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Old 05-17-2016, 08:00 PM   #1
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Difference between 3 & 4 cf refer

Am trying to decide if upgrade to 4cf refer is really a big difference in a 17 b. Can anyone who's had both advise benefits/disadvantages. Please don't say size! I have nothing to compare the 2 other than dometic website. Thanks much
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Old 05-17-2016, 08:04 PM   #2
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I have a 5 cu.ft. and would not go smaller.
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Old 05-17-2016, 08:16 PM   #3
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Options indicate only 4 cf as upgrade for 17b.
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Old 05-17-2016, 09:11 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by Mucram View Post
Am trying to decide if upgrade to 4cf refer is really a big difference in a 17 b. Can anyone who's had both advise benefits/disadvantages. Please don't say size! I have nothing to compare the 2 other than dometic website. Thanks much
It would help if you post the model numbers. Some trailers with an option like that don't have a freezer in the smaller fridge.
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Old 05-17-2016, 09:34 PM   #5
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Options indicate only 4 cf as upgrade for 17b.
The 5 cu ft fridge (Dometic RM 2510) is no longer available. While I did have problems with it (replaced the heater & cooling unit, and thermostat under warranty), and the thermostat once more for $, it does have some advantages. First, it is a 5 cu ft that fits through the door. Another advantage is while it is 120V & propane only (no 12V) it only needs 12V to fire the electric igniter. The thermocouple holds the gas valve open so it uses no current once it is running on propane.
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Old 05-17-2016, 09:57 PM   #6
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I have the 3.0 CF in my 15A and it is fine for me as a solo traveler and is a huge upgrade from camping with coolers. That being said, if someone else were traveling with me, I'd probably prefer the 4.0 CF.
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Old 05-17-2016, 10:01 PM   #7
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Thanks Karen. I'm mostly solo as well but hope to bring gkids etc. have current old dometic 3cf in scamp. Just want a fridge that works well. Am looking at options for my on order 2017 17b.
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Old 05-17-2016, 10:27 PM   #8
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I should have said...if someone else were traveling with me on a regular basis, I'd probably prefer the 4.0 CF.
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Old 05-17-2016, 10:37 PM   #9
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Need I say more?
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beer fridge.jpg  
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Old 05-17-2016, 10:50 PM   #10
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Need I say more?
If we count mustard and ketchup as food you've managed to squeeze 6 food items in there. Way to go.

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Old 05-17-2016, 11:34 PM   #11
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Since hops could fall into the grain category, I do believe your food triangle is in good shape. Mustard and ketchup would fall into veggies and fruits, and dairy (and the salmon) would be at the top. You're good to go.
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Old 05-17-2016, 11:36 PM   #12
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If we count mustard and ketchup as food you've managed to squeeze 6 food items in there. Way to go.

Ron
It's OK though. At least one of the 4 major food groups (beer) has its spot.
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Old 05-18-2016, 12:37 AM   #13
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Im a newbie so my opinion only counts 51%.

When I was working on my build sheet, there was an unbeliveable uproar over refers not being cold enough. All of the concerns were over the 4.3 cu/ft and the 6.7 cu/ft refers working very poorly and members struggles to increase their units efficiency. These difficulties made me choose the small option ... 3 cu/ft. I researched the forum and nobody complained about their 3 cu/ft refer. Not one. That said, I'll bet lots of folks with the 3 wished they had more space.

The next major grip I hear is of kids or mates standing there trying to decide what they want out of the refer with the door open. Cold recovery rates do seem to be pretty long.Most with the larger units talk about the wisdom of plugging in over night on 110v to get the refer cold enough cause the built in unit might not be able to keep the refer cold enough.

Here is my solution: Keep food in refer ... most people think their refer is a cupboard and try to store everything there. I plan on minimal food in refer and to stop "letting the cold out" arguments, I'll keep a GOOD quality cooler for beers and soft drinks and milk. For long term camping food storage, another high quality cooler packed with frozen food and dry ice.

Now to be fair I must confess that I have lived most of my adult life on boats or remote cabins so I'm used to a lower energy footprint living situation. Minimal refer capacity is not a problem for me.

I have just recently joined the majority of the human race and have moved into a condo. It has the most amazing thing ..... you pull on this lever and water comes out of a pipe .... pull on another and hot water comes out. Wow! What will they think of next? I liked it so much that I had Reace install those same levers in my trailer! That Reace .... he can do anything.

Tom
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Old 05-18-2016, 12:43 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StarvingHyena View Post
That said, I'll bet lots of folks with the 3 wished they had more space.
Not me. I'm fine with it. Single-serving frozen meats/seafood in the freezer, fresh veggies and eggs in the refer, and dairy and condiments in the door. Plenty of space for a solo traveler.
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Old 05-18-2016, 12:49 AM   #15
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Not me. I'm fine with it. Single-serving frozen meats/seafood in the freezer, fresh veggies and eggs in the refer, and dairy and condiments in the door. Plenty of space for a solo traveler.
Hi Karen!

Me too ... I think the 3 is big enough too .... even for two.
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Old 05-18-2016, 12:49 AM   #16
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We use plastic containers for such as sliced salami, ham, cheeses. Open the fridge door, grab the box and close the door. You can search the box for what you want while it's on the counter instead of holding the door open, LESLIE.
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Old 05-18-2016, 12:52 AM   #17
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I like all of them, if what's in them is good.
I do like the 6.7 with the big freezer that will actually hold 1/2 gallon containers of ice cream.
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Old 05-18-2016, 12:53 AM   #18
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Difference between 3 & 4 cf refer

Tom, you're not that new...

My take is that the main reason you never heard any issues with the 3CF fridges is that they weren't the EU design 8 series. The small fridges were designed for North American climates while the 8 series clearly were not.

I think most of that is moot going into 2017 - mainly because the 8 series will be long gone in the 2017 models, and replaced with the Dometic Americana line, which, like the smaller 3CF fridges, is designed for the hotter climates of North America.

If I were ordering a 2017 Escape right now, I'd choose the SIZE of fridge that met my camping needs, and not worry about the cooling performance of larger vs smaller.

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Old 05-18-2016, 01:29 AM   #19
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Now ice cream ..... that changes everything! Forgot about that essential! Thank you for reminding me ..... now where are you camping?

Tom
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Old 05-18-2016, 01:54 AM   #20
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Tom, you're not that new...

My take is that the main reason you never heard any issues with the 3CF fridges is that they weren't the EU design 8 series. The small fridges were designed for North American climates while the 8 series clearly were not.

I think most of that is moot going into 2017 - mainly because the 8 series will be long gone in the 2017 models, and replaced with the Dometic Americana line, which, like the smaller 3CF fridges, is designed for the hotter climates of North America.

If I were ordering a 2017 Escape right now, I'd choose the SIZE of fridge that met my camping needs, and not worry about the cooling performance of larger vs smaller.

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Hi Robert,
Glad to hear the newer refers are working better. I have noticed that that issue is down to a low roar now. Well the newer refers fit threw the door?

I'll enjoy meeting you and yours at the Rally.

Don't forget your sling shot. Think I heard (but Im not sure) that Jim Bennett said he could out shoot you with both his hands tied behind his back .....

Tom
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