Chest Freezer as 'Fridge in Bus - Page 2

TygerCub · 10-21-2009, 12:10 PM

Hey Smitty,

Is a chest configuration going to be hard on your back? I would think reaching into something like that, and having to move stuff around, would really be a (literal) pain?

newbusser · 10-21-2009, 12:14 PM

Look in auto wrecking yards. mid to late 80's and early 90's chevy van conversions ( like from champion coaches with captains chairs and a fold out bed) had a flush mounted cooler in the back. at least some of them do.

Ray_WA · 10-22-2009, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smitty

sometimes so much I'll just spin a kitchen chair around & set in it while I'm in the fridge. One of these days I'll get me one of those fancy extend-a-hands....where you squeeze the handle & the claw at the end grabs stuff... I'm trying to delay that as long as possible though

I do the chair thing at the fridge. I also do the chair thing at the sink. Sitting in the chair, leaning over the sink, elbows on the counters, is actually a very pain free position for me. It's why I wash all the dishes and take my own sweet time with it, and enjoy it.

Don't delay the hand grabbers. I have three sets, two in the house and one outside so one is always close. They are back savers. Don't scrimp on them either, buy the good ones from a medical supply store. Yes, they're overpriced compared to cheap ones you can get elsewhere, but they really are much better.

Save whats left of your back, it has to last you the rest of your life.

-Ray

newbusser · 10-25-2009, 12:19 AM

I am also watching this one very close. I want to build a cabinet with the chest freezer on the bottom and a free space in middle, then cabinet up top with microwave in it.

Dumb question time, I assume I will need to run a 12 to 110 volt converter when not on shore power.... having a brain fart type of moment.

bikeforthelight · 10-25-2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newbusser

Dumb question time, I assume I will need to run a 12 to 110 volt converter when not on shore power.... having a brain fart type of moment.

As my mom says....the only dumb question is the one I ask. haha. Yeah, you will have to have a power converter. Or in the very least some sort of breaker box running to shore or genny power. Your gonna need a decent power converter/charger anyways. They are easy to install, and make wiring the bus so much easier.

bikeforthelight · 10-31-2009, 10:46 AM

Thanks for the link smitty. I have read through most of it. Lots of good ideas.

swhite832 · 11-16-2009, 09:48 PM

smitty, smitty, smitty....outstanding find!!!!!

I was on my way to two freezers as well. I like it. Would like more feedback on who has experience with this particular product though.

it has been saved in favorites

swhite832 · 11-17-2009, 08:02 PM

I sure would like to see this thing up close and personal.

I am trying to get away from ice chest, yet still need ice....and col'beer. Ice prices are out of line here....in most places.

Sojakai · 11-18-2009, 02:53 AM

Ice Maker? Make ice, put in freezer, unplug ice maker till needed again...

http://www.campingworld.com/category/ice-makers/482

cass · 11-19-2009, 09:23 AM

This is a fascinating topic DIY schoolbus conversions for living quarters. Is anybody interested in having their story published by a national news organization? I'm a writer and would love to do a story on you, if possible. I'm particularly interested in people who have retrofitted their buses as a home due to economic reasons or just to save money (and have let the house go).

swhite832 · 11-19-2009, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sojakai

Ice Maker? Make ice, put in freezer, unplug ice maker till needed again...

http://www.campingworld.com/category/ice-makers/482

keeping the ice made is my problem....without freezing the beer.

Seeria · 11-19-2009, 05:44 PM

Engel freezer... best damn ice maker around and can easily fill a cooler full of ice to keep them beers nice and chilled.

Seeria · 11-20-2009, 05:13 PM

Oh Smitty I wub you! heh
That is a sweet little freezer unit. I've sent them an email asking about the make. Need something compressor run because dealing with the usual frig/freezer builds is not going to work for me. I never level the RV, hate to, and won't.

newbusser · 11-21-2009, 11:58 PM

Smitty, I went to the site you linked and clicked on the "click here for fact sheet" and it gives you a big pic of the unit. NICE!!!

it does indeed have split doors so you don't have to let all the cold out of both sides in one opening.

Abbott · 11-22-2009, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smitty

I generally (but didn't this time) mention I can't view PDF files

Smitty

Free download:

http://get.adobe.com/reader/

Sojakai · 11-26-2009, 05:49 AM

I still figure that your best bet is to backup you data and reinstall the Operating System. That should reset it back to factory defaults and then you can figure out how to mess it up again.

I mess mine up about once a year...comes from installing and uninstalling programs alot, at least for me.

You sure you dont want to go with the Coffin? Could easily make half a fridge, it has two doors, standard. ^.^

bikeforthelight · 12-19-2009, 11:18 PM

So today I started the freezer for the first time. Still dont have a thermometer to measure the temp and stuff. But I will say, I did put it on the lowest setting to see how it would work. It froze an entire gallon of water solid in less than 5 hours. So I am pretty sure I have to have the thermostat switch.

thesaltydog24 · 12-20-2009, 01:08 AM

I was thinking couldn't you just switch out the freezer thermostat with a refrigerator thermostat? I've seen replacement refrigerator thermostats sold online or you could locate an old fridge from the scrap yard or one that a friend or family member is getting rid of and remove that one. Another source would be the free section in newspapers or craigslist. remove what you need and scrap the rest.

Just a thought
Chris

bikeforthelight · 12-20-2009, 12:12 PM

thats a good idea, im not sure how to wire it though. i may ask some guys i know that would be smarter with something like that. only problem is if you wanted to use it as a freezer in the future.

thesaltydog24 · 12-20-2009, 04:36 PM

just hang on to the freezer thermostat and switch it back later on. probably don't even have to fully remove it just disconnect the wires and hook up the other thermostat and run the lines. If you get clever about it you probably could hook both up but on a switch one for freezer and one for fridge. just select what one you want to use.

Chris

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