the dog house get's a new refrigerator

[DanielBoondock]

On 8/27/2026 at 12:23 PM, Wayfinder said:

I am just starting my research on a new fridge.  I also have the old Dometic 3-way fridge in Hull #110. It still works, for the most part, but cannot get it to go to level 5, only runs up to level-4.  Have not search on that yet. Works great until cabin gets warm.

I would think the Nova kohl R5810  or similar fridge really should be powered by Lithium batteries.  I'm not yet ready to upgrade to Lithium as my Lifeline AGMs are still quite new and great shape (2024).

Not sure if I could just live with a portable Lithium box for the fridge, when needed on drive days.

Thoughts?

Do you actually use a freezer compartment? The Dometic they're installing now (or the '26's at least) have a removable one, and its much better as now I have room for taller stuff. Annoying that jams, pasta sauce and the like doesn't fit anywhere except on their side otherwise. I also have a Dometic CFX5 75 in the truck for when we need more stuff. The compartments are individually settable via Bluetooth or front panel, to freezer/fridge. Being an EV there's lots of power in the bed, I have a portable battery plugged into that which tops off when we drive, and powers the cooler otherwise. I got this on sale but there's equivalent cheaper ones 

 

Anyhow the other advantage is no more ice buildup since its just a fridge now. On the downside, their design is for moisture to collect on the top area (former freezer) and it drips down which is annoying. This is actually their design ... anyhow easy to 3D print a collection tray and funnel it to the drain hose which I'll do at some point. 

 

I believe (can check if you're interested) a Dometic NRX 130C with dark stainless front. Freezer compartment is removeable as mentioned, it has a latch which props it open when unpowered to keep airflow going through it. Really a nice fridge I like it

 

Edited 5 hours ago by DanielBoondock

[jd1923]

On 8/27/2026 at 12:23 PM, Wayfinder said:

I would think the Nova kohl R5810  or similar fridge really should be powered by Lithium batteries.  I'm not yet ready to upgrade to Lithium as my Lifeline AGMs are still quite new and great shape (2024).

Better stay with a 3-way fridge, unless you're plugged in. Running on DC overnight takes too much power for AGM batteries.

3 hours ago, DanielBoondock said:

Do you actually use a freezer compartment?

We do, and it must stay below 10F to keep my Qt of ice cream cold! Glampin' right?! 😎

We also make ice! Two of these fit in one corner of the Dometic freezer, taking very little room. I refill one each night so we always have ice available for those adult beverages!

https://www.amazon.com/Molds-Silicone-Trays-Large-Square/dp/B0771YDNCY/

3 hours ago, DanielBoondock said:

I also have a Dometic CFX5 75 in the truck for when we need more stuff.

@Ronbrink was first to have one of these in his TV. Like you, he has the dual-zone CFX which is great!

At first, I didn't want to use the space, but I went with the single compartment CFX5 45L which just fits in this space by the passenger door. It's so nice always having cold water with us, and not only in the cabin.

Often when traveling, we buy a load of meat from a local farm or butcher shop. I'll remove the drinking water, set the CFX5 down to freezer temps to carry the box full of frozen meats, yum!

Some people go to museums. That's not us. We shop the great local food markets. Leaving to SW Colorado this Wednesday! With both fridges half empty, our first stop is always the Delores Market! 😍

[dewdev]

@mossemi

I just tried running my (original 2018) 3-way Dometic Refigerator on DC batteries.

When I did, the charger/inverter ran the entire time. Made for too much noise when trying to sleep.

Do you notice that as a problem in your installation and/or how did you eliminate that issue?

 

Edited 1 hour ago by dewdev