Fridge questions

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by PermanentTourist, Feb 18, 2017.

  1. PermanentTourist

    PermanentTourist Heavy Load Member

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    I just bought my first truck and I want to install a real fridge in it. Like one with the freezer and real compression Freon type Cooling.

    I have a little $80 fridge now that runs on an electronic fan, and it really sucks. Barely keeps things even slightly cool, and seems to eat way too much juice doing it. I don't like to idle if I don't have to, and that fridge cuts off within 5 hours of being parked.

    I know they have special expensive custom fit fridges for Cascadias -
    Do they work well?
    Do those consume less power?
    Do they actually keep running through a typical 10-hour break?
    Does anybody know where I can get a good deal on a used one maybe?
    And are they easy to install myself?

    Any answers appreciated, thanks
     
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  3. STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    They are not cheap. You ideally want a unit that runs on 12vdc (Dometic). If you don't have an APU and you have 4 truck batteries and don't idle, such a fridge probably would never get you into trouble except for maybe long weekends at home or extra cold starts after maybe 24 hours

    You can look at https://www.iowa80.com/browse/refrigerators/COOLERS/ or various RV supply houses for install models. The
     
    Last edited: Feb 18, 2017
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  4. bzinger

    bzinger Road Train Member

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    I have a truck fridge model t49 for sale in Omaha ..can't even get an offer on it .
     
  5. tucker

    tucker Road Train Member

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    How many beers will it hold?
     
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  6. bzinger

    bzinger Road Train Member

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    Hmmm stack em right about an 18 pack lol ..plus some food .
     
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  7. SidewaysBentHalo

    SidewaysBentHalo Medium Load Member

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    You got other options. Alot of drivers who dont take passengers opt to have the extra seat yanked.

    Thats what i did. Put a 2.7 cu ft in. Relatively cheap. Walmart and home depot and other chains sell variations.

    Take measurements. Get a small 2inch strap with a single hook to secure it in using the seatbelt anchors to the floor. I probably could have went a little larger bit my fire extinguisher is mounted right by the door.

    Hindsight tip get something with a full top shelf freezer. Also no glass shelves. They rattle when empty.

    This is all assuming you have an inverter.
     
  8. uncleal13

    uncleal13 Road Train Member

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    Engel fridges are really good on power, not cheap. Will freeze. Mostly cooler style designs.
    Dometic makes standard truck fridges that will fit your truck. I've only had power troubles when the batteries get old and weak. A standard ten hour break is normally not a problem.
    I have used household bar or apartment fridges that are 120 volt via an 1,800 watt inverter. Pure sine wave inverters work best. Do not use any smaller of an inverter as the fridge compressor requires way more power to start than it does to run. I know people that have used this setup for years without trouble.
     
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  9. Hurst

    Hurst Registered Member

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    Remove the lower cabinet behind the driver seat. Walmart and harware stores sell $160 - $180 hotel/dorm style mini fridge with freezers. They work perfectly.

    I have my Microwave and Fridge behind the driver seat. Freezer full of hamburger meat, steakums, frozen veggies, ice cream etc. Fresh Veggies in the crisper,.. lunch meat, cheese, potato salad, slaw, mayo etc. The door will hold 8 12oz cans. Perfect for cooking your own food while out on the road.

    [​IMG]

    Hurst
     
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  10. PermanentTourist

    PermanentTourist Heavy Load Member

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    How much do you want for it? Do you have the Freightliner mounting bracket?
     
  11. Nukem

    Nukem Road Train Member

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    you never got back with me on model/pics/or anything. So I figured you sold it.
     
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