HOW TO: Install an Isotherm Cruise 130 2 Way Refrigerator in an LE2

[John E Davies]

There won't be much commentary, this is a huge job, one I regretted  more than once during the months it took me... West Marine lost my fridge, then it showed up and when I got it home from the store I found massive damage from a wayward fork lift tine. All in all, it took about four weeks to get one.

Getting the old Dometic 3 Way out was not hard, but the factory installation is horrible and putting it back would be a great chore. See this thread:

https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/9040-how-to-dometic-3-way-fridge-removal-and-demolition/

And this one:

https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/9169-how-to-isotherm-intelligent-control-for-cruise-130-refrigerator/

The huge problem is that the fridge cavity is a fiberglass molding which is "out of true" in every dimension. NOTHING was parallel, true or at 90 degrees to each other, and the galley bulkhead was a disaster, it was not cut properly and the tech simply  taped a flimsy extension that leaked copious amounts of outside air and dirt. Since I have the tools and skills, I decided to use 15 mm Baltic Birch to make a true and straight cabinet inside the wonky fiberglass.

Here are a bunch of pics in approximate order. If anyone has a specific question, ask. BTW the final installation turned out to be beautiful. I used the six flange screws AND the four internal side screws. All ten go into solid thick plywood. It is super sturdy and dead silent in operation.

John Davies

Spokane WA

[John E Davies]

Pics

[John E Davies]

Pics

 

The sliding inner flow adjuster for the register must be completely removed. Cut off the plastic retainers.

 

Edited May 11, 2023 by John E Davies

[John E Davies]

Pics

 

The entire cavity is fully insulated with R5 foam board, spray foam and bubble insulation, including the outside hull panels.

 

The fridge must be supported under the door to keep it approximately level, or it will drop down and possibly damage the wood trim or wiring on top!

[John E Davies]

Pics

[John E Davies]

Pics

The two vertical gaps were covered with 3M white electrical tape, and the screw heads painted by hand with Testors model enamel.

[John E Davies]

Pics

Installation & operating instructions Isotherm Cruise & Cruise INOX marine refrigerators.pdf

[John E Davies]

Here is the Refrigerator Removal And Service Notes document I made for the Owners book:

+Isotherm Cruise 130 2-Way Compressor Refrigerator Removal and Service Notes Hull 218 “Mouse” .pages

John davies

Spokane WA