For people who are contemplating a Frig installation.
The project seems simple to begin with but, properly done, it requires plenty of tools and a sprinkling of skill. Most of the work is to satisfy the refrigerator's manufacturer requirements of isolating the unit from the rest of the camper. I can not argue the logic of this as raw
propane or spent gasses inside my living quarters are not so desireable. Therefore a box must be constructed to house the unit while conforming to the curved sides of the camper as well as the interior furniture. I spent a lot of time measuring cutting, remeasuring, recutting ect. before my box was acceptable.
Next came the chimney, a fireproof hood that directs the hot gasses towards the exit vent. I constructed this from some copper I had on hand as the seams could be soldered and thus not prone to leaking gasses.
Once the box was installed, I then cut and installed the upper and lower vents along with the chimney. Should I mention that periodically testing the fitting of everything including the frig is a must before final installation.
Next I installed a "t" fitting in the gas line to the stove and ran copper tubing into the box adjacent to the gas fitting for the frig. Also, I ran a 115 volt line with a plug into the box. I will run the 12 volt wires at a later date as I have yet to install the # 10 wire in the van.
There was not enough depth in the cabinet to completely take the entire frig and so I built a 1 1/2" spacer behind the mounting flange.
I insulated all sides of the box with 2" closed cell foam simular to wet suit material and topped that off with reflectix.
Today I lit off the
propane as a final gesture and one hour later saw 35 degrees in side the frig. ( well it wasn't all that hot here. )
Linear Mode
