replace fridge

[300DA]

I have an older fridge from Tundra, Model T22AC Vol 2.20 cu ft 12/24v 115 v ac. like to increase my freezer/fridge space and like to know if any one else has replaced their fridge. What size too, new cut outs . any thing that can help.

 

[JVM225]

I had the same boat as you do for many years. I don't think there is a lot of room for a larger fridge anywhere. We learned to pack smartly for multi night trips and got good use out of coolers.

 

[300DA]

thanks, yea i think its better for cooler frezzers. hoping for a bigger fridge frezzer replacement. ok thanks.

 

[andyr]

A refrigerator box will greatly increase capacity. Think of it as a refrigerator with a remotely mounted compressor. There is a lot of unused space behind and above the fridge in the 30 Sundancer. A box can be made to fit the space available. It is essentially foam panels cut to fit. The compressor could be installed anywhere; under the sink or in the forward, starboard hanging closet on the other side of the wall from the fridge or possibly under the forward berth. It is a common solution for extended cruising boats. It can also be done with cooling plates rather than a compressor but cooling plates draw a lot of power.

 

[northern]

WalMart sells a 12 volt DC/ 120 volt AC counter top (Think it is about 20" high) all refrigerator for $180. I got one. It comes in Black with stainless front. I use it for drinks and vegetables. I had to order it. It does not have a motor so is very quiet.

 

[dpmulvey]

Do you have space in the cockpit under a seat. A dorm fridge would do. <$100 at WalMart.

 

[trflgrl]

Based on pics in sale ads, its looks like our galley designs are near twins. You MAY be able to install a slightly larger fridge in the same location if you expand the cutout vertically to the underside of the counter top. Horizontal depth of the cavity is key so measure, measure, measure starting at the bottom of the existing space (the bottom left side is the deciding factor, with the hull taper tightest both vertically and horizontally), then compare to available fridge/freezer models. We opted for an exact replacement because I didn't want to lose the upper drawer.

Otherwise, it really depends on how you want to use the rest of cabin space and whether you have electrical/carpentry skills or know someone who does to keep wiring marine-compliant and avoid risk of sparks/fire, etc. I wouldn't do it myself, but you could consider adding another small fridge (or a strictly freezer unit) under the dinette seat (replacing the drawers), under the vee berth (where the storage doors and/or vacuum are), or modifying the aft sleeping area in some way. Due to hull taper, I don't think there's enough horizontal depth in the lower cabinet of the vee berth, but you MIGHT be able to remove the upper locker, extend the countertop, and squeeze in something there.

We preferred to keep all the existing space intact, so, as JVM225 said, we've gotten very, very good at managing portable coolers, and tend not to bring anything that absolutely must remain frozen vs. refrigerated while we're on the hook. Some folks in our crew use dry ice when keeping things frozen is important.

Remember fridges/freezers can draw a lot of power--if you go to the trouble of expanding capacity, be sure your batteries/inverter/generator (not to mention your wallet) can support your creativity!

Hope this helps!

 

[300DA]

Hi all, thanks for all the advice's here, I'll measure all area's and go for the largest. then see what would be a good idea.