We Have Walls!! VMI Alpine XL Build

FyrFly

Voyager
BTW: This is Mike's response regarding your concerns: (Mike is very, very good at answering questions - in depth!)


The Istotherm fridges both the Cruise 190 that you and Samn are getting and the Cruise 200 that the person with the question is wanting are extremely quiet units. Basically they are the Wolf or Viking of the high end yacht market so low power consumption and overall low noise volume are at the top of the importance list from us here at VMI and from Isotherm. The freezer section on the cruise 200 should not increase the compressor noise on the fridge. The power consumption on both models is extremely low at start up and full running they run at 6 amp at 12v DC power and average once up to temp 2.3amps during run cycles. Take into account their high grade construction and insulation the amount of time they actual run throughout a 24hr period is extremely low. We have seen in average 75 degree daytime, 60 degree nighttime weather our Isotherm units run for 4 days on a standard grp 24 deep cycle marine battery on a single charge. With the larger higher amp hour battery bank systems that come with our trailers that run time is extended significantly. If the small amount of fan noise that is produced by the fridge falls upon sensitive ears than we can insulated the fridge cabinet with a sound barrier product such as Dynomat.
 

OCD Overland

Explorer
That's great. I hope my comment didn't cause you concern about your choice since that wasn't my intention - but it's good to hear Mike's reassurance.
 

FyrFly

Voyager
Not at all - I welcome different perspectives. That's the benefit of these types of forums: The Collective Brain... LOL.
 

FyrFly

Voyager
Driver's Side Roof On (640x360).jpgExterior Shower & Potti Access.jpg Shower Plumbing.jpg 0904151512a (640x360).jpg

Target Pick Up Date: Oct 26th!!! Very Excited. (edited this original post to add the newest exterior shots)
 
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fireball

Explorer
Looks big! Looks great, but big! What are the box dimensions? 6'x12'?

Will the entire roof pop straight up, ala Four Wheel camper, or just one end?
 

FyrFly

Voyager
Actually - we have 3 tow vehicles. The primary, which VMI is also tricking out for us - will be a 2004 Chevy Silverado: Draggin Fly Bumperless.jpg

Additionally, we have 2010 Sport Trac 4x4 and a 1999 Jeep Wrangler
DSC_0169.jpg DSC_0114.jpg
all of which have the capacity to pull this camper.

The trailer is well insulated - details from VMI forthcoming and the entire roof will raise which is an upgrade option. This is a custom build in that we have designed a twin bed configuration; a work station for me (still not retired) and an upgraded fridge for him; AC (we are; afterall, in FL) plus I've overkilled on the power with 2 marine quality batteries, solar, and an inverter (which I threw in more for aftermarket "salability" than thinking we will really need it). Our galley is especially designed for us as well with a pull out drawer which will feature a single burner stove and sink. We also upgraded our power panel and it will have an audio system as well. We will not have TV nor microwave -- though, VMI certainly has the chops to figure out how to add it all in! And yes - it is costing $$$$ but we've researched this for a couple of years now and this is the big, blow-out, one shot bucket list deal... So worth it.
 

FyrFly

Voyager
No problem - I've got a good friend in Ocala and one of our absolute most favorite camping spots is Juniper Springs! We will assuredly be in your neck of the woods sometime this winter:)
 

OCD Overland

Explorer
I'll have to ask Mike again about towing with a Jeep. He told us at the Expo that the Alpine would be too heavy for a Wrangler, which is what I'd really prefer to get. Though I'm getting used to the idea of one of the new F150's.
 

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