Posted 2009-08-22 8:34 AM (#109817) Subject: 3 way fridge
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 342 Location: MS
My trailer came with a small 3 way fridge with no freezer. I found that I hardly ever used it, so when I decided to re-do the LQ I took it out. Now I find that I am going to start going on longer camping trips and need a fridge.
Can I put that one back in a different place, but only use the propane and the plug in electric, or the battery and the plug in electric, basically using it as a 2 way? Or should I just get a small 110 fridge with a little freezer and a cooler to use while in transit? I have gotten opinions both ways...I just found this fridge inconveniently located.
Posted 2009-08-22 8:58 AM (#109821 - in reply to #109817) Subject: RE: 3 way fridge
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Originally written by Linda Y on 2009-08-22 9:34 AM
I found that I need a fridge.Can I put that one back in a different place, but only use the propane and the plug in electric, or the battery and the plug in electric, basically using it as a 2 way?
You can place the fridge anywhere you want, as long as you have an external vent for the gas usage. Why not continue using it as a three way? That option offers the most versatility, on the road and at various sites with and without available power. Used strictly with electric power, you will not need an external vent.
Or should I just get a small 110 fridge with a little freezer and a cooler to use while in transit?
The problem with that scenario is the very high expense and maintenance of using miles long extension cords. Just the reel will take up a great deal of space, and people will constantly be driving over the cord, uncomfortably jerking you and your trailer.
Posted 2009-08-22 1:37 PM (#109825 - in reply to #109817) Subject: RE: 3 way fridge
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Posts: 342 Location: MS
Gard, actually, I was going to get the wireless fridge. You are so not funny!
I just took a look on eBay and who knew those 3 ways were so expensive! Now I really don't know what to do. I will have to remodel the inside of the trailer again to put it back, if I do. I thought about putting it on the counter, which will effectively eliminate any counterspace, and make me move the microwave. Or sell it and buy the cheaper 110 thing which will fit into the space under the counter I have now.
Posted 2009-08-22 1:45 PM (#109826 - in reply to #109817) Subject: RE: 3 way fridge
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Are you talking about the small apartment sized 110v fridges? I've helped some owners install these. They're inexpensive, usually made by Sanyo and sold under various names. Most owners will cool them down before a trip, carry an ice bag during the trip and plug them in when they arrive. They work well as long as you have 110v available and only cost ~$85. They can be mounted close to the walls with only a minimal airspace needed for circulation.
The smaller 2.7 CF, two and three way fridges are about the same size as the electric, and if one will fit under the counter, the other should as well. With gas you will need an outside vent and propane plumbing; obviously with electric you don't. There's a major cost difference between them, but your usage and needs will determine what type you should have.
Posted 2009-08-22 2:49 PM (#109827 - in reply to #109817) Subject: RE: 3 way fridge
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 342 Location: MS
Yep, that is exactly what I am talking about. Target sells one that would fit perfectly in the 18 inch wide ,35 inch tall space, and even has a little freezer. That is a good idea...I never thought about cooling it down before a trip. I wonder if an inverter would work on them...
Posted 2009-08-22 3:12 PM (#109830 - in reply to #109821) Subject: RE: 3 way fridge
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 406 Location: Minneapolis, MN
Originally written by gard on 2009-08-22 8:58 AM
Originally written by Linda Y on 2009-08-22 9:34 AM
I found that I need a fridge.Can I put that one back in a different place, but only use the propane and the plug in electric, or the battery and the plug in electric, basically using it as a 2 way?
You can place the fridge anywhere you want, as long as you have an external vent for the gas usage. Why not continue using it as a three way? That option offers the most versatility, on the road and at various sites with and without available power. Used strictly with electric power, you will not need an external vent.
Or should I just get a small 110 fridge with a little freezer and a cooler to use while in transit?
The problem with that scenario is the very high expense and maintenance of using miles long extension cords. Just the reel will take up a great deal of space, and people will constantly be driving over the cord, uncomfortably jerking you and your trailer.
BOL Gard
Gard,
I should point out that any of the gas absorption frig's require some sort of convective air current for them to cool properly. Yes, there needs to be some venting of burnt propane gas fumes, but there still needs to be venting from the lower coils of the frig and the upper cools to allow convective air circulation.
Posted 2009-08-22 9:44 PM (#109838 - in reply to #109830) Subject: RE: 3 way fridge
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Originally written by wyndancer on 2009-08-22 4:12 PM/QUOTE]
Gard, I should point out that any of the gas absorption frig's require some sort of convective air current for them to cool properly. Yes, there needs to be some venting of burnt propane gas fumes, but there still needs to be venting from the lower coils of the frig and the upper cools to allow convective air circulation.
As you know from your LQ experience, a small fridge like a Norcold 3 way 2.7 actually has two vents. The lowest one is at the floor level and is 10 1'2" X 29 1/2". It not only allows access to the maintenance areas, but fully vents the lower heated coils. The second vent is usually 8 1/2" x 22" and is located 23" off the floor and extends to just below the counter height. This vent forms a convection air current, and allows the hot air and gasses to escape.
On larger fridges, such as the Dometic 6.0 3 way, once again a vent/maintenance panel will be found at its base and is larger at 15' x 23" The backside of the fridge is open to the ceiling and is vented externally through the roof.
Any propane appliance has to be properly vented. Otherwise if it malfunctions, it could be fatal.
Posted 2009-08-23 8:19 AM (#109852 - in reply to #109817) Subject: RE: 3 way fridge
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Posts: 406 Location: Minneapolis, MN
Gard,
Yep, that's how the venting is. Norcold wants the lower vent flush with the bottom of the frig support (floor) to allow access, but it's also flush to allow any propane gas, from a leak, to exit the trailer.
I thought about putting it on the counter, which will effectively eliminate any counterspace, and make me move the microwave. Or sell it and buy the cheaper 110 thing which will fit into the space under the counter I have now.
That's what I was replying to. Linda can't just set a 3-way (gas absorption) frig on the counter and expect it to work.
Posted 2009-08-23 10:32 AM (#109855 - in reply to #109817) Subject: RE: 3 way fridge
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 342 Location: MS
Well. I guess that answers my question. I don't really want to hook up the gas back to the fridge and I don't want to put it back in the same place. That would make me have to take out the cabinet steps I just put in! So, I guess I will try and find a fridge that will fit on the counter and work off only 110. Probably have to rebuild the microwave cabinet. It is always something!
Posted 2009-08-23 10:38 AM (#109856 - in reply to #109852) Subject: RE: 3 way fridge
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
quote] That's what I was replying to. Linda can't just set a 3-way (gas absorption) frig on the counter and expect it to work.
She could if it is still vented correctly. Refrigerators are commonly mounted at different heights off of the floors, with storage or even other appliances underneath
3 way fridge
