Bikersmurf
Expedition Leader
Considering buying a Dometic 12v fridge. Looking at a CR-50... thoughts?
What are you running?
What are you running?
Fridges
- Thread starter Bikersmurf
- Start date
silvrzuki77
explorer
I have the CR50, jeez I think it’s been about 8 years since I have bought it and haven’t had any issues! Wish I would have a grabbed a bigger version.
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Stitebunny
Adventurer
I’m looking for a fridge also.
Do you have a link to this one?
Is it top load or front? I prefer front loader. I think it’s easier to organize and pack.
Do you have a link to this one?
Is it top load or front? I prefer front loader. I think it’s easier to organize and pack.
Bikersmurf
Expedition Leader
Front loader.
It’s the same as a Truck Fridge 49
https://www.truckfridge.com/truckfridge-models/tf49/
It’s the same as a Truck Fridge 49
https://www.truckfridge.com/truckfridge-models/tf49/
Bikersmurf
Expedition Leader
Average power consumption is 1.3A/h at 25 c which is about 77 f.
Bikersmurf
Expedition Leader
I was considering a 28 top load till I saw how tiny it was. I think the 50 is small... but workable for camping.
Bikersmurf
Expedition Leader
Sure says a lot about Engel! I’ve considered a Engel Drawer fridge. However cost is 2x for roughly 1/2 the space. None of the local suppliers seem to have them also.
Dometic uses a SECOP (Danfoss) compressor which seem to be well respected (as are Engel).
Overall compressor type fridges seem to be happiest when they don’t sit. Many last forever as long as they are plugged in... leave them sit for six months and you’re rolling a die.
Fuggly, do you find it to be adequately sized? I know bigger could be better, but it also means more solar, more batteries, and less space for other things,
Mwilliamshs
Explorer
Not necessarily. Same compressor means same amp draw. Only difference is a larger cold area to keep cold. Keep the big fridge and freezer full and the needs for solar and batteries of both fridges should be the same. It's dead space (air) that impacts thermal efficiency. So long as your thermal mass is high, keeping it cold isn't more work. Try cooling air though, and yes, a big fridge takes more energy.
Bikersmurf
Expedition Leader
True... but getting more things cold will take more energy.
Also with front loading fridges there almost always is a bunch of air. Which is why some would argue they’re less efficient... but if you have to empty a top loader to get to something at the bottom, it’ll be open much longer than grabbing it off a shelf. Each design has drawbacks.
Also with front loading fridges there almost always is a bunch of air. Which is why some would argue they’re less efficient... but if you have to empty a top loader to get to something at the bottom, it’ll be open much longer than grabbing it off a shelf. Each design has drawbacks.
Bikersmurf,
As I said the fridge is a 1975 39/40 L ( I bought it 20 years ago second hand for Aus$700 ) and as such it has a 29L evaporater / cooling element in it meaning it will only freeze in that area so basically the top half is the freezer and the bottom is the fridge....
The Engel suits us as we are only out for a week or so.....and never far from a town well maybe 5 or so hrs....
If we were to do longer trips I would get another 40L and use that as a freezer
We take a mix of tucker cans as well as wet food like steaks chops and sausages etc....
I have had a look at the draw type fridge but still not convinced at 35 L it might be ok for snacks ...
Cheers Fugly
As I said the fridge is a 1975 39/40 L ( I bought it 20 years ago second hand for Aus$700 ) and as such it has a 29L evaporater / cooling element in it meaning it will only freeze in that area so basically the top half is the freezer and the bottom is the fridge....
The Engel suits us as we are only out for a week or so.....and never far from a town well maybe 5 or so hrs....
If we were to do longer trips I would get another 40L and use that as a freezer
We take a mix of tucker cans as well as wet food like steaks chops and sausages etc....
I have had a look at the draw type fridge but still not convinced at 35 L it might be ok for snacks ...
Cheers Fugly
86scotty
Cynic
I've had and installed about 5 or 6 front door Truckfridge models now, they all have the Danfoss/Secop compressor and are pretty amazing. I know a lot of people want a chest fridge though. My old faithful (not 1975 but about 4-5 years and 5 or so rigs now) is a Truckfridge steel model (rebranded IndelB steel chest model). It is the best performer I've ever had and is bulletproof. It's also about 75 lbs. empty. Damn thing is just plain heavy. I did this write up on Truckfridge when I was there a few years back.
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/forums/f34/the-truckfridge-company-17937.html
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/forums/f34/the-truckfridge-company-17937.html
Bikersmurf
Expedition Leader
I’ve been looking high and low and $500 CDN (+/- $385 USD) appears to be a heck of a deal for a Dometic 50 liter fridge. It uses a SECOP compressor... and the interior looks almost identical to a Truck Fridge... with all the same well thought out features.
Given it seems to be a decent size and will fit well in the cabinets with a microwave... I hope to pick one up this coming week.
Now I just have to decide if I install it midway down the cabinets or at the back. I’m leaning towards in the middle of the box... more central, and less likely for all the contents to be pulverized if I go over a bump too quick.
Given it seems to be a decent size and will fit well in the cabinets with a microwave... I hope to pick one up this coming week.
Now I just have to decide if I install it midway down the cabinets or at the back. I’m leaning towards in the middle of the box... more central, and less likely for all the contents to be pulverized if I go over a bump too quick.
Mwilliamshs
Explorer
Gotta share the source
