aandncaravan Posted February 18, 2019 Share Posted February 18, 2019 We worked on a Camper today that recently had a replacement 61 litre Fridge installed to replace what they described as the 'battery killing' Waeco compressor model that was installed by the converter. It cost them just £289 from Amazon and although quite small, wasn't much different in size to the old Waeco, it was very impressive for the money and a much better solution for a Camper than a battery chewing Compressor Fridge that can also be quite noisy. It was brought to us to do the 12v side. I had no idea that small 3 way absorption fridges had become such a bargain. The spec is copied below. "Dometic RF60 Portable Camping Fridge. Assured for complete convenience and versatility, the Dometic RF60 portable camping awning fridge is a dynamic portable camping and caravan awning fridge, enhanced for mobility and complete security. Offering full flexibility through function and operation, the Dometic RF60 awning fridge has adjustable shelves and runs on 12v DC, 230v AC and LPG gas to suit your power availability and storage needs. The Dometic RF-60 portable camping awning fridge has the capacity to keep your food essentials, drinks (and added luxuries!) cool, with 61 litres worth of space provided for use, and also features a locking door (with vent) to keep your goods secure while in transit. Thanks to its noiseless operations you needn’t worry about the Dometic RF60 portable camping awning fridge disturbing your sleep or a well rewarded bit of quiet time, and with its thermostat temperature regulation you can be sure that this outstanding portable fridge will always achieve the desired temperature regardless of the influences of changing weather. Dometic RF60 3 Way Fridge Features: Piezo ignition Thermostat regulation in 230-volt & gas mode Two door shelves Adjustable shelves Flame indicator Door locking with vent option" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinhood Posted February 18, 2019 Share Posted February 18, 2019 These units have been around for some time, and unless something has recently changed (and admittedly it might have) they were specifically designed for use outside under a caravan or motorhome awning, (as per the wording) and there was specific instruction not to build them into a vehicle, or to use them on gas inside a vehicle. Presumably this is because of the venting arrangements (or lack thereof). See the specific warning under "2. Area of Use" in the manual http://afoisamara.gr/SAMARAS_OE/DOMETIC/DualEnergyRefrigirators/RF60_OperatingInstructionsENG.pdf AIUI, the 12v DC current required is something in excess of 9 amps, and operation on 12v is not thermostatically controlled. A constant 9-10 Ah consumption is going to require a pretty large battery bank off-grid when gas use isn't sanctioned. :-S Unless the plan is not to use gas, but to use 12v whilst on the move, and 230v when not, the concept escapes me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aandncaravan Posted February 18, 2019 Author Share Posted February 18, 2019 Robinhood - 2019-02-18 10:28 PM These units have been around for some time, and unless something has recently changed (and admittedly it might have) they were specifically designed for use outside under a caravan or motorhome awning, (as per the wording) and there was specific instruction not to build them into a vehicle, or to use them on gas inside a vehicle. Presumably this is because of the venting arrangements (or lack thereof). See the specific warning under "2. Area of Use" in the manual http://afoisamara.gr/SAMARAS_OE/DOMETIC/DualEnergyRefrigirators/RF60_OperatingInstructionsENG.pdf AIUI, the 12v DC current required is something in excess of 9 amps, and operation on 12v is not thermostatically controlled. A constant 9-10 Ah consumption is going to require a pretty large battery bank off-grid when gas use isn't sanctioned. :-S Unless the plan is not to use gas, but to use 12v whilst on the move, and 230v when not, the concept escapes me. It was being run primarily on Gas. The unit was built into a cupboard sealed from the Motorhome habitation area but with vents top and bottom on the outside as per a usual Fridge set-up. I don't know what ducting was being carried out inside the rear of the cupboard but it surely can't be hard to get cool air in the bottom and warm air/waste fumes out of the top vent? It seemed to work well enough on all all power sources. We did suggest he consider fitting a small inverter to power the 230v side of the Fridge from the Alternator/Starter battery when driving, as per Weldted's ideas, to avoid issues when running on 12v without a thermostat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 As Robinhood has said, the Dometic “Combicool” RF 60 fridge has been marketed for several years. Its potential use in a motorhome was discussed in this 2012 forum thread https://forums.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/Motorhomes/Motorhome-Matters/same-Domestic-fridge-315e-eco-or-945estandard-whats-the/26107/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aandncaravan Posted February 19, 2019 Author Share Posted February 19, 2019 I have never seen one, didn't know they existed so thought it was new. The problem the owner had was that he spends a lot of time in the van all year round and this December the compressor fridge was running down the two newish batteries in two days, despite 250w of Solar. He had already spent a lot of money on a B2B charger which was sold to him as delivering "much faster charging" of the habitation battery. But it made almost no difference, primarily because the converter had used CBE electronics which was not only installed intelligently, but with decent cable sizing. Realising a compressor Fridge was never going to work for him between, November and March, he looked for a grown up motorhomes gas option. The Fridge was already installed and wiring taken back to the CBE box, we just needed to pick up a feed from the Alternator and then a trigger from the DS300, so we didn't look in detail at the physical installation. However I see no reason why, if properly sealed from the habitation area, it wouldn't be safe. So long as the waste gasses and excess heat from the condenser components are exited to the outside using conventional Fridge vents how can there be an issue? That is all the more expensive Fridges operate. The Fridge is clearly designed to be used 'on the move' by the very fact it has Alternator 12v capability so there is obviously no issue with operating it while mobile. I will see if I can find out more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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