Condensor Fridge for E17

[Sean2a]

I know that ETI doesn't offer a 12 v compressor fridge option for the 17 as it does for other models, but was wondering if anyone with a 17 had swapped their 3 way for a compressor model, or better yet, deleted the fridge on a new build and installed one after delivery. I am seeing a trend toward solar, compressor fridges, thus reducing reliance from propane, and the tech has come a long way in recent past. As a result, I was interested in this mod as a way to future proof the trailer, since these things tend to last a long time. I figure if this is done in the configuration stage, it can save you from having another vent/ hole in your trailer that isn't needed.

So my question is, has anyone with a 17 done this mod and if so, did you find it difficult to find a model that would fit through the door? Did it fit well or did you have to modify the cabinet at all? Finally, do you find your power setup, whatever it is, was enough to sustain for off the grid camping for more than a day or two?

[Eggscape]

I think you might be referring to a 12 volt compressor style fridge. Good luck on your quest.

[Selkirk]

At the the 11:15 mark of this video, the owner discusses installing a 4 cuft "Truck Fridge" compressor fridge in his E17. The specific model is not mentioned, but sounds like it was a straightforward swap.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rzmVGuR0bY

Bear in mind that I believe depth of the fridge/microwave cabinet on the E17 depends on size of the absorption fridge originally installed (either the 3 of 4 cuft Dometic). That might be a factor in sourcing a suitably-sized replacement.

[Sean2a]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

I think you might be referring to a 12 volt compressor style fridge. Good luck on your quest.

Yes! Exactly! Brain fart. thanks for the check, looking for info on compressor fridges. Maybe mod can edit title so thread is archived appropriately.

Originally Posted by Selkirk

At the the 11:15 mark of this video, the owner discusses installing a 4 cuft "Truck Fridge" compressor fridge in his E17. The specific model is not mentioned, but sounds like it was a straightforward swap.
.

I checked out that video. Thanks for the link, it was reassuring to know models exist that will not only fit through the door but seemingly fit in the same footprint as the 3 cf fridge, although he didn't offer much information other than having completed the mod. I'd probably request the deeper cabinet to accommodate larger fridges.

[Mike G]

Whatever you do, just don't install a combustor fridge.... (kaboom!)

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Selkirk

At the the 11:15 mark of this video, the owner discusses installing a 4 cuft "Truck Fridge" compressor fridge in his E17. The specific model is not mentioned, but sounds like it was a straightforward swap.

This looks like the model he used
https://truckfridge.com/collections/...k-refrigerator

[Sean2a]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

This looks like the model he used
https://truckfridge.com/collections/...k-refrigerator

This well could be it, though I thought he said it was a 4 cf fridge and this one is listed at 4.6. Not a huge difference, but considering he already got a 4 into where escape had designed for a 3, makes you wonder. Then again, I guess a compressor fridge likely has less components leaving more space for the refrigeration compartment.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Sean2a

This well could be it, though I thought he said it was a 4 cf fridge and this one is listed at 4.6. Not a huge difference, but considering he already got a 4 into where escape had designed for a 3, makes you wonder. Then again, I guess a compressor fridge likely has less components leaving more space for the refrigeration compartment.

He probably just misquoted. It’s the same in all respects as the one in the video. You are right about the efficiency of space. This 4.6 CF compressor fridge is slightly smaller in each dimension than a 3 CF Dometic RM2351 for example.

[Sean Murry]

Originally Posted by Sean2a

I know that ETI doesn't offer a 12 v compressor fridge option for the 17 as it does for other models, but was wondering if anyone with a 17 had swapped their 3 way for a compressor model, or better yet, deleted the fridge on a new build and installed one after delivery. I am seeing a trend toward solar, compressor fridges, thus reducing reliance from propane, and the tech has come a long way in recent past. As a result, I was interested in this mod as a way to future proof the trailer, since these things tend to last a long time. I figure if this is done in the configuration stage, it can save you from having another vent/ hole in your trailer that isn't needed.

So my question is, has anyone with a 17 done this mod and if so, did you find it difficult to find a model that would fit through the door? Did it fit well or did you have to modify the cabinet at all? Finally, do you find your power setup, whatever it is, was enough to sustain for off the grid camping for more than a day or two?

When we ordered our Escape 19, we asked them to delete the fridge and delete the cut out on the side of the trailer, and then gave them the cut out dimensions for a Novakool 7 cubic foot fridge. I then installed the fridge myself. We installed the Novakool RFU8220 and were able to fit it through the door of the trailer. I would go to the Novakool website as they have a whole list of fridges available and have great information for size of cut out required etc. P.S. I did have Escape leave the top vent in place for better air circulation around the compressor fridge we installed

[Sean Murry]

Originally Posted by Sean Murry

When we ordered our Escape 19, we asked them to delete the fridge and delete the cut out on the side of the trailer, and then gave them the cut out dimensions for a Novakool 7 cubic foot fridge. I then installed the fridge myself. We installed the Novakool RFU8220 and were able to fit it through the door of the trailer. I would go to the Novakool website as they have a whole list of fridges available and have great information for size of cut out required etc. P.S. I did have Escape leave the top vent in place for better air circulation around the compressor fridge we installed

Here is the link to Novakool

https://www.novakool.com/

Forgot to mention that Escape did adjust the cabinet to accommodate the fridge making the whole thing extremely easy