Install and Review New 12 Volt RV Refrigerator - A Perfect Fit For Us
Вставка
- Опубліковано 15 лип 2024
- Enjoy the channel? Buy them coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/rvunderwayc
#rvrefrigerator #camperfridge #12voltfridge
Install and Review New 12 Volt RV Refrigerator - A Perfect Fit For Us! Lots of Space.
Two of our three RVs have had absorption refrigerators that failed. Both times I noticed a yellowish-green staining near the coils, a clear sign of ammonia leakage. On our previous RV I decided to replace the entire cooling unit myself. The cost was well over $800, and the installation was not for the faint hearted. And even after replacing the entire cooling unit, the performance was less than ideal. In our current RV, the absorption fridge was over 16 years old and started failing about 2 months ago.
So, after a friend told us about his 12 Volt RV Fridge, we did some research, and reached out to our friends at RecPro. They sent us an Everchill 10.7 cubic feet 12 volt compressor Stainless Steel RV Refrigerator to install and review. This video details our experience from unboxing to operating for over a month....so far. How do we feel about it? Well, here's a hint....our magnets love their new hangout, and we will never go back to an absorption fridge again!
CORRECTION - We keep the fridge at 38 and the freezer at 0. Thanks, Sam, for pointing out that error in the video.
So, if you're adding a new refrigerator or are replacing your old one, we highly recommend this RecPro® Everchill 10.7 Cubic Feet 12V Stainless Steel RV Refrigerator. Don't forget to use the code ~ RVUSAVE ~ for 5% off!
www.recpro.com/rv-refrigerato...
USE THE CODE ~ RVUSAVE ~ AND GET 5% OFF YOUR NEXT PURCHASE AT RECPRO!
---- CHAPTERS ----
00:00 Topic Tease
00:10 Channel Logo
00:20 Channel Intro
00:40 Join and Merch
00:52 Topic Intro
01:19 Absorption Fridge
01:39 Absorption Upside
01:59 Absorption Downside
02:31 Ammonia Leakage
02:43 Previous Repair
03:04 Current Failure
03:23 Weighing Options
03:33 Residential Fridge
03:56 12 Volt Fridge Intro
04:42 Secure Power
05:39 Unscrew Old Fridge
06:25 Shift Old Fridge
07:07 Disconnect LP Gas
08:22 Disconnect 12 Volt
09:34 Remove Old Fridge
10:10 Clean Fridge Area
10:20 Slide New Fridge In
10:30 Connect New Fridge
11:04 Shim and Mount
11:36 New Fridge Overview
12:52 Wrap-up and Discount
13:46 Channel Outro
14:19 Channel Logo
14:29 End Screen
Here's the video of me replacing the entire cooling unit on a older Norcold RV Fridge
• No Co Error Fix - RV F...
Join our youtube channel and get access to great perks: / @rvunderway
Thank You Channel Members:
Box Van Dee / boxvandee
Great Granny Free Bird / greatgrannyfreebird
B&D Crafts & More / @bdcraftsmore
Nursing Our Travel Bug / nursingourtravelbug
James Catanese / jamescatanese
Thrifty Angela / thriftyangela
idlecruises / @idlecruises2326
Dee 4EverlandRV / @dee4everland108
Jonnie's Journey / @jonniesjourney
Avenger RV Adventure / @avengerrvadventure
Over The Hill RV / @overthehillrv
SWAG SWAG SWAG - The RV Underway Spread Shop is now open! Get your RVU Crew Merch at rv-underway.myspreadshop.com/
Passport America - Stay at Over 1,200+ Quality campgrounds across the US, Canada, and Mexico at half the nightly rate! Visit www.PassportAmerica.com/join
Then select “Passport America Ambassador” and enter our code ~ RVUN3 ~ it’s that simple.
The Fisher House Foundation provides no-cost housing and support for the family of wounded service members undergoing treatment at medical facilities. You can learn more about the Fisher House Foundation by visiting their web site www.fisherhouse.org/
Reminder: This channel is for entertainment purposes only. We are not RV or travel experts. We share our opinions and what works for us, but you should do your own research.
