New Refridgerator Needed - Fiber Stream

[Victor Benz]

Well, it appears the three-way fridge original to my Fiber Stream has packed it in. It is an Insta-matic Innovator Series Model 4220. The 12v and 110v portions went some time ago, and now, gas is not working, and I am getting significant propane leakage around the gas control box. Time for a new fridge.

The fridge space is 22.75" wide, 31.25" tall, and 22.5" deep. The outer flange and door increase the depth to 25.25".

I want a fridge that takes propane. 110v would be nice as well, and one that can keep temperature on 12v would be fantastic.

Does anyone have a modern fridge about this size, what make and model is it, and would you recommend it?

Thanks in advance;

Vic

[Thomas G.]

Look here for a similar size.

http://www.dometic.com/2c6030b1-1d21...ccab1c04.fodoc

[Donna D.]

If you prefer Norcold over Dometic, here's a chart for that:http://www.thetford.com/Portals/0/PD...Chart_2012.pdf

[Frederick L. Simson]

Originally Posted by Victor Benz

Well, it appears the three-way fridge original to my Fiber Stream has packed it in. It is an Insta-matic Innovator Series Model 4220.

My original Instamatic IM-4 refrigerator just had the condenser rust through, so I am also in the market for a new fridge for my Fiber Stream. The chart in Thomas' link does not list your model, but does list mine. The Dometic RM-2410 is supposed to be the correct replacement, but is 1-1/2" taller and 1-1/2" deeper. A local RV supply store has both the RM-2410 ($850) and the slightly smaller RM-2354 ($725) in stock. While the RM-2354 would fit without significant cabinet modification, I do like the RM-2410 better. I plan to buy it this week.

[David B.]

Victor, since I have a 100 watt solar panel on our 13' Scamp, and needed to replace our refrigerator/freezer, I went with a NovaKool 12 volt only refrigerator/freezer that utilizes the danfoss style compressor and 134a refrigerant. This unit had a smaller footprint but a larger interior capacity than the 3 way Dometic it replaced. I can run up to a 30 degree angle (boaters use these) so leveling is not important. I can run it while driving, in any kind of wind, and in the Arizona desert temps with freezer & refrigerator always working properly. We went on a 2 month trip up the west coast last summer and never had to plug into shore power, using just one battery in the stock Scamp tongue mount battery box. The coast was less than the coast of a new Dometic by several hundred dollars.
I have not found a down side to this swap.
Dave & Paula

[Victor Benz]

Thanks all. Just the kind of support I have learned to expect from this site!

Dave, I am particularly interested in you comments re the Novakool, since I also have solar panels that I was supposed to install a number of years ago. What model of Novakool? Where did you buy it? What is the nameplate wattage of your solar array?

Vic

[RogerDat]

I see that Nova Kool offers both a 12v only and 12v/110v option. I have used a 12/110 fridge and really liked it. Built in converter that just cut in as soon as shore power was supplied. Allowed main converter to charge batteries without fridge load.

http://www.novakool.com/index.htm


My use was without solar, so there was a limit to how long I could go off grid without having to fire up a generator. (don't worry I was so far into the boondocks only person I annoyed was wife)

[David B.]

Vic, I purchased my Canadian Built Nova Kool refrigerator/freezer (model number R2600 12 volt) on-line through a northern Idaho company. The amp draw is 1.2-2.4, but it doesn't run continuously, so in reality it's less than that.
Nova Kool makes several models/sizes, so you may want to do a search to see which one will fit your needs. The 100 watt solar panel & controller is from a Michigan based company called Ramsond. I had 3 15 watt panels in never opened boxes from Harbor Freight, but they took up way to much room, as one 15 watt panel was almost the same size as the Ramsond 100 watt panel.

[David B.]

Originally Posted by RogerDat

I see that Nova Kool offers both a 12v only and 12v/110v option. I have used a 12/110 fridge and really liked it. Built in converter that just cut in as soon as shore power was supplied. Allowed main converter to charge batteries without fridge load.

http://www.novakool.com/index.htm


My use was without solar, so there was a limit to how long I could go off grid without having to fire up a generator. (don't worry I was so far into the boondocks only person I annoyed was wife)

Roger, I didn't go with the inverter, (KISS) as I have a good "smart battery charger", and figured whenever I was plugged into shore power, the charger would keep up with the draw as it charged the battery.