Samsung 255lt Inverter Fridge Installation.

[nut17]

When we ordered our current 25' Jayco Silverline OB caravan there were some very negative comments floating around regarding the Dometic RMD 8555 fridge freezer that Jayco were fitting as standard equipment at the time. Based on that information and research at the time I opted to have a 215lt Waeco compressor fridge installed during the build. This decision has not been without it's share of heartache and issues. After initial teething troubles, it has done the job over the last 2 1/2 years all be it fairly hungry on electrical energy (80 AH / 24 Hrs) and requiring regular freezer compartment defrost sessions due to on going and unresolved door sealing problems. It has also proven to be relatively noisy.

So about a month ago I made the decision and took the plunge, purchasing one of these https://www.noelleeming.co.nz/shop/whit ... 21264.html.
The cabinet size is slightly smaller than the Waeco so it has been a relatively simple installation. I have it powered by a dedicated 300w PSW inverter (cooling fan disabled and unnecessary) and have found a pair of discrete mechanical door travel locks to make it caravan friendly.

Compared to the Waeco it is light years ahead in every respect - Frost Free - Convenient Ice Maker - Virtually Silent - Electrical Energy Requirement 50 AH / 24 Hrs. Total cost = less than $NZ1000 including inverter and DIY installation. I managed to sell the antique technology, built at excessive cost Waeco for $NZ1350 !! This leaves me with beer money for my COLD beer for a few months

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Whoops it is laying on its side !! It will stand up if you click on it.
Cheers
Chris

[BillieBlue]

Nice fridge Chris with a great big freezer. You should be real happy with that one

Cheers Pat.

[T1 Terry]

Hi Chris, good choice for an upgrade to the 21st century As far as door locks, what did you use? We have found a new to us industrial strength 3M Velcro product that actually locks to itself so doesn't need the other half. We marked out where the short bit would go on the fridge door and side wall and added masking tap borders, sprayed the area with pressure pack contact glue then fixed the self gluing Velcro strip once the contact glue had tacked off. The self gluing only doesn't seem to hold well enough but with the contact glue as well it doesn't come off. Cut a strap of Velcro from the roll long enough to extend past the 2 bits already stuck on so you have somewhere to grab when it comes time to unlock, and Robert is your father's brother as they say.

T1 Terry

[nut17]

I have as a temporary fix some simple auto locking "kiddie locks" but have an engineering design in my head still to be implemented. I will be using a 12v linear actuator to power a mechanical latch (my son is waiting for the design so he can 3D print it for me ) When I fire up the Jeep the power from the VSR charge feed will fire the actuator and lock the two fridge doors. Well that is the plan anyway. The long part of this lock is double sided taped to the side of the fridge and is quite flexible. It has to bend to allow the door to open. The small wedge is glued to the door using superglue. Door locks automatically but requires thumb action to open. Similar to the old Waeco really.

Cheers
Chris

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[T1 Terry]

Some what more elegant than the Velcro method Tell us more about this locking mechanism that applies when the VSR switches, how do you turn it off to get the fridge open when you stop for a coffee break yet be sure it has reset when you close the van door?

[nut17]

I have purchased a 12v linear actuator with an 18mm stroke. As soon as the Jeep is started the the actuator will fire and lock the doors. Within a minute or so after switching the Jeep off, the power to the actuator will be disconnected and the doors will unlock. I just need to put the design in my head into practice A simple wedge powered by my actuator that will prise open my existing locks may well be feasible as well.

Cheers
Chris

[BillieBlue]

Well done That's very clever Chris ,can you get those thingos to open ATM's.

[Jon and Kay]

Just a word of caution about your child proof locks, as I broke two of these in the first year, before going back to a simple cabin hook.

[Dibsy]

I wish I went down that line . Still thinkin of it but after spending $2000 on a evakool . That's shit . Can't brin my self to dump it .
Dibs

[nut17]

Well done That's very clever Chris ,can you get those thingos to open ATM's.

Quite possibly, but knowing my luck I would stand a fairly high chance of spending some time getting a striped suntan in a prison somewhere
By the way the fridge is exceeding my expectations and the basic child lock door restraints are still working perfectly. Have been out of commission for the last few weeks having successfully had a cancerous prostate gland removed and still in recovery mode.
Cheers
Chris