We always strive to create new and entertaining content, so please SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT below. Also, check out our other videos. Your support helps us grow, reach more viewers and help support military charities. Thanks for watching, and for your continued support.
EMAIL: rvunderway@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: rvunderway/
TWITTER: rvunderway
INSTAGRAM: rvunderway
OUR WEBSITE: www.rvunderway.com
*Emily from RecPro said,* _ "Woohoo, love this! Thank you guys so much. I'm glad you love the refrigerator, and how lucky are you that it fits so perfectly in that space? The RecPro gear at the end of the video was the best touch. :) "_
Is there a particular reason that you shut off the breaker and take the fuse out considering that all is really needed is unplugging the fridge
Nice video enjoy your camping 12 volts I love it
$1249.95 I will consider more solar and 110v. Bummer 12v upright refrigerators never fell in price. Excellent video. *November 2023
I'm so glad you guys loved it! I mean eating ice cream is very important... Lol!
So very important, Angela! Thanks for watching. Peace.
Beautiful refrigerator ❤
It really is....and it fit perfectly! Lovin' it!
Good instructions
Thanks, Daphne! Glad it was informative. Thanks for checking out our channel...we appreciate you. Peace.
great video u made me a believer thanks to u I'm doing this to my Fleetwood 34ft bounder
Glad we could help. Our first Class A was a 2000 34ft Bounder. We'll always remember that rig with fondness. Don't think you'll regret a 12 volt fridge, and if you buy it from RecPro...they'll stand behind it. Remember to use the Discount Code RVUSAVE for 5% off at www.recpro.com. If I can help, just drop me an email rvunderway@gmail.com. Peace!
Nice job !!
Thanks for the visit, Doug. We appreciate you watching. Peace.
Great video.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching, Patrick. Peace!
What an amazing announcer voice you have.
Well, thank you, Amy. My voice and $4.50 gets me a cup of coffee at Starbucks 😛 Thanks for watching. Peace!
We love ours. Came with the camper and one solar panel. Nothing like cold food, cold drink, cold and ice whenever you stop. 😎
Thanks for watching, Dee and Chief! We are really loving it. BTW, thanks for the Green Peanut Oil and the Okra Seed Oil. Really appreciate it! See y'all on the road. Peace.
Still working well?
Great job, Mr. Mad Skilz!😂
😜 Thanks for watching and supporting our channel, Rich! Peace.
Great job 👍🇺🇲
Glad you enjoyed it, Bob. Hope it was informative enough. Thanks for checking out our channel. Peace!
@@RVUNDERWAY you're welcome
That's nice you found finally found a nice 12 V fridge. Pretty pricey though. I just want one of those undershirts Ricky has on? Cool.
Thanks for watching, you two! That is a great shirt, right. They sell them on their website at www.recpro.com Peace.
My Dometic 12v fridge died at 13 months, just out of the 1yr warranty. The lights and fans would come on but it stopped getting cold. Dometic would not cover it. It's the only RV fridge I've ever had a problem with. The service guy at the RV place said most of them ship low (or not all the way full) on freon and they don't have a port to recharge them.
Sorry to hear that, Joe. We have not had a problem so far (over a year now). Our complaint is that it sometimes gets too cold. Hopefully you get one that will serve you for many trouble-free years. Good luck. Thanks for checking out the video and our channel. Peace!
@@RVUNDERWAYyou stated 45 degrees most recommend 35 to 38 for safety
Not many newer refrigerators have a port for charging, but they make a brass clamp on fitting to do this, easy and cheap to do.
I live in Pensacola 20 years ago
by pjc college
We've heard discouraging info about the new 12v frig's. Our absorption frig has quit twice and had the coils replaced twice. Now it's out again. We can't replace it. They won't fit thru the door of the motorhome and we would have to have the windshield removed. Shudder. So, our best option at this point is a cheap standard household frig. We no longer boondock or travel extensively. Good luck with beta testing the new 12v. Hope it works perfectly. 😊
It's been about a year now, Jordan, and it's been running fine. Sorry you're having fridge issues, it is a troublesome problem to have. You'll work it out...got faith. Safe travels and thanks for watching. Peace.
Nice video, you should note that most foods needs to be stored at 40 degrees or below. Have you measured the watt hours in 24 at 90 degrees outside?
