Ordered Nova Kool RFU6800 ACDC

GeorgiaBill · 02-03-2021, 12:01 PM

I had planned to insulate the refer cavity and see if that would suffice - thanks Bob/Padlin. On reflection I realized my Dometic RML8555 would never function so decided to get the Nova Kool.

It showed a right side hinge which looked OK, plus it looks like a beer could be fetched from the dinette without walking around the door. Then they told me one left side hinge model was in stock and the 10-12 week wait could be avoided. Supposed to be shipped today. I kinda hate to take the last of anything in stock but ....

I also didn't see the need for AC but went ahead and got it.

I've searched the forum for compressor refer installs. The most memorable for me were hotfishtacos and santiago who has left us. Please send me links for others.

Thanks.
-Bill

Fletch Dobbs · 02-03-2021, 12:24 PM

Hello Bill,

My 2014 Escape 21 also has the Dometic RML8555. Dometic replaced the original under warranty for poor cooling/freezing performance. The replacement has delivered only a mediocre performance improvement.

I am quite interested your experience installing the Nova Kool and even more so the performance and the power draw of this unit .... Do you expect to run this refrigerator on DC for extended periods?

I hope you will keep this post updated with your experiences...I, and perhaps others, will be grateful for any additional information.

Thank you!

Fletch Dobbs

rubicon327 · 02-03-2021, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PnFSJCA

I am quite interested your experience installing the Nova Kool and even more so the performance and the power draw of this unit .... Do you expect to run this refrigerator on DC for extended periods?

Information on GeorgiaBill's battery bank and solar would be helpful too. Can't have a DC fridge without serious consideration of these two items.

Centex · 02-03-2021, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgiaBill

....
I've searched the forum for compressor refer installs. The most memorable for me were hotfishtacos and santiago who has left us. Please send me links for others.

Thanks.
-Bill

Maybe of interest, this and other posts scattered around the forum by Sean Murry re: his compressor fridge install in an E19

https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...tml#post353277

GeorgiaBill · 02-03-2021, 01:08 PM

"Do you expect to run this refrigerator on DC for extended periods?" Hi Fletch, no plans for extended DC. I think I've camped about 5 nights without shore power in the last 30 months.

"Information on GeorgiaBill's battery bank and solar would be helpful too. Can't have a DC fridge without serious consideration of these two items." Hi Rubicon, I have the original Interstate batteries, must be over 7 years old, plus a heavy, cumbersome portable solar panel which I never expect to use. My consideration was that the refer already cooled down would probably function overnight on those 2 batteries. If not, so be it.

-Bill

rubicon327 · 02-03-2021, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgiaBill

...no plans for extended DC. I think I've camped about 5 nights without shore power in the last 30 months.

Got it. Typically being plugged into shore power makes that an easier decision than having to build a robust battery bank and charging set up.

GeorgiaBill · 02-03-2021, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Centex

Maybe of interest, this and other posts scattered around the forum by Sean Murry re: his compressor fridge install in an E19

https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...tml#post353277

Thanks, Alan, I'll search on Sean Murry.That's a nice REFER OPTIONS PDF you built.
-Bill

snas · 02-04-2021, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeorgiaBill

I had planned to insulate the refer cavity and see if that would suffice - thanks Bob/Padlin. On reflection I realized my Dometic RML8555 would never function so decided to get the Nova Kool.

Good luck with the install and new reefer. Nova Kool has a good name up here. Frankly I think ETI made a miss not carrying them for the compressor option - I mean, they're local to them and why wouldn't you use quality, domestic suppliers. Maybe it is a supply issue, IDK.

Anyway don't be shy to reach out to the mfr. I've talked to them before and they were quite helpful.

GeorgiaBill · 02-05-2021, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snas

Anyway don't be shy to reach out to the mfr. I've talked to them before and they were quite helpful.

Haven't called them yet, but I will probably need something from them.

GeorgiaBill · 02-06-2021, 10:12 AM

20210206_100619.jpg

I'm looking for screws at the top and bottom of the refer. At the top I see this plastic spacer but no screws. Are there actual screws and if so where should I look?

GeorgiaBill · 02-28-2021, 06:10 AM

I started the removal early Feb and then decided to wait until the Nova Kool arrived and was functional. It was weather-delayed in Montana and arrived about a week late. I let it sit in the garage several days, removed from the box and found it had apparently been dropped and 2 steel plates securing the upper fridge to the lower freezer were severely distorted. I am getting superb customer service from Nova Kool (thanks Jim and Katey) and the replacement steel plates are en route from BC, subject to weather delays. UPS still has a Feb 3 arrival date. I'll post a couple of pics and then continue.

GeorgiaBill · 02-28-2021, 06:44 AM

Several trips to Home Depot which is 2.4 miles away. From the outside.... Got an EVERBILT 3/8 inch flare plug to cap the propane line, after turning off the propane. Disconnected 12v wires and 120v wire.

From the inside... There are four screws securing the RML, 2 in the fridge and 2 in the freezer. I had been told there were also inside screws on the top and outside screws somewhere on the back of the fridge. The four screws are called Roberts screws I think. Off to Home Depot to get 2 bits, #1 and #2. I got 1 inch bits, which are too short so back to HD for 2 inch bits, #2 is what is needed.

GeorgiaBill · 02-28-2021, 07:01 AM

The trim pieces are attached via something called pin nails, and the top trim and side trim were removed by slipping in a putty knife and gently prying the trim. A bottom piece of wood was removed - 3 Roberts head screws.

The fridge was incredibly tight within the cavity that my son and I really struggled to move it out. My compliments to anyone flying solo.

The fridge easily slipped through the door and the screen door did not have to be removed.

GeorgiaBill · 02-28-2021, 07:39 AM

Our garage is about 50-55 degrees. The fridge sat upright for several days so any compressor lubricant would settle. After plugging in, the freezer was at 12 degrees within an hour which seemed outstanding. I then adjusted the control (inside the fridge, RML on the outside) until 36-38 degrees could be consistently maintained. The freezer settled at 20-22 degrees, which was disappointing. I suspected the RFU6800 freezer should perform better in warmer temps and Jim at Nova Kool confirmed this. I believe he explained the cold air initially enters the freezer and is ported to the fridge. In warmer temps the compressor will run more frequently and the freezer should be colder. We're going to a gathering in mid-March and will report back.

Nova Kool does have a model with a fridge compressor and a freezer compressor - heavier and a little more expensive.

Looking at the pictures, the garage was about 46 degrees.

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