Truck Refrigerator

[SuiteSuccess]

Had a 33" dorm frig in my Volvo which died. 110 v and fairly new, running off of my 1800 watt inverter while driving (only appliance on inverter) and shore power when parked. Didn't take some early advice and install any cooling fans and think that may be a contributer to the early demise. Have two computer 12 volt fans I am looking to install and would like to connect to a thermostat so would only run when needed. Any suggestions on 1. How to configure the fans? 2. What temp for thermostat to engage fans?

3. Where to get thermostat?

[beyerjf]

I know they cost more, but this outfit sells high quality 12V compressor refrigerators specifically for the truck market. I bought the one that is in the Argosy from him at the Louisville truckshow in 2001, an Indel made in Italy. Just last year I had to replace the door which he had in stock. 16 years is pretty good for the abuse I give it. I don't shut it down unless I am going to be out of the truck for more than 48 hours. No worries about inverters etc.

 

Here is the website: http://www.truckfridge.com/store/index.html He is in Georgetown KY.

[Refuzn-To-Grow-Up]

I know they cost more, but this outfit sells high quality 12V compressor refrigerators specifically for the truck market. I bought the one that is in the Argosy from him at the Louisville truckshow in 2001, an Indel made in Italy. Just last year I had to replace the door which he had in stock. 16 years is pretty good for the abuse I give it. I don't shut it down unless I am going to be out of the truck for more than 48 hours. No worries about inverters etc.

 

Here is the website: http://www.truckfridge.com/store/index.html He is in Georgetown KY.

 

Good info!

[Nigel]

I have the TF36 from them. It was the only fridge I could find to fit under the bed. I used to leave mine on all the time when I was working as well. Its been flawless for the last four years.

 

Nigel

[SuiteSuccess]

Thanks

[rickeieio]

Some of us will be camping just a few miles from Georgetown, KY next week. We may have to pay him a visit.

[RandyA]

Had a 33" dorm frig in my Volvo which died. 110 v and fairly new, running off of my 1800 watt inverter while driving (only appliance on inverter) and shore power when parked. Didn't take some early advice and install any cooling fans and think that may be a contributer to the early demise. Have two computer 12 volt fans I am looking to install and would like to connect to a thermostat so would only run when needed. Any suggestions on 1. How to configure the fans? 2. What temp for thermostat to engage fans?

3. Where to get thermostat?

You need a thermostat that closes at about 140F for surface contact mounting or 90F in open air. A thermostat unit like this (from Amazon) should work nicely.

 

You are probably going to want to run your two 12V fans from a small (1 amp) 12VDC power adapter plugged into the refrigerator's 120V outlet. If not, they could pull down your batteries when not on shore power or alternator.

 

The fans will only help if you can pull cooler air in to the compressor/condenser area and then vent the heated air away/outside. On dorm refrigerators the condenser is often not exposed and uses the metal backside and cabinet as a heat sink to dissipate heat, thus just keeping cooler air circulating in and out behind the fridge is often enough.

 

Keep in mind dorm refrigerators were not designed to to be operated in environments over 85F - running inside a closed truck sitting in the hot sun during the summer is a sure death. Empty it and turn it off until you are ready to travel when it is hot outside.

[SuiteSuccess]

Thanks Randy.

[SuiteSuccess]

I know they cost more, but this outfit sells high quality 12V compressor refrigerators specifically for the truck market. I bought the one that is in the Argosy from him at the Louisville truckshow in 2001, an Indel made in Italy. Just last year I had to replace the door which he had in stock. 16 years is pretty good for the abuse I give it. I don't shut it down unless I am going to be out of the truck for more than 48 hours. No worries about inverters etc.

 

Here is the website: http://www.truckfridge.com/store/index.html He is in Georgetown KY.

Jeff,

 

Did you have to fan vent this frig or does it stand up to the heat like Randy mentioned?

[beyerjf]

No additional venting/fans required. Installation instructions will tell you minimum clearances. The fellow who answers the phone has been at it for a long time, can answer any questions. These things have circuits built in to shut the unit down if something might damage it, like 120 deg + cab temps parked in hot sun etc.