questions about an rv refrigerator

[rnnbingham]

Hello! I am a brand new subscriber to this forum. I have been a frequent visitor to the site for over a year, wanting to convert a cargo trailer for myself and my wife for some time now. We sold our 24 ft toy hauler last year after both kids left for college, feeling that it just seemed too big for just the two of us, and purchased a 14 ft. v-nose R&R deluxe cargo trailer to convert into our next camper. We are gradually putting the pieces of this camper puzzle together, and so far it's been a few headaches, but mostly a lot of fun. I have a question for anyone out there who could possibly offer some input...Please! We are looking to buy a 2-way refrigerator for the TTT, and recently came across a very good buy on a Dometic rm2410. We need a refrigerator that will fit under the kitchen counter in our little camper, and this unit will definitely fit judging from the specs, but I am concerned about the location of its controls. They are located along the base/bottom of the unit, which means that they would be right near the floor. I don't have a problem kneeling down to push a button to ignite the LP for our refrigerator, but would we possibly encounter any problems in its operation that might suggest we should pass on this unit and look for a different one with the controls at the top? I can purchase this particular refrigerator, new in the box and shipped right to my house, for about $150 less than anywhere else I can find it. I'd like to buy it IF it'll work fine under the counter. Any advice/input would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks so much!

~Duane

[k1hog]

I have been rv'ing for years, and see no reasion that the refg, would not work. I built my conversion, with an ac refg only, as i was concerned with the vent issue, if required and an opening to the outside for the propane refg.

Johnnie

[len19070]

I used a Norcold with the controls at the top.



I did consider the Dometic with the lower controls but only because the Ref was next to the door and you could stand outside and light it.

I was a little spooked mounting the Ref. in the front of the trailer as the vents were facing forward. But the thing never blew out while driving????

Happy Trails

Len

[rnnbingham]

Thanks for the input! I think this refrig. should work, too. My concern is that, having not read the installation/owners manual because I'd be buying it online, that there might be an issue with the venting, or maybe that the controls shouldn't be that close to the floor? I've never installed a camper refrigerator before, and wanted to possibly hear from others who are more experienced with these things before I shelled out the $$ for it! Thanks again,

~Duane

[8ball_99]

I used a Dometic RM4223 in my trailer. Mainly for the price and the fact it will run on 12v also.. While traveling I run it on 12v then switch it to 110 or gas once we get to where we are going.. Setting the fridge your looking at on the ground should not be a problem.. Here is the link to a PDF for that model and others. At the end it gives you vent clearances. It does not show or suggest any kind of clearance at the bottom for the fridge. I see no reason why you can't set it on the floor. Only down side is if you ever get water in the trailer for what ever reason it could cause some issues with the controls.. I wouldn't worry though. They are very basic. Thats the reason I got the 4223. Its all manual.. No electronic boards to go out constantly..
Service manual http://gasrefrigeration.net/dom_techdata/2552.pdf

Venting them isn't super hard. Heck my fridge isn't even on an external wall. I just left a cap between it and the rear up to the roof and installed a roof vent. It has a pipe that runs up from the floor to supply it with fresh air.. I have an access door on the wall behind the fridge.

[Pyrofish]

I thought about a fridge, and then I remember to keep it simple. I found a 150 qt Yeti cooler used for $300. It's been a great bench seat/fridge