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Old 09-29-2021, 09:46 AM   #1
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DIY Native 12VDC Chest Fridge

Hey guys/gals. After searching the interwebs, I haven't found anybody doing exactly what I'm doing, but I know plenty of people have come close, so I'm reaching out for experience/advice/suggestions. Please take a look at my plan, and give me your input.

GOAL:
I want a native 12VDC chest fridge. I know many of you have converted chest fridges, and as is the nature of our buses, they are 120VAC running off your inverters. I'm also equally sure plenty of you spent the money on native 12VDC chest fridges, because there are a few out there. Unique sells a 9.3 ft³ model for $1,700. That's too big for my needs, and while I don't mind spending money on my bus, I don't want to spend it on that. I want to build my own, and I don't want to run my inverter if I don't need to, and currently in my plans, I have no VAC loads.

PARTS:
5 ft³ Magic Chef Chest Freezer. I've been on the hunt for a couple years for a used 3-5 ft³ chest freezer that I could convert, and I found one yesterday locally for $100 and I pounced. I'd had issues in this hunt because I needed one that used R134a, which has been difficult because it's actually a slightly dated refrigerant for chest freezers as most have moved onto using hydrocarbons. I needed R134a because...

Danfoss BD35 R134a 12VDC compressor. I purchased this a couple years ago for this project and it has been patiently waiting in its place on my shelf. Hopefully I can put it to good use. I spent about $300 on ebay IIRC.

12VDC Temperature Controller. This won't be too hard to find, but I'm curious if any of you have any particular models you like whether 120VAC or 12VDC. Maybe $20.

PLAN:
Install the temperature controller, then take the compressor and freezer to an A/C guy and have him install the Danfoss.

What do you guys think? Am I missing anything? Any suggestions/comments/concerns?

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Old 09-29-2021, 09:57 AM   #2
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I thought about doing the same thing. Then I just decided to buy one because it was easier. The 4cuft model I got was $1K, so if you pull it off you’ll have a fridge for 1/2 price
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Old 09-29-2021, 10:01 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Danjo View Post
I thought about doing the same thing. Then I just decided to buy one because it was easier. The 4cuft model I got was $1K, so if you pull it off you’ll have a fridge for 1/2 price
Care to shoot me a pic of your temp controller, and your comments on how you like it?
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Old 09-29-2021, 10:08 AM   #4
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Your average aircon guy may not have a clue, DC refrigeration is very much a specialised niche where experience counts for a lot.

What you are describing is routine in the boating world, especially liveaboards and full time cruisers.

There are three usual paths.

1 just buy portables OTS, from top notch Engel, maybe ARB, to Indel-B OEMs, to whatever you find cheap. Two identical units that can switch between fridge and freezer usage gives redundancy and flexibility. Seems a pricey option, but easy and at least in theory you can ship / bring a broken unit to get serviced rather than having to pay a tech to come to you.

2. Build a custom box into your space, just foam and fiberglass, often with a freezer space and "spillover" design for fridge usage.

2A Then just install one of the many kits used, including compressor, condensers or eutectic plates, and electronic controls.

2B Use a custom shop to design and build your kit, huge advantage here is on call support both incredibly helpful during the design and install stages, and over the life of the unit, which may be decades.
Technautics Cool Blue is the best, genuinely stellar tech support from Rich Boren, aka Cruise RO with Charlie Hammel 2448 Carroll Lane, Escondido, CA* 92027

Rich@cruiserowater.com

Rich's cell 619-609-3432

Skype Username:*CruiseROWater

Of course not cheap. Your path may end up working fine, just pointing out alternatives, cruisers are usually cheapskates, but they swear this critical investment is worthwhile.
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Old 09-29-2021, 10:19 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by john61ct View Post
Your average aircon guy may not have a clue, DC refrigeration is very much a specialised niche where experience counts for a lot.
Thankfully, all I'd really need them for is to solder in the new compressor (which looks just like the old compressor), and then vacuum, and fill.

Quote:
Originally Posted by john61ct View Post
What you are describing is routine in the boating world, especially liveaboards and full time cruisers.
I did look at the some of the options you listed, but I felt I wasn't ready to build my own box. I am utilizing other marine components in my build, (Dickinson stove/oven, Kuuma water heater), and I may look at a marine A/C unit at a later date.

Quote:
Originally Posted by john61ct View Post
Of course not cheap. Your path may end up working fine, just pointing out alternatives, cruisers are usually cheapskates, but they swear this critical investment is worthwhile.
Thanks for the input.
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Old 09-29-2021, 10:24 AM   #6
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There was a youtube some time back where someone did that with a stand-up unit. I think he was from Canada.
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Old 09-29-2021, 10:42 AM   #7
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Canadian specialist

John Tully, ColdEh Marine Refrigeration http://www.coldeh.com , uses Danfoss

also TXV like Rich's CoolBlue, they are the only two

but with evaporators rather than holding plates
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=195596

Ebay seller:celestris-sailing
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