Camper fridge up-grade and Power supply

Cummins_expo

Adventurer
Our 2013 Grandby has the tiny Dometic 12v fridge. For most quick getaways this gets the job done. I miss the space of the Norcold fridge we had in our Hallmark. Yet as I read through the 2 or so 12v fridge threads I don't see front load style fridges coming up often. Typically locker style are reviewed and discussed. I have checked out :

Engle built ins 60 qt ( 2 cu. feet ?) = Power Requirements: 2.7A @ 12V DC; 0.9A @ 110V AC $729.00 ( doesn't seem much bigger ) But best price by $200-350 compared

IsoTherm Cruise 4.6 cu.feet = Draw: 5A@12V DC or 2.5A@24V DC ) $1,124

Dometic CoolMatic CR 3.9 cu.feet = 5.9 Amps at 12 Volts DC ( kind of Pricey with higher amp consumption) $1,099.00

Truckfridge built in TF130AC/DC [115 V AC/12 V DC] Average consumption 24 watts/hour $699.00

The goal is to have it fit where the current fridge is ( cutting upwards for increased size)

I have measured and with my current layout locker fridges just won't fit anywhere effectively.

The plan is to help out my current dual battery bank ( 79 ah AGM x2) with 200 watts of solar. Perhaps try to find higher AH batteries that fit in the same space. It would seem sitting idel the current Dometic draws down the battery rather quickly. So I imagine aa larger fridge may do the same. The more expensive fridge options seem a little better at power consumption. Also plan to add 2nd fantastic fan above the bed.

Solar build
Renogy Eclipse 100 watt x2 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B3TEM1E/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Renogy Wanderer — 30A PWM Charge Controller https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BCTLIHC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Renogy Mc4- to ASE adaptor ( Zamp roof plug)

MC4 branch connectors ( to link panels)

Blue Sea ANL fuse holder and 30 Amp fuse ( no sure on best fuse size for this set up)

All connected to the FWC prewired Solar ..
 
I suspect you'll find the Engel or Truck Fridge much easier on power consumption than your current Dometic. I'm not sure which style refer you're looking at, but a chest style versus front opening will me much more efficient. Far less air exchange when the top door is opened.

A trick to make the Dometic more efficient is to add a couple of 12VDC computer cooling fans to circulate air over the condenser. A thermostat (80° ish) controlling a small relay would be an effective way of installing them. With cooling fans and your upgraded solar, you can probably avoid having to change out the refer.
 
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Cummins_expo

Adventurer
I suspect you'll find the Engel or Truck Fridge much easier on power consumption than your current Dometic. I'm not sure which style refer you're looking at, but a chest style versus front opening will me much more efficient. Far less air exchange when the top door is opened.

A trick to make the Dometic more efficient is to add a couple of 12VDC computer cooling fans to circulate air over the condenser. A thermostat (80° ish) controlling a small relay would be an effective way of installing them. With cooling fans and your upgraded solar, you can probably avoid having to change out the refer.

Looking up 12VDC mods for the fridge feel free to post any link you may find or have handy
 

Cummins_expo

Adventurer
Indel-B (The Truckfridge maker) has a bunch of other styles:

http://www.indelb.com/products/automotive/truck_van_fridges

I still like the chest type, but you can get a regular front-opening fridge with the same internals. A lot of people put their chest-type fridges on a slide-out bracket to make them fit in a camper.

200W is more than enough solar to keep one of those lit 24/7.

Arclight

Missed the Indel Thanks- Would love to use a chest style. This would be great if I didn't already have a built out interior. I have been measuring and I just don't have the room to put a fridge on a slide.
 

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