erika
Advanced Member
Hi all,
We are looking to replace our ancient ice chest in our 2001 Hawk, and add solar to run it. We are looking for some feedback on what to get- both the fridge & solar kit (we've already figured out usage calculations). We live in very sunny SW Colorado & camp in high elevations mountains in the summer and Utah desert in the spring. We definitely avoid the heat (above 85). We've looked at these 2 fridges:
1. Engel SB70 DC front opening fridge-freezer for $670.
https://engelcoolers.com/products/70-rv-camping-fridge?variant=33052513763461
Anyone with this Engel SB 70 DC fridge - are you happy with it and how loud is it? We are used to quiet nights and a loud fridge would be a huge bummer. It is self-venting - easier install but bummer for heat retainage?
2. Truckfridge TF 65 fridge with freezer for $699 + $50 shipping:
https://truckfridge.com/products/tf65-12v?variant=32009758212132
We are leaning towards this fridge since we've only seen positive reviews thus far, and they are supposedly Isotherms which FWC uses. The cabinet models are not self-venting and cutting into the camper requires more work. However, after a few of you stated it's not a big deal, we are thinking this may be better so that all the heat is not blown back into the camper.
Anyone know how the 2 brands compare as far as function, quietness of compressor, etc?
Anyone install one of these in a 2001 Hawk and have to vent it?
SOLAR
My neighbors - an electrician & electrical engineer - have helped us with all the calculations. They used this 200W solar kit on their van for $350 & have suggested it for us:
https://www.renogy.com/200-watt-12-volt-solar-starter-kit/
This would be more than we need. We have calculated a 150W would be sufficient for a small fridge & lights. We have 2 deep cycle batteries that will work.
After hearing from several of you, the 200W kit above should be more than sufficient for our needs, even if selecting shady spots.
Thanks for any help!
We are looking to replace our ancient ice chest in our 2001 Hawk, and add solar to run it. We are looking for some feedback on what to get- both the fridge & solar kit (we've already figured out usage calculations). We live in very sunny SW Colorado & camp in high elevations mountains in the summer and Utah desert in the spring. We definitely avoid the heat (above 85). We've looked at these 2 fridges:
1. Engel SB70 DC front opening fridge-freezer for $670.
https://engelcoolers.com/products/70-rv-camping-fridge?variant=33052513763461
Anyone with this Engel SB 70 DC fridge - are you happy with it and how loud is it? We are used to quiet nights and a loud fridge would be a huge bummer. It is self-venting - easier install but bummer for heat retainage?
2. Truckfridge TF 65 fridge with freezer for $699 + $50 shipping:
https://truckfridge.com/products/tf65-12v?variant=32009758212132
We are leaning towards this fridge since we've only seen positive reviews thus far, and they are supposedly Isotherms which FWC uses. The cabinet models are not self-venting and cutting into the camper requires more work. However, after a few of you stated it's not a big deal, we are thinking this may be better so that all the heat is not blown back into the camper.
Anyone know how the 2 brands compare as far as function, quietness of compressor, etc?
Anyone install one of these in a 2001 Hawk and have to vent it?
SOLAR
My neighbors - an electrician & electrical engineer - have helped us with all the calculations. They used this 200W solar kit on their van for $350 & have suggested it for us:
https://www.renogy.com/200-watt-12-volt-solar-starter-kit/
This would be more than we need. We have calculated a 150W would be sufficient for a small fridge & lights. We have 2 deep cycle batteries that will work.
After hearing from several of you, the 200W kit above should be more than sufficient for our needs, even if selecting shady spots.
Thanks for any help!