elec fridge and in the rough camping

[laurarice26]

Hi! When we bought our new TT, I didn't realize it was elec. only. Newbie mistake I guess. Anyway, I was wondering if we could use dry ice in there safely when it wasn't being powered by the battery? I was thinking of replacing the fridge but we can't afford that yet. We bought too many toys this year. :-)


2014 Wildwood x-lite 185br
towed by 2013 Ram 1500

[boatnut]

are you sure it isn't electric/propane???

[Evereddie]

Yup, electric only. A good salesman or dealer should have pointed this out especially since the RV fridge is an option. Probably one where they could have made a few bucks.

I'm going to guess dry ice will work but be careful not to let it contact anything directly. It would be worth it to do a test run for a few days at home if possible. You don't need any surprises while you are away from civilization. Maybe use one of those fridge circulating fans that run on D batteries. Try to simulate going in and out several times an hour just like you would camping. Put a thermometer in it and monitor. Do you need the freezer too?

Now, that's my guess but someone who knows the insides of a fridge needs to chime in here to speculate if that cold would mess with the workings of the fridge while it is off.

Know anyone with a generator?

[Cover Dog]

Don't know about damaging the fridge with dry ice but I bet it will freeze everything in there. When going elk hunting, we put the meat in very large coolers with dry ice and if it is not frozen when picked up from the butcher, within 1 1/2 days it is frozen solid. And that is with only 2-3 flat pieces of dry ice.

[boatnut]

if going the dry ice route, use it only in an outside cooler. I would not chance damaging your interior fridge. Just my opinion.

[laurarice26]

Thanks Everyone. Dry ice in the cooler will prob work just fine.


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[jwedell]

Check the amp draw on the fridge element it's probably very small. You can probably clip a small inverter to the battery and run an extension cord to the fridge. Just a thought. Handling dry ice can be tricky.


Started Out With Nothing,
Still Have Most Of It Left!

[laurarice26]

Thanks!


2014 Wildwood x-lite 185br
towed by 2013 Ram 1500

[BooBoo23]

Or, you could go buy a generator.

[laurarice26]

Well, that's not in the cards this year. We purchased too many toys this year. It will have to wait until next year.

[TURBS]

So this camper must have factory select "fs" features?

If a noisy generator isn't a concern you can buy an open frame generator for cheap.
Especially on Craigs list or ebay used.

TURBS

"SABRE OWNERS UNITED"

[laurarice26]

Yes, it is a FS. We are newbies and didn't ask about the fridge. Noise is a concern so we will wait until we can get a Honda generator. Looks like our inverter may work, Or I'll just use coolers again. Maybe a pitcher filled will ice in the fridge will keep some items cold like milk for coffee etc.

[Kaadk]

Originally Posted by laurarice26

Yes, it is a FS. We are newbies and didn't ask about the fridge. Noise is a concern so we will wait until we can get a Honda generator. Looks like our inverter may work, Or I'll just use coolers again. Maybe a pitcher filled will ice in the fridge will keep some items cold like milk for coffee etc.

Even with a Generator, you'll probably still want an inverter. If you go generator only then you'll have to run the generator 24/7 to run the fridge 24/7. With an inverter, you run the fridge off the batteries and then run the Genie to replenish the batteries.

[laurarice26]

Thanks. We have an inverter and a friend with a generator so maybe we can keep it going like that until next year when we can be independent. You all have been very helpful! I appreciate it!