Not yet, David, but that sounds like a great test/review video idea. I'll put that on my list and let you know once I've measured it. Thanks for checking out our channel...we appreciate you. Peace.
Great video. I'm researching 12v fridges. There has been mixed results on the Rec Pro Ever Chill. What has your experience been so far, we are full timers. Thanks!
Nice video and it seems to be a good alternative to the absorption fridge but one of my concerns is compressor noise on the new unit. My refrigerator is just 2 feet away from the foot end of my bed and I'm a very light sleeper. All I hear from the old unit is the igniter for the propane heater kicking in every once in a while. So, what about the sound levels emanating from you new equipment? Thanks for all your efforts creating these videos.
Thanks for checking out our channel, Old Cuxie. We appreciate you. Our new 12 volt fridge is not near our bedroom, but even from the rear of the unit, I've never heard the compressor. It is very quiet. Hope this video is helpful...we love our 12 volt fridge. Peace!
My main concern as well. I was going to buy a propane fridge for my arched metal cabin because I hate the 110 volt fridge compressors. Thanks for asking the very question that concerns me the most! I am going to spend 2500 bucks on a Furrion 16 cubic foot 12 volt fridge, thanks to all of the good videos I have seen now about these new quiet 12 volt fridges that are highly efficient!
HI Guys, curious , how is the refrigerator working these days? I plan on changing mine and on the fence between Dometic or RecPro, Al
I'm looking and curious as well, especially for full time use.
Dude your voice was made for this.
Thanks, J. I appreciate that. Thanks for checking out our channel...we appreciate you. Peace!
Did you install a shut off switch so no battery draw when not in use? I noticed there's not one on the fridge
A 45* refrigerator is not food safe. If your not able to get 36* - 39* you need to start troubleshooting. This is one of the many 12 volt refrigerator shortcomings. That plus first year failures and always a shortage of parts. As of this post many (most) mobile tech we called for repair on new 12 volt will not come to work on them do to amount of callbacks the mags won’t pay for.
I have viewed quite a few videos on these 12-volt units, and there seems to be a lack of consensus on how much power they actually use. what is the exact number model unit you have
Great job on the video! Your production style and clarity is awesome! That said... you got 16 years service out of a much more affordable and efficient absorption fridge?? Cooling "fast" is immaterial... it's about efficiency and STAYING cold once it's to temperature. Reports of compressor failures on these 12 volt versions is a non-starter for me. What are the odds these expensive newer compressor versions will last 16 years? No wonder the warranty period is so short. IF they were reliable, you'd see a 5 year warranty at minimum.
efficient absorption fridge? what planet are you on?
All good points, Norton. And yes, the absorption units do have a long track record. We've had our 12 volt unit in for a year and a half, so good, so far. Did you ever watching my video on replacing the cooling unit on my first failed absorption fridge? Here's the link, check it out.
ua-cam.com/video/SHn_JI0W_9Q/v-deo.html
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. We appreciate it. Peace!
Easy there, Erik. Sounds like you're not a fan of absorption units. They are, what they are. But they were the best option for the first half a century of RVing. Thanks for watching and leaving your thoughts. Stay safe out there. Peace!
Getting ready to do this.
One of the best moves we made in the RV. Still chillin' just fine. Take care, Doug. Thanks for watching, brother. Peace!
My RV frig went out. I know nothing about RV frigs. I am considering a residential 120 volt frig as a replacement. I don't care for 12 volt nor propane. Our RV stays parked on a lake lease. Any reason why a regular residential won't work? The cost is far less as well. Appreciate our advise.
My fridge is in a slide. I i noticed you used the ground strap for the neutral. Would i get a good ground in the slide. The 2 dc wires that are already there look to be 12 gage can i use these or do i have to go all the way to the battery. Thanks my 2way has bit the dust. Im seriously thinking of going this route. Thank you for this video.
Glad it was helpful, John! Your existing 12 gauge stranded wire is a good size for most 12 volt RV wiring. It can easily carry up to 20 amps. The 12 volt fridge only draws about 10 amps at max, so you should be good. I would run a separate chassis ground wire to the new fridge from the RV frame, not the slide.
