Compressor refrigerator? Yes or no

[Caterpillardoc]

I have a 2018 Casita 17’SD and I am tired of the unreliability of the Dometic 2454 refrigerator since I have had circuit board failures. I don’t think this generation refrigerator is as well built as older models that didn’t have the electronics and am considering replacing the unit with a compressor cooled model.

I would like to know what other people have experienced, pros and con, with compressor refrigerators. I am currently researching Nova Kool and Dometic. Are there other manufacturers I should look at? 

I will also upgrade my 12 Volt system to lithium batteries along with lithium capable battery charger and adding trailer mounted solar panels at the same time that I change the refrigerator.

[sokhapkin]

If you will install solar panels (at least 200W), then compressor fridge is a no brainer. Go for it.

[CalCop]

I own a compressor Dometic fridge. They work very well. However, you'll need to upgrade your battery bank. The upgrades could include a LIFEPO battery and converter in which to maintain it. Not insurmountable upgrades, but something to consider.

[theremin]

I have a Dometic in my 22 Scamp. I like it a lot. I'm using a regular deep cycle battery and a solar charging system, and so far I've had no problems with it.

I've had many many of the old 3 way fridges, and when they worked they worked fine. The newer ones I've had with computerization were much less reliable than the older ones. But with the compressor fridge, it's nice to not have to light the pilot (and hold my breath that it stays lit). Of course, the price for that is that I have to keep my batteries charged now if I'm boondocking. As long as the sun comes out, I'm fine. But if it gets shady, I sometimes wish I could use propane...

Dave

[Caterpillardoc]

Thanks for the replies. I’ve pretty much decided I’m going to go with a Nova Kool. I’m not currently happy with Dometic. I already have 200 watt solar panels that are ready to be installed, so charging the battery should not be a problem.

[Michael Pupeza]

Stanley;
Before discarding and replacing that fridge, consider replacing the control board with a Dinosaur Micro P-711. See:
< https://www.dinosaurelectronics.com/MICRO_P-711.htm >
Years ago, I did that and am satisfied. The original board, for the ground for the millivolt pilot sensor depended on 1 side to connect to the board and the other side to connect to ground THROUGH the trailer chassis. Vibration and corrosion made this connection poor and it needs a VERY GOOD connection. The Dino board relocates that chassis spade lug also to the board - clean and short. Also, the original Dometic board didn't retry if the flame failed to start or blew out. The 'eyebrow' failure light turned on. The Dino board solved this and several other weaknesses. It can adjust temperature better for example.
Unlike many other complainers about these 3 way old Fridges, mine now works great and even the freezer is good. There are some old messages from me about this fridge and I do admit that I did have to replace the complete cooling unit some years back as the magic gasses leaked out. However, knock on wood, all is well these last dozen or so years for my 32 year old Bigfoot!
Good luck - Mike .....>

[John in Santa Cruz]

i have a Norcold N2175 compressor fridge/freezer and am super happy with it but I doubt it would fit in a Casita. was an exact fit replacement for the Dometic RMD8555 my Escape came with.

[Raz]

This depends on where you live and where you like to camp. I camp in public campgrounds. The Forrest service campgrounds take the senior pass so that's the best deal. No power. State campgrounds, also no power. Since almost all the sites are shaded charging your battery is problematic. I m better off with a propane fridge , if I plan to stay longer than one night. Go south and electric is provided to power the much needed AC. And of course solar works great out west.

[John in Santa Cruz]

with my 2 x 206AH lithiums, I can run the Norcold for a solid week with no sun or power, using the water pump and fans/furnace as needed, even a little sun stretches this quickly.

[oldwave]

Originally Posted by Caterpillardoc

I have a 2018 Casita 17’SD and I am tired of the unreliability of the Dometic 2454 refrigerator since I have had circuit board failures. I don’t think this generation refrigerator is as well built as older models that didn’t have the electronics and am considering replacing the unit with a compressor cooled model.

I would like to know what other people have experienced, pros and con, with compressor refrigerators. I am currently researching Nova Kool and Dometic. Are there other manufacturers I should look at? 

I will also upgrade my 12 Volt system to lithium batteries along with lithium capable battery charger and adding trailer mounted solar panels at the same time that I change the refrigerator.

I second replacing the crap circuit boards with a dinosaur electronics one. I certainly like the flexibility the absorption ftidge.

[daveandalice]

On the Casita Forum there are decades of posts about doing mods to the Dometic to make it operate better, even with new electronics many of us still face the problem of inefficient cooling in extremely hot climates along the Gulf coast but work great in cooler less humid environments.

The same Dometic fridge was used in Oliver trailers and their Forum has good discussion on converting to the NovaKool R5810 compressor fridge.

It looks like several fiberglass trailer manufacturers are now offering compressor fridges as an option.

Some folks confuse the efficient DC compressor fridges with the inexpensive 120vac "dorm" fridges.

[Raz]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

with my 2 x 206AH lithiums, I can run the Norcold for a solid week with no sun or power, using the water pump and fans/furnace as needed, even a little sun stretches this quickly.

Am I mistaken ? Do those batteries sell for almost $600 each?