April 30, 2025
Top: The old 3-way fridge after being removed and the new HiSense in the background.
Our original 3way Dometic fridge had served us well for over 6 years with 2 warranty repairs in the first 3, including a complete coil replacement. However, it was suffering coil failure again and not coping with temperatures anywhere above 35. With new RV fridge prices at very high levels and the cheapest 12v compressor type around $1400 we opted for an inverter type household fridge to run from a dedicated inverter. Research in various Facebook groups brought us to the HiSense 205 litre, which has the lowest power consumption figures of any comparable unit at a peak rating of 70 watts and comparable figures with any 12v compressor type.
Removing the old fridge was the first challenge as it was too wide for the door so a good job our van has the large bedroom windows which was the only way to get it out. As it took Frances to hold the window up with a broom and myself and Jamie, a neighbouring camper, to lift it out, we have no photos of the actual process but at almost 60kg it was a struggle!
The new fridge was a little narrower (55mm) than the old one and 65mm higher ( with an increased capacity from 184 to 205 litres) so some modification was needed. The top was cut out 110mm higher to allow for fitting and the right-hand side was fitted with a piece of 42×11 white primed pine from Bunnings as a filler (fortunately Broome does have a Bunnings!). Lifting the new one in was considerably easier and straight into the opening.
As the right hand foot is under the door hinge I had to construct a mounting block for it to sit on in order to get the fridge far enough forward for the doors to open fully.
Securing against travel movement involved finding a solution that didn’t involve drilling the fridge so the rear is held down by two fabricated aluminium straps, hooked over the frame and screwed into the shelf that it sits on. The front uses two Hafele cabinet adjustable legs screwed tight to wedge the top of the fridge against the van roof.
Trimming the sides and bottom was done with 25×25 PVC angle, and at the top the bottom black trim from the old fridge was used as a finisher over the gap.
..next .. Putting the wiring in place …