triplethreat
Solar Enthusiast
- Joined
- Oct 12, 2021
- Messages
- 129
I looked at the Everchill 17 cu. ft. model specs and there are several issues that come to mind. First, it is a free standing unit requiring at least 1" of space for ventilation on both sides and the rear. To use as a "free standing" unit would require extensive work on the existing cubicle that the Norcold is installed in. The fact that the Norcold in my Momentum is installed in a slide room means that there is no top venting for the existing fridge. There are two large vent openings at the back side of the fridge...one at the bottom and one at the top of the slide, which is necessary for an absorption fridge installed in a slide...vs. the same fridge not installed in a slide and having a roof vent. 2. The two outside vents would need to be completely closed off in order to keep heat and cold from entering into the compartment, since the Everchill is a free standing unit. 3. The depth of the Everchill is concerning and possibly will not fit in my circumstance. Even if I installed it as far back in the cubicle as possible, and maintained the 1" clearance at the back of the fridge, there would be around 4" of the fridge sticking out the front of the cubicle. In that scenario, when the slide was brought in, the front of the Everchill would make contact with the sink and cabinets in the kitchen that is directly in front of the refrigerator. The existing fridge, the Norcold, comes within about 1 1/2" of that sink/cabinet/countertop, so anything installed that is taking more space than the existing Norcold, will be a fail.There are a number of 12v compressor fridges on the market. Check here for some examples. Note that some on that page are 110v so pay attention to the voltage. I bought the 11.4 cu ft model because it was almost a perfect fit replacement for my original 6 cu ft absorption fridge.
After looking at the space constraints that I have, the JC refrigerator conversion is looking better and better. To me, to only other option if I don't want to live with the terrible performance of the Norcold, is a residential fridge with the dimensions that would work for my space, and then go with the inverter install for being able to use it while traveling. Moving the sink/cabinets/countertop is not an option for me in order to gain more space for the fridge when the slideroom comes in. Going with a smaller fridge is also not an option, as we had the existing fridge really full when we did a one month trip out west this past September.