Don't think you'll regret a 12 volt fridge, John. If you buy it from RecPro...they'll stand behind it. Remember to use the Discount Code RVUSAVE for 5% off at www.recpro.com. If I can help, just drop me an email rvunderway@gmail.com. Peace!
Any update on the fridge 1 year later?
👍👌❤️🇨🇦, cool
thanks! 🙂👍💚
Any updates on the fridge?
You indicated that after it cools down, it takes 1 amp to maintain. Does it draw that 1A 24/7 or does it cycle like a regular residential fridge?
It cycles, Scott. Very little draw. We love it and it's easy on the batteries. Thanks for watching. Peace!
@@RVUNDERWAY Thanks for the reply. Now the only concern I have a the dismal support every maker of these fridges exhibits. Hopefully it will get better with time (and before I have to make a decision).
Cheers!
Excuse me for been so New. Cause I’m. I just bought my first Rv with and old freezer.
You choose not to use propane but do you have solar panel?
Thanks for watching, Maury.
Yes, we do have solar, but did not when we first installed this 12 volt fridge. It draws very little current, about 1 amp. So, if you are plugged in at a campground, you'll have no issues. If you are dry camping (no electric hookups), your RV batteries will run the fridge for a long time before needing a recharge. Hope this is helpful. Peace.
Can you do mines..I live in Memphis tn
Better installation job then the RV dealer would do. Can you install a refrigerator in my RV?
Are you getting one? If I'm around, I'd be happy to help! Thanks for watching. Peace.
@@RVUNDERWAY I will be getting one when my propane refrigerator dies. Going on 7 years who knows how long my propane refrigerator will last.
I just replaced my refrigerator with the same one but I need to put trim around it, where did you get the trim?
I picked it up at Lowes, Silverio. But you can find suitable trim at any home improvement store. Thanks for watching! Peace.
Ok thank you
Do you remember what size trim you used plus did you guys stain it to match the cabinets
45 degrees is not food safe! Good ole Neverchill 🙄
We keep our Freezer 0-8, refrigerator 35.
We do now, Kevin. Lots of viewers pointed that out to us. We thank you for watching and supporting our channel. Peace!
How did you get the fridges in and out of the RV? Aren’t they too big to fit through the door?
Not at all, John. The 12 volt Everchill from RecPro was exactly the same size of our old Dometic. I had the help of a fellow RVer and we toted it right into the RV and into the old fridge space. We got very lucky with this upgrade. Thanks for checking out our channel...we appreciate you. Peace.
@RVUNDERWAY thanks for responding.
What solar do you have when boondocking
We have recently installed 1200 watts of panels up top and 2 300 amp hour lithium batteries. The panels and the controllers are from ACOPower and the batteries are Energy Cloud. We boondocked in Key West for 2 months (Jan - Mar 23) and was even able to run the AC from time to time. Hope that answers your question, France. Thanks for watching. Peace.
12v dc is so much more efficient than a 120v on an inverter. That’s the benefit of a true dc fridge.
Does it lock shut like the old RV fridge? We have a stupid residential fridge that has to be bungee strapped any time we move.
I think you must have misspoke, 32 degrees for the freezer?
You are correct, Sam. We keep the fridge at 38 and the freezer right at 0. Thanks for pointing that out...I'll make a note of it in the description. Thanks for watching. Peace!
Your installation didn't review the electrical requirements for installation. You need to determine the wire gauge based on the length of the wire run, and the existing 14 gauge wire will be too small for this fridge. Then, you need to put a fuse that's large enough to protect that wiring. Choosing a 10A fuse, because it was larger than the 7A that the fridge uses, will only cause frustration with blown fuses.
Thanks, John. All good points. I am going to go back and review my install for any issues. Appreciate you watching and supporting our channel. Peace.
Don't you have to give the fridge minimum 1 inch around to let work?
You are correct. Our install did allow for several inches of space between the fridge and the bulkheads...however, I did add the expanding foam...so I guess I fudged on that. But the fridge has been working perfectly for over a year and a half now. Thanks for watching. Peace.
I don't understand. Are not all modern rv fridges dual mode? Why not run the fridge on 12volt when driving? What am I missing?
