I am seriously considering replacing my absorption fridge with a 12V compressor fridge. For those of you that have done this "upgrade", how did you deal with sealing or removing the fridge vents on the outside wall and roof? I was hoping that there was a kit available to accomplish this. I know that I can probably just leave the vents as they are, but last week we had such a severe thunderstorm, with the wind driving the rain into the curb side of the trailer, that the rain was being pushed into the roof vent so forcefully that the water was running into the drawers under the fridge and onto the floor. Thoughts?
Announcement
Collapse
No announcement yet.
12V Fridge replacement for Absorption
Collapse
X
-
Since my refrigerator is in a slide, I didn't have a roof vent to deal with. I just taped up the side vents to keep cold drafts out. It's nice having the vents so I can access the back of the refrigerator if it ever needs service. But most of the time, I just pull them off to show other owners the compressor.
JimJim and Ginnie
2024 Solitude 310GK - 2020 F350 Dually
GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
GDRV Rally Support Coordinator
-
TucsonJim
Speaking of making the change, if a person does not have any type of solar power, will a 12 volt fridge last 7-8 hours (normal travel day) on a single lead acid battery? Naturally ambient temps would have some bearing on this, but just wondering the feasibility of making a conversion if no solar power available.
It doesn't seem like it would be a problem just to modify any of the current vents to seal and make them rain proof after installing the 12 vdc fridge.2020 Reflection 273MK
2005 Dodge Ram 2500 CTD
Comment
-
Originally posted by TucsonJim View PostSince my refrigerator is in a slide, I didn't have a roof vent to deal with. I just taped up the side vents to keep cold drafts out. It's nice having the vents so I can access the back of the refrigerator if it ever needs service. But most of the time, I just pull them off to show other owners the compressor.
JimMike and (RIP Karen)
2021 2600RB
2011 Tundra 5.7 DC
Comment
-
AZMike Yeah mine is in the slide as well, so I did not have the roof to deal with. I did the tape thing for a while, but eventually had a piece of black plexiglass cut and then screwed it to the wall with butyl behind it. Stuck a piece of pink rigid foam in the wall opening first to insulate it a bit. Worked great. I did not do a write up, but hijacked Howards post here and put some pictures of my first attempt at great stuff and tape, and then the plastic covers. Post five here:
https://gdrvowners.com/forum/operati...fridge-install
For the roof, I would take the vent off, then see if I could lay a piece of marine plywood over it (maybe with pink foam glued to the other side) screw that down to the roof and then eternabond over the whole thing.Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.
Neil Citro
2018 Reflection 28BH Pepwave
2019 F350 6.7L Long Bed Crew Cab
Comment
-
Thanks ncitro . Your black plexiglass looks good! I will be replacing the fridge over the winter, but since I live in a townhouse the trailer has to sit in storage, which makes it difficult to work on. I may just leave the wall vent and seal it on the inside. I'm not sure I want to get that involved with the roof vent with jeopardizing the 18 year warranty on the TPO roof being one of my primary concerns.Mike and (RIP Karen)
2021 2600RB
2011 Tundra 5.7 DC
Comment
-
Originally posted by AZMike View PostThanks ncitro . Your black plexiglass looks good! I will be replacing the fridge over the winter, but since I live in a townhouse the trailer has to sit in storage, which makes it difficult to work on. I may just leave the wall vent and seal it on the inside. I'm not sure I want to get that involved with the roof vent with jeopardizing the 18 year warranty on the TPO roof being one of my primary concerns.
Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.
Neil Citro
2018 Reflection 28BH Pepwave
2019 F350 6.7L Long Bed Crew Cab
- Likes 1
Comment
-
I would just remove the cover on the roof vent, top part comes off with a couple screws, and then tape or seal the hole shut and replace the top cover leaving it as stock. I would not remove the whole vent, you may want to go back someday to the absorption model, or someone else may.
BrianBrian & Michelle
2018 Reflection 29RS
2022 Chevy 3500HD
- Likes 2
Comment
-
Originally posted by Country Campers View PostI would just remove the cover on the roof vent, top part comes off with a couple screws, and then tape or seal the hole shut and replace the top cover leaving it as stock. I would not remove the whole vent, you may want to go back someday to the absorption model, or someone else may.
BrianMike and (RIP Karen)
2021 2600RB
2011 Tundra 5.7 DC
- Likes 1
Comment
-
Originally posted by Lonestar View PostTucsonJim
Speaking of making the change, if a person does not have any type of solar power, will a 12 volt fridge last 7-8 hours (normal travel day) on a single lead acid battery? Naturally ambient temps would have some bearing on this, but just wondering the feasibility of making a conversion if no solar power available.
It doesn't seem like it would be a problem just to modify any of the current vents to seal and make them rain proof after installing the 12 vdc fridge.2018 Dodge 3500 6.7 Cummins w Aisin and 9 cup holders
Electricians were created because engineers need heroes too....
- Likes 1
Comment
Comment