many, and no time for any of them. It will likely take me a year or two to actually get to a point where I can seriously explore this idea.


olllllllo <---- If you can read that, roll me over.

KG6OWO

Price is soon forgotton, quality is not.

[BajaTaco]

I think this is a very interesting approach to doing a fridge, and think it's fine if you can build it correctly. After all, that is what these hi-dollar fridges are - an insulated box with components added to them. But I am certainly no expert on refrigeration, so I couldn't really make any worthwhile suggestions here. One thing I will note though, is that the Norcold and similar types have a cooling element (evaporator)that is encased in a skin/plate that surrounds the entire box for even cooling (see pic) (http://www.bajataco.com/fridge/fridge05.jpg). If you don't have this, then I believe you will need to have a fan inside the cooler box in order to distribute the cooling effectively. As GT mentioned, there may be other components that add up to a considerable amount of tinkering and work to get it all up to snuff. If you have time for such research andfridge building, it could be a really fun project. As I mentioned in the frist post, you could head over to www.exploreoz.com (http://www.exploreoz.com) and get on the forum - some of those folks might have experience with building their own. Or maybe marine or RV forums, where they are likely to have experience doing custom "built-in" units that are integrated into cabin/coach furniture.


Side note: Yes, I edited Vince's post above, but didn't add the asteriks (Vince did those himself http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif ) I just made the website URL a hot-link. I assume Vince intended that, as he had the "URL" in brackets before the link. Vince, when you want to add a hot-link, just highlight the text that you want to be "hot" with your mouse cursor, and then click the little hyperlink icon on the toolbar (globe with chain-link symbol) and then enter the URL in the prompt window and hit "enter".


http://www.bajataco.com

[BajaTaco]

I just looked at his site - I think I have been there before a long time ago. Reading the TOC for his book - it looks great. Lots of stuff to learn. Like I said, this could be a fun project. Not sure about cost savings if you consider the labor involved. It would certainly be well followed by the readers of this forum!

BTW, check out this link that I shared with MrS a long time ago...

http://www.portable-engel-chescold-more.com.au/Products2/engel_units.htm


http://www.bajataco.com

[GoodTimes]

Chris, the cost savings over a 'production' fridge probably won't be that great. The evaporator is a problem, and adds to the complexity and size of it (assuming you don't use a evaporator that wraps around the box). The cool part about building it yourself is that, well, you built it yourself. That is the same reason I am seriously considering building part of my suspension lift myself. They really won't be any cheaper, but I can taylor them to my application, and I can have fun doing it.


olllllllo <---- If you can read that, roll me over.

KG6OWO

Price is soon forgotton, quality is not.

[VikingVince]

thanks for the thoughts guys...I sent this Kollmann guy an email a few days ago about his book and he responded...I'll send him another one and see if he'll tell me how much I could expect to spend on components for his cooler converted frig and whether or not it cools uniformly. That was a good pic of the plate in your frig, chris...at Kollmann's website the pic of his cooler just has a plate in the back. Although from reading segments of his website I think that plate is one inch thick...so maybe that makes a difference...stay tuned


chris, thanks for telliing me how to do the 'hot' url's. I hate spending 20 minutes reading the help section to figure those things out. I've just spent 15 minutes trying to put this last part in italics following the same procedures and variations of...I've deleted this part of the post twice and the entire message once!!! aggghhhhh...can't get those emoticons in either...now you know I'm computer illiterate as well as truck mod illiterate...(but I can play guitar and sing!)

[WhiteThaiGer]

This is interesting stuff about the DIY fridge. Savings my come from building more than one unit. All the figuring out has to be done only onces. Looks like there are a number of us who are interested in a fridge, but don't want/can't pay the $800 and up. A fridge is not the highest priority for us right now, but I am following this closely and I am ready to move if I see some reasonalbly priced solution.

Vince, I fixed an emoticon for you in some older post. It's really easyhttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/confused2.gif:
1) Write/Edit your text
2) Make sure the cursor/caretis at the position you want the emoticon to appear
3) Now use the mouse cursor (arrow) and just click on an emotion in that window to the left of the editing window.
4) And here it is http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/help.gif
To remove an emoticon click on it with the mouse cursor and press the delete key on your keyboard.
If you have any other questions just ask start a thread or ask them in an existing thread in the "Test Forum" forum. I put some step-by-step stuff on avatars and file attachment there before.