Most modern RV refrigerators ARE dual mode, Havoc....but it is 120VAC and propane. Most are bot 12VDC and propane. Peace.
From where does the 12v fridge get its electricity if you are plugged into shore power?
Thanks for watching, Barb. 4Ever4Given777 explained it perfectly. Safe travels, Peace!
Thank you, 4Ever4Given777! Peace.
I have this exact same fridge and it’s gone out twice in 4 months. Warrantied the first time snd it’s still sitting in my kitchen but I’m about to chunk it in the rv park dumpster after I beat it with a baseball bat
Again, we're sorry you've had trouble with yours. What exactly is wrong with it? Thanks for watching. Peace.
While I can appreciate the advantage of 12 volt I’m not ready to give up propane for boondocking!
That is the only drawback. We have lots of solar and LI batteries. We boondock a bunch, too, and haven't had an issue. Safe travels, Charles. Peace.
@@RVUNDERWAY Thank you. Yeah the right amount of solar would do it. Since I’m solo I might go with an Iceco 45 quart chest style refer/freezer and my solar chargeable power station!
Why did it drain 2 batteries in a few hours, it’s 53 degrees outside and nothing else is running?
I have heard that 12 volt fridges are a bit brutal on standard wet-cell batteries. We have lithium batteries. We boondock a bunch, too, and haven't had an issue. Safe travels, Larry. Peace.
why on earth did you just not use the previous 12v wiring. Why would you run 10 gauge wire that’s capable of 30 A when you only had a seven amp load? 16 gauge is capable of 10 A, and with a maximum seven amp load 16 gauges is all you needed, and the old refrigerator probably had at least 16 gauge running to it.
The manufacturer requires minimum 12 gauge wire for a run up to 15 feet so I get why he ran a new length. What I don’t get is why the new wire to replace the factory 16 gauge wouldn’t be run to the existing fuse panel 🤷🏻♂️ In our rig at least there’s a dedicated line and fuse for the refrigerator - when I replace our absorption fridge with a 12 volt that’s my intention.
How is your everchill holding up? Our 5 month old one just died. It was the 16cu ft 12v that came in our new 5er.
Sorry to hear that, Kandi. Ours is chilling along fine. We are very pleased. Hopefully Everchill will take care of you. Thanks for checking out our channel...we appreciate you. Peace.
RVUSAVE wouldn't work for me :(
Let me check into that for you, Grandma and Grandpa's Travels. Do you have an email address I can use to get you the discount?
Is the Extra Expense upfront worth the Price in the Longrun Anyone do the Math?
Sorry, Moe, we didn't crunch those numbers on this project. Perhaps we'll go back and revisit that aspect. Thanks for watching! Peace.
Loved the information presented but had to ultimately quit watching because the music was too distracting. Just a suggestion but maybe just play the music at the beginning of the video?
Noted, Marion. I was a radio disk jockey for 40 years...guess I can't help adding production music to everything I do. Thanks for your suggestion, and I will do my best to tone it down. But I do appreciate you visiting our channel. Peace.
Could have done without the music
12 volt - no no no. People having terrible problems with 12 volt, mostly within first year. RV mobile tech won’t come to work on them, no parts available, multiple breakdowns and frigid replacements.
At first I didn't take you for one of those "go-ahead" kinda guys but then all of the sudden you were "go-aheading" all over the place. How did this happen, we are going to "go-ahead" and say "go-ahead" over and over and over and we can "go-ahead" and thank UA-cam for that because here is where it all started. Now I am going to "go-ahead" and move on...
I'm confused, Doc, but thanks for watching. Peace.
This is for the rich. You'll need to afford a lithium battery and associated solar charging system. These 12 volt units suck standard deep well batteries dead.
We have 1200 watts of solar and 600 AH Lithium batteries. We probably wouldn't have gone with a 12 volt fridge if not for that fact. We boondock a bunch, too, and haven't had an issue. Safe travels! Peace.
12VOLT FRIDGES ARE STRAIGHT GARBAGE
Sorry you haven't had a good experience with them. Ours is working perfectly (knock on word). Thanks for watching. Peace.
So much talking with no content five thumbs down. 👎👎👎👎👎
Thanks, Wayne.