Installing Larger 2-Way in 400

manyman297

Has anybody looked into how to possibly install a taller 2-way fridge in a 2021 400 (where the fridge is under the range)? I could easily lose the cabinet underneath the fridge in lieu of gaining more fridge space.

We're finding that the fridge is great for weekend trips but anything longer than maybe 3 nights off grid (away from any grocery store) becomes challenging. Plus I think when we cram the fridge full of food it struggles to circulate cool air around everything. 

DenisP

I have always taken a cooler along with us. It has worked great for overflow or for a convenient beverage for short stay trips or longer ones (42 days was the last trip). 

manyman297

Looking around at different models and brands it doesn’t look like I could get a much larger fridge in that space. Once you go up to 3+ cubic feet the width is about an inch wider for the opening.

I might just stick with my current plan of getting a 12v cooler to keep in the truck bed. 

Denny16

We use a Goal Zero cooler in the back of our truck, and the ice will last for 2-3 days, in 70-80F weather.  A 12VDC compressor cooler will also work, but will have less food storage.  Ice on the road is fairly easy to find, as a lot of rural area stores carry chipped or cube ice in bags.  I just throw one bag in on top the food, and all is nice and cold.  It works well for drinks, dairy and vegetables, like salad greens, etc.  Meat we keep in the TaB’s fridge, along with every day used food items, like pre-cooked meals, sandwich makings, etc.
cheers 

manyman297

Yeah, either ice or 12v cooler will be what we do I think. It would probably be a nightmare trying to mod the cabinets to get a bigger fridge to fit. Not worth the risk/time. 

Denny16

I looked into this last year, and the current 12VDC compressor fridges were limited in their size options.  The newer Isotherm Elegance 65 is as big a replacement I could find with 2.3 cu ft capacity, which is more than the 1.7 CU ft. in the Norcold used in the earlier TaB 400s.  This is the one used in the 2021/2022 TaB400s.  I would need a slight cabinet mod to get the Isotherm in, as it is.  Decided it stays until it dies.  Then I will replace it.
 Cheers 

manyman297

I just looked at Dometic, Norcold and Isotherm and any fridge larger than 3 cubic feet would need a wider opening (and possibly deeper). So that's a no go.

Denny16

That’s the same issue I ran into, especially the depth.  A larger replacement would need to go in place of the wardrobe, and that is not going to happen either.
 Cheers 

manyman297

@Denny16
Agreed. The wardrobe is a must for us. 

JohnDanielsCPA

I keep an ARB plugged in the back of my truck to augment my 12 volt fridge in the T@B. 

TNOutback

A larger refrigerator under the cabinet would be welcome by us as well.  We use a 40 qt RTIC cooler to supplement the refrigerator.

jimcenname

A southern California owner sent me this photo of the two-way being installed in new 400s, he has a new 400 on order. Looks like the same size as the previous 3-way. 
 

manyman297

The awesome thing about these 2-way fridges is how much more space you get in the same footprint. 

dsfdogs

@jimcenname do you know if this larger 2 way is an option or if this is done as an after build mod? Not that long ago I had emailed Nucamp asking about this and it wasn't an option. Thank you!

jimcenname

@dsfdogs
If I understand correctly the non-boondocks get the 2-way fridge at the factory, no choice, and the boondocks get the 3-way.

Sharon_is_SAM

To me the nuCamp website is unclear what the factory offers on the 400.  It lists the 2022 standard 400 model with a choice of a 2.3 or 4.6 cu ft 2 way frig. then further down in text
“the option of a 2-way fridge (has the option to run off 120V or 12V) or 3-way fridge (has the option to run off 120V, 12V, or LP)”.  Then nothing is mentioned specific to the 400 Boondock.  Hmmm…

Viajero

I’m confused on the “two way fridge” term.  I was under the impression these are DC compressor fridges. Is there an AC setting on the fridge?  (We have the three way absorption unit so I’m not familiar with them). 

Thank you. 

manyman297

@Viajero You're correct. 2-Way refers to compressor-driven fridges...and they really are DC-only fridges but can run on 120V through your converter.

dsfdogs

@Sharon_is_SAM I see the two options on their website! I just sent an email asking...it was in December they told me no to a larger 2-way in the 3-way space.

Denny16

From what I have read previously on this, the larger 3-way fridge nüCamp was using as an optional fridge, which was available with all TaB400 (except Solo which had a larger 2-way fridge) was no longer available, a arger 2-way, compressor fridge is replacing the previous 3-way fridge option.

The 2-way compressor fridge used in the 2018/209 TaB400 builds (a Norcold NR751BB, 2.7cf) has an AC and DC connection to the TaB400, and runs on both.  The battery system provides the DC, and when on shore power, the AC connection will automatically power the fridge.  No sure on the newer Isotherm Cruise fridge being used on newer models, but it could be a DC only, as it is a marine design unit, whose primary power source is DC.
 Cheers 

dsfdogs

This from Michael Skidmore at nuCamp this morning:

"Thanks for reaching out with your question! Yes, since we last had contact, Norcold discontinued the 3-way fridge that we installed in the 400. We have since moved to the larger 2-way fridge which is an Isotherm refrigerator and there are no need for vents. I hope this helps."

Sharon_is_SAM

@dsfdogs - so, no more 3 way?  

Viajero

Sharon_is_SAM said:

@dsfdogs - so, no more 3 way?  

Correct. I think we were the 4th last unit to have one. Really you are not missing much. DC compressor fridges work very well, are more reliable, less maintenance and are bigger for the same size footprint. The only thing I would do is immediately add a second AGM battery (or 2 x 6 volt if that’s what you have). To drive this point home, the DC compressor fridge that fits into the hole of the 3 way is 4.7 cubic feet vice 3.7 for the 3 way. 

All jmho. 

Sharon_is_SAM

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/15133/3-way-fridge-being-discontinued

Oh, OK.  Now I remember this.  I think the nuCamp website has not been brought up to date yet.  Nevermind🙄

manyman297

The Isotherm is a DC only fridge. I had the honor of pulling mine out and re-mounting it because it was mounted crooked from the factory. Just a single two-wire connection in the back from what I remember. 

Denny16

That’s what I remembered, your post on this @manyman297.  The DC compressor fridge also eliminates all the ventilation holes in the side and bottom of the TaB400, eliminating the dust issue from the bottom air vent when going down dirt roads.
cheers