</div>



***************************************
http://www.confluence.org
http://www.usgo.org

[blupaddler]

On the note of cheap fridges...and the risk of losing one myself to one of you characters...http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/cry2.gif


I have been checking ebay (ALOT) lately. There is a seller, "rvexit" who has a couple of norcold MRFT 42(?) and a MRFT 60 for sale. It seems as if they have been reconditioned at the factory and come with a one year warranty. I was going to try and contact him today via the phone number, but work got busy. The starting bid is $429 for the MRFT60 and $449 for the MRFT4?. Not too sure why the smaller one is more expensive though, it has been suggested that not everyone desires the HUGE ONE!!!http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/cool.gif http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/cool.gif


Just thought I would pass that on to the rest of us "regular ice-chest" people.http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/bowdown.gif

WHERE 2 NEXT


robb

[VikingVince]

uwe, thanks for the editing help. I'm gonna throw in a quick, minimal business analysis here: The companies that make these frig/freezers make their profit on margin, not on volume...simply because the worldwide market for this product is relatively small compared to the market for tires or toothpaste, for example. (The classic example of margin vs volume is art galleries and grocery stores; art galleries make their money on margin and grocery stores make their money on volume)
Hence, the high prices of the larger frig units range from $500-$1800 and more...ouch...

therefore, since Johnstone supply sells the compressor for $122 (and that's retail...it's probably half of that at wholesale if we had a friend with a contractor's license who would buy for us!), I'm guessing that all the components could be purchased for well below $500...of course I could be wrong...but I'm gonna find out...stay tuned (of course if I find a steal for a hundred bucks I'll drop the whole project) /forum/emoticons/bounce2.gif /forum/emoticons/bounce2.gif

[MrS]

VikingVince said...

I'm guessing that all the components could be purchased for well below $500...of course I could be wrong...but I'm gonna find out...stay tuned
I will stay tuned:

1st off, I NEVER NEVER NEVER want to get in the way of a project, infact I support all projects and think there is no reason you should not do this.

BUT

I think you $500 is a little off mark, unless you have access to the tools for a project like this, Vac.pump, gauges, tourch, compressed air, etc. thats about $500 right there. Of course a reason to buy tools is 75% of a reason to do a projectIMO.

I've looked into building my own unit,* not to save $$, butto to have 100% what I NEEEDDD ( I guess "want" is a better word). At this time (talk to me in an hour)I am not sure it would be worth all the work. I think I'd be better off doing some re-config work on the truck**.

I really like how Baja's worked out, and my WAG is, the fridge was the chapest part of that whole project. Plus a fridge will last many (easy 20) years, and should always have some resale value. Like Jack says about radios, divide the price-by-the-months-of-use and you looking at about$10/month.

*( I have access to the tools and the know-how, working on A/C &amp;fridges is part of my job)

** I have the fridge, it just won't fit the way I want it to.


KF6YSB

[MrS]

Side note to my above post:</div>



Last time I used an Ice chest (bobs party) I paid $6 for ice. That's what they said at the party. Ice has become a PITA to deal with, most people are much better at it than me.</div>






ONE BIG con to our fridges. When they fail, you are SOL.About the only part that can be field-repaired is the latch on the lid. Ice dosen't just fail, it slowly goes away, but you see that coming.</div>



Am I helping at all, or just stirring a pot??http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/lol.gif </div>

KF6YSB

[MrS]

VikingVince said...

(of course if I find a steal for a hundred bucks I'll drop the whole project) I don't want to rain on any bodies parade. BUT the odds of finding a 12/120V fridge for $100 must be about like finding a working 9000Lb winch along side of the road. I'm sure that happens, but it must be some long odds. http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/notme.gif

KF6YSB

[blupaddler]

Hey Steve...</div>
I am sure I can get YOUR fridge to fit in MY car.http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif </div>



But I agree with you on the ice thing. I used to make my own block ice for trips, but that was using my parents extra freezer and a rubbermaid container. But my parents, now being free of children, didn't need the freezer anymore. So, I have now resorted to trying to find ice. Even more difficult sometimes, finding block ice. PITAhttp://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/mad.gif </div>



Steve, on a side note...Did Demello make your sliders? The picture on his website looked like your truck.http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/cool.gif </div>

WHERE 2 NEXT


robb

[VikingVince]

Steve,

LOL LOL loved your analogy to finding a winch alongside the road...I'm still laughin...that was great!!!

I'm glad you're mechanical/technical...didn't know you needed specialized tools to do something like this...I have a fairly well supplied woodworking shop/artist's studio - power tools, hand tools, bench equipment, welding equipment, etc but don't have some of the stuff you mentioned nor the knowledge of how to use it...I guess I naively thought this cooler to frig conversion was straightforward - buy the components, drill some holes, do a little wiring, etc...thanks for the enlightenment

I have an email out to the author of this book about the average cost of components...will be interested to see if he responds...stay tuned for for more naive possibilites

[MrS]

blupaddler said...

Steve, on a side note...Did Demello make your sliders? The picture on his website looked like your truck.Yes thats my picture, Thanks, I didn't know he was going to use it. I need a better low angle pic with a BFR in it to send him.



KF6YSB

[MrS]

VikingVince said...

I have an email out to the author of this book about the average cost of components...will be interested to see if he responds...I would think if he wants you to buy his $35 book he will reply. There would be some work to this, and unless he tells you how, there is going to be alot of research, calcs. and maybe some R&amp;D testing. I'm sure he can give out a few tid-bits and still make you need his book.

Thanks for posting that web site.

