Power Requirements for AB Cold Machine

[BigEasy]

I am planning to convert the ice box on my '88 H33.5 to a refrigerator using an Adler Barbour Cold machine. I will probably reinsulate the interior of the box with vacuum panels. I currently have two GP 27 AGM batteries; one for starting and one for house power. The batteries are charged using a True Charge 20 mmicroprocessor controlled charger. I am only interested in using the refrigerator dockside while connected to shore power. Any recommendations on battery size and configuration would be appreciated.Thanks.

 

[stevevoyce]

Use 110 volt

If you are only going to use it dock side you must still be planning to also use it as an ice box while away from the dock. Right? Way not use 110 volt and forget all the expense of messing with the batteries? You could probably take apart a dorm room refrigerator which cost less them a hundred bucks. The hard part would be to do the install without breaking any lines and losing the coolant. While at the dock you could crank it up and get everything nice and cold before adding the ice. What do you think? steve

 

[Pat McCartin]

Norcold

Norcold makes a great little icebox conversion unit. The mechine runs on 110V at the dock and 12v when not pluged in. It automaticly sensses and switches over. It's inexpensive and easy to install.http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=6290

 

[Crackerjoc]

Isotherm Makes an Interesting Unit . . .

that uses DC to freeze a holding plate, and an electronic ASU (Automatic Start Up) energy managemenbt system to reduce power drain on your batteries while away from the dock. For weekend cruisers, it looks like it could cut the power drain on your batteries by half over a standard evaporator unit like the Adler Barbour. It seems to be cost competative too.You can find them listed in the 2004 Defender catalog.

 

[Orion4290]

I have the same set up

that you are suggesting. It works well at the dock and when you are under sail or at a mooring just remember to switch from both to number 2 leaving number 1 for starting.

 

[Seattle Scott]

see this link for the 110v solution

with "dorm room" fridge

 

[BigEasy]

Norcold Refrigerator

Pat, I currently have a Norcold AC/DC icebox conversion. Probably because of the poor insulation in the box, the size of the box, and ofcourse the hot weather on the Gulf Coast, the unit ran continuously and never really cooled very much. It finally died last year.

 

[Pat McCartin]

Wow!!

Whaen I installed the Norcold in my 30 I did add alittle insulation. It ran alot but I don't remember it running continusly. Must be the difference of a few hundred miles.