Are there more than 2 compact fridge options?

[Malena]

I'm looking to replace my old fridge because I don't think it's repairable and I can only find 2 manufacturers of 3 way fridges--Norcold and Dometic. Are there others to look at? And do they really not have freezer compartments or do they just have bad websites? (And are tiny popup camper freezers worth having anyway?)

On a related note, are temperature controls all that important on a fridge? How often do you adjust? My old fridge seemed to be functional until I turned the knob and it disintegrated. Still looking for a replacement knob but not sure it's worth the time when a new fridge might be better and isn't that expensive.

Any advice? Thanks!

[SteveP]

Those are the only ones I know of, unless Servel makes a small fridge, but that would probably be propane only and pricey.  I think Dometic and Norcold may both be subsidiaries of Thetford now.  My old Dometic has a freezer but I could never find an ice tray small enough to fit it.  It will only hold a few ice cream bars and really is a waste of space in my opinion.

I don't precool so when I start the fridge I turn it on high, and then turn it down to the midpoint after it cools down.

[gtstricky]

Look at teh N300 or the N410 here: http://www.thetford.com/HOME/PRODUCTS/NorcoldIncRefrigerators/tabid/195/Default.aspx

[Malena]

I like those, GT, but they're too tall!!

Steve, my old fridge came with a cute tiny ice cube tray. I suspect you're right and the freezer really is a waste of space (unless I really need 8 miniature ice cubes). Doesn't look like Servel makes anything in an extra small size.

Thanks for the suggestions, guys!

[OneMoreDay]

Hi Malena! We've been in the wilderness and only recently returned home to internet...

We bought this one:

Fridge/freezer

http://www.edgestar.com/products/fridgefreeze/crf150ss.asp

It is a compact refrig/freezer that will set at EITHER refrig or freezer... which makes it perfect for us as campers! Sometimes, we set it for refrig, when we need more space than the cooler allows on short-term camping trips, or we set it up for freezer, and store frozen meat and make ice for longer term camping trips...

We bought it from compactappliance.com for less than $200, but I don't see it now. So far, no problems, we love it.

Good camping to you...

[Malena]

You've been OUT in that thing??? And I haven't even gotten my fridge working in the time you've rebuilt a whole popup trailer. Sheesh! 

Thanks for the link...you're in hot country so of course you can go electric (AC needs and all). I should have been specific. I need a propane fridge. A 3-way or 2-way or heck even a 1 way as long as one of the ways is gas. 

[SteveP]

Hi Malena,
If your fridge is still good I think you should attempt a fix.  They are pretty easy to remove and install.

Remove the access door on the outside of the camper to get it out of the way.
Take a picture of the backside of the fridge, making sure you get all the wiring connections in the picture to refer to when you reinstall.
Turn off the gas at the tank and disconnect the gas line from the fridge.  Stuff a wad of paper towel or something into the end of the gas line to keep bugs out.
Disconnect the wiring.
There should be 2 to 4 bolts or screws holding the fridge down to the floor, once they are removed the fridge should slide forward into the camper.

Then it should be fairly easy to clean the burner assembly.  If you have a low pressure regulator with a flex hose you can hook the fridge directly to a propane tank and test it before you put it back in.  At this point you can decide whether or not to buy a new one, because you haven't spent any money yet.

If you decide to go back with the old one wrap with new fiberglass insulation and install.

Check local hardware and auto parts stores for generic nobs that will fit the shafts of your control pots.  A blank knob and a sharpie will get you all the control that you need.

[HappiKampers!]

I like those, GT, but they're too tall!!

Steve, my old fridge came with a cute tiny ice cube tray. I suspect you're right and the freezer really is a waste of space (unless I really need 8 miniature ice cubes). Doesn't look like Servel makes anything in an extra small size.

Thanks for the suggestions, guys!

This model http://www.thetford.com/HOME/Products/NorcoldRefrigeratorsHome/DC0040DE0040EV0040/tabid/196/Default.aspx is under 21" tall.

[boombalaty]

This thread got me thinking about a fridge until I saw the prices!  Holy crap they cost more than a nice one for the home.  I think I am going to remove my little cooler and extend the dinette seat and build a custom cooler underneath. Foil faced foam with a fiberglass shell inside and a small drain plug in the bottom.  Ill post some pics when I get started.

[Malena]

hehe. Yeah, Boom...it would raise the value of my camper to, well, the price of a fridge. :) I briefly considered taking it out, sticking with the cooler, and parking my portapotty in the hole (we have no good place for that toilet but I need my potty!), but it's directly beneath the cooktop and that seems somehow inappropriate. It's also right next to furnace and that seems somehow stinky. A dinette seat that held a cooler--even if not built in--would be sort of nice.

Thanks, Happi--there are a few Norcold and Dometic models that would probably fit. Apparently there are no other brands which I guess makes it easier to pick.

Steve, you make it sound so easy. Haaa. It could probably use new insulation. I was hoping to fix it without removing it because removal makes it a Big Project. The gas parts are probably just grubby; I wasn't able to test them properly because of the control knob. And the problem with the control knob is a stupid basic should-be-simple thing. I have the knob. I can see where the half-moon doohickey inside the fridge where it needs to connect is. But I can't find a replacement for the post/shaft/gizmo that connects the two (screws into knob on one end and fits over the circular-with-a-flat-spot turny thing on the controller on the other). It was plastic and fell apart. It needs to be almost 3" long and as you can see, I lack the appropriate vocabulary to google this thing. The local hardware stores don't seem to have anything useful.

[SteveP]

post/shaft/gizmo that connects the two (screws into knob on one end and fits over the circular-with-a-flat-spot turny thing on the controller on the other).

I can almost visualize what you are talking about.  There's always the ultimate generic control nob, a pair of long nosed pliers.

[Malena]

Yes! I bought some! Couldn't get a grip. I needed a needlenose type so I could get it into the hole. But they aren't grippy enough. I should probably try another pair.