KF6YSB

[VikingVince]

Well, so much for the D-I-Y spirit to convert a cooler to a fridg. I got carried away by the teaser information on Kollmann's website. Kollmann responded to my email saying 'building a refrigerator from scratch is a difficult process and does require refrigeration tools.' He sure doesn't say that at his website!!...but it was decent of him to honestly disclose. He recommended that I check out the Engel 42 quart and added 'they cost around $600 and you couldn't build one for that.' Well, THAT was the clincher for sure! I'm off of this pursuit bigtime...hey steve, maybe I'll go look alongside the road!...:-) I guess Kollmann's books are intended for professionals...that impression isn't really conveyed at his website...at least not in the way I read the English language.

[GoodTimes]

VikingVince said...
....He recommended that I check out the Engel 42 quart and added "they cost around $600 and you couldn't build one for that." ....Well, yes and no. Depends on where you shop, and what kind of parts you use, and how fast you want it. Discarded, non-functioningrefrigerators are full of good parts. It is a matter of time and energy to find the right components, and you could build one much cheaper than $600....not including the tools.


olllllllo <---- If you can read that, roll me over.

KG6OWO

Price is soon forgotton, quality is not.

[Ramdough]

http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/headscratch.gif Planning my deck http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/idea.gif

Looking at getting a FridgeFreeze (http://www.fridgefreeze.com/)(after many other mods, just day dreaming)

I read a review (http://http://www.off-road.com/dodge/reviews/fridgefreeze/)once that basically said it beat the fan blown style "hands down".

Based on size and space required (not cost), any thoughts on what size to get?

I would like to put it in the camper on slides. I have a smaller truck bed than most (Double Cab Taco), but I will not sleep in it, so I could probably fill it to the brim.

I would like to build my truck for extended trips, so the larger fridge is appealing.

Forthose that have one, why did you pick the size you have? Do you evere wish you had a larger one?

[MrS]

Ramdough said...
Forthose that have one, why did you pick the size you have? Do you evere wish you had a larger one?
I picked the size of my fridge byresearching my ice chest use, room in truck, and calc. the size then, when I found a SUPER GOOD PRICEon a Norcold of a smaller size.

So basicly unit price set size. http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/biggrin.gif

One thing to remember about fridges: You don't have to have EVERYTHING cold when you load your truck for a trip. You can add warm soda, beer, water, even some foods later to refill your fridge along the trail. With drinks, this saves lots fridge space.



</div>

KF6YSB

Post Edited (MrS) : 4/12/2004 3:02:53 PM GMT

[GoodTimes]

That is a good point Steve. Unlike a cooler, where you really want everything to be cold when you load the ice into it......


olllllllo <---- If you can read that, roll me over.

KG6OWO

Price is soon forgotton, quality is not.

[BajaTaco]

[quote]

MrS said...
One thing to remember about fridges: You don't have to have EVERYTHING cold when you load your truck for a trip. You can add warm soda, beer, water, even some foods later to refill your fridge along the trail. With drinks, this saves lots fridge space.
I will just add a comment that this is indeed a good point to make regarding space saving measures, but keep in mind that this method works best for a vehicle that will be on the move after the warm stuff is added (either the same day or following day). Adding warm stuff to the fridge requires extra run time to get the contents back to the desired temp, and this could strain a system that has to last for an extended period on a battery with no charging from the alternator (i.e. camped in one spot for many days).


Regarding size - my choice was also based on price. However, if the price hadn't been a factor, I probably still would have chosen the 60L unit (or similar large size). I just think it is a nice size to have for a long trip (9 days in mexico last fall is a good example) especially if there are two people (or more). Another thing that I am finding out about using the 60L is that you can put some big containers in there that contain solid ice and greatly improve the efficiency while still having room for food and drinks. The amount of ice can be adjusted for whatever volume of food you want to carry, but it seems to offer more options. The plus side to the 40L size is that they will likely use less power, and more importantly (for smaller vehicles) they occupy less space and weigh less. I think the weight savings warrants special consideration if you plan to add alot of gear and equipment to the vehicle. Unless you know you will do long trips where the 60L is appropriate, then not much sense in adding the extra weight. (unless of course, you get a smokin deal on a 60L!)

</div>


http://www.bajataco.com

[BajaTaco]

Some info from BajaXplorer regarding his recent "bench-testing" of his new 42 litre ARB fridge...




BajaXplorer said...




Tried the unplugging of fridge last night. Had it about half full and down to 28 degrees when I unplugged it at 8PM in a room that maintained about78 degrees overnight. This morning at 6AMwhen I plugged it back in it was at 40 degrees. Not bad at all! Tonight I will try the same thing with some additional insulation (moving pad) in the garage which is about 110 at 8PM and 95 at 6AM.


BX
BX, follow up and let us know what else you find out. Thanks http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/ok-kewl.gif


BAJATACO.COM (http://bajataco.com)

[expeditionswest]

I have found that keeping one or two of the gell ice blocks in the unit really improves performance...


(I cant say how much though, as I havent done any good tests with it yet)


Scott Brady
mailto:guide@expeditionswest.com (guide@expeditionswest.com)
http://www.expeditionswest.com