on board fridge instal help needed

[norti_raskal]

Has anyone converted their coolbox with a fridge unit and if so which unit/kit have you used?
I am about to convert my coolbox and any pointers would be great.
also maybe someone has fridge unit with compressor, plate and thermo they might want to sell?
It will need to fit in my Sigma 33 coolbox on the stb side in the galley, I haven't thought of where I am going to put the compressor as of yet.
Thanks Tom

 

[Pete7]

Yes, I used an Isotherm kit about 5 years ago to convert our coolbox, about £300 at the time. All very straight forward but do use heavy duty wiring so you don't have problems with start up loads etc. The coolbox had about 50mm of existing insulation to which I added two layers of the Foil-faced polyethylene foam available from B&Q etc. sadly there wasn't room for anything thicker. Edges were then sealed with wide silver tape.

Fridge is probably 30l in size and runs about 2 minutes every 15 during the day, much less at night. Also silent, I need to view the amp hour meter to tell if its running. Well worth doing.

Waeco also do a very similar kit:

http://www.marinesuperstore.com/item/99176952/waeco-cu55-vd01-cooling-kit-box

We now keep a couple of bar top beer cloths in the bottom of the fridge. These help to stop the condensation and water that builds up over 3 or 4 days. We then swop them out with another set whilst the first ones are washed.

Pete

 

[Vara]

Yes I used an isotherm classic sourced from Dave2452 of these forums at a very good price.

install was straight forward, just follow the instructions. Only problem was that I misread the instructions on expanding foam, it expands to 30 times not three, under sink cupboard took a little clearing out.

Very pleased with performance, it seems to consume very little juice, but time will tell as ambient rises.

 

[Hydrozoan]

Waeco CU55 & VD07 for coolbox of ca. 70l. Straightforward installation and performs well.

 

[ditchcrawler]

On my M31 I used the Isotherm Compact Classic GE80 kit .I put the compressor under the sink.I also put the control in the fridge box to save cutting through the worktop.
It has worked well for 6 years.

 

[westernman]

Worth reiterating the need for decent sized wiring. If the size of the wiring is not big enough, the start up current will give a big enough voltage drop in the wiring for the control unit to think the batteries are low. In consequence it will stop the compressor (to avoid completely discharging the batteries). Then the voltage will rise, and a minute later the control unit will try to start the compressor again with the same result.

The end result is that unless you are charging your batteries, the fridge won't work.

(Been there, done that, got the tea shirt).

 

[halb]

Tom, I have just replaced the compressor unit on my Halberdier, got the new unit from Marinemegastore, the delivered cost £324.00 inc next day delivery, bear in mind if this were to be your first purchase from them a 15% discount might apply. It is essential that you get correct compressor for the size of the fridge. The instalation is very straight forward, but you will need to be able to drill a 35mm hole to pass the pipework through. As stated earlier it is very quiet, I keep checking it's running! The unit I've fitted is the Isotherm Classic 80ltr.
PM me if you need any further information.
Jon