New floor plan for the 2019 400 Boondock Lite

NRB · October 2018

I like the idea of the fridge higher up for accessibility. But wonder if you hear the noise of the fridge running when your head is on the pillow of the bed. I imagine trying to sleep at night and hearing it kick on right next to my head..... but maybe it’s silent? I am looking to buy, don’t have a Tab so I don’t have a concept of if people can hear the fridge running or not.

falcon1970 · October 2018

I imagine there would be some noise when the propane burner kicks on. I have asked NuCamp if they would install a Norcold model DE0788 refrigerator in that location in lieu of the Norcold model N3104. The DE0788 is a two-way (12vdc & 120vac) and the N3104 is a three-way (12vdc, 120vac, & propane). A compressor operated refrigerator is more efficient than a gas absorption unit. I have no idea if the compressor would be loud enough to be disturbing at night. As soon as I hear back from NuCamp I will place my order and then we'll find out. I use to have a loud pendulum clock that struck the hours. It woke me up constantly for the first few nights but after that I never noticed it.

Tabfortwo · October 2018

From my experience the 2 way fridge is much louder than the 3 way fridges. You get used to it but it's obnoxious.

kaylevine1 · October 2018

I hear the fridge kick on and off all night long-so far have not gotten used to it-air conditioner too

Roamey · October 2018

Why not a two-way 120V/Propane?

skwhee · November 2018

We're a bit late to this discussion, we've been out having adventures on and off grid with our 2018 T@B 400. Since taking delivery we've logged 300 nights in our unit which is equipped with the Norcold NR751 12V/110V refrigerator. The two of us find the 2.7 cf capacity plenty big enough for our groceries. We generally grocery shop about once a week while on the road. Although we will say that we don't refrigerate a lot of beverages.

Our understanding after several discussions with the nüCamp design team is that the original design to go with the battery/electric only Danfoss refrigerator and the large capacity AGM battery was to side step the multiple problems associated with the electric/propane ammonia absorption refrigerators. Here is an excellent article comparing and contrasting the two technologies:

http://www.truckcamperadventure.com/2016/02/the-danfoss-compessor-refrigerator-pros-cons-and-a-few-tips/

It seems many potential buyers and dealers were under the impression that the non-propane refrigerator would be so significant a drain on the battery that it would preclude dry camping. But with the approximately 3 amp draw of the fridge coupled with a useable 180 amp/hours of the standard AGM battery, that's not the case. We can easily go at least one to two days without it being necessary to hook up to solar or run the generator to top off the battery. Folks we met in the Alabama Hills who had rooftop solar on their 2018 T@B 400 had gone five days at that point without needing any additional generation.

Our take is that the propane capable ammonia absorption refrigerator has been the standard in the industry for a very long time. The efficient battery/electric Danfoss technology which draws 75% less battery power, is relatively new on the scene and many people/dealers are not very familiar with it. We personally think that it is the superior technology and is much simpler to operate.

That said, you need look at the pros and cons of the two options and decide which refrigerator will suit your style.

ColinsTab400 · November 2018

For those camping in cooler climates... the extra venting for the 3 way fridge allows for some cold air to get in to the camper. Noticed that when looking at one with that configuration last week.

Awca12a · December 2018

We ordered our 400 Boondock Lite without the 3-way fridge because having traveled 15,000 or so miles with an ARB electric fridge, we found out they are energy efficient and handle hot weather extremely well. Couldn't say the same for the 3-way actually installed in our other trailer. As to the microwave, it takes away the upper right cabinet and to us the space is more valuable than the limited use we would give a microwave. Now that they've gone to the HepvO sanitary drain and the 5-1/2" deep Dometic kitchen sink, you can easily store a 3-qt, 600w InstaPot under the kitchen sink. With the InstaPot, we can do everything the microwave would have done and much more all while running on the inverter. Besides, the main closet is so brilliantly designed that even if the 3-way was a better technology, I'd be unwilling to give up the space and easy access so the valves below.

1968Healey · March 2019

Falcon1970,

Were you successful in getting NuCamp to switch your new build from the Norcold N3104 (3way) to the Norcold DE0788? My wife and I are looking to order a 2020 Tab 400 in next few days and are hung up on which fridge to get.

For reference, the 3way N3104 might as well be a 2way (AC and Propane only).

N3104 - DC 16amp draw (3 way / 30 inch tall)
NR751 - DC 3.6amp draw (2 way / 20 inch tall)

DE0788 - DC 3amp draw (2 way / 30 inch tall)

falcon1970 · March 2019

@1968Healey
nUCamp agreed it was doable and that they would be willing to install the larger 2-way fridge in the closet space in lieu of the 3-way. However, I suddenly realized that neither of the larger refrigerators would fit through the cabin door. As the refrigerator (or almost any appliance actually) will eventually fail and need to be replaced I decide to stick with the smaller 2-way refrigerator under the stove. Nucamp did suggest that an expired refrigerator could be removed through the window over the bed and the replacement would also be put into the cabin the same way. Just a few moments reflection will tell you what an operation that would be! Maybe not a big deal at the factory with several people available, but a different situation in my driveway--or even at a dealer.
In any case, I think the smaller 2-way refrigerator under the stove is plenty roomy enough unless you are trying to camp with a crowd.

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New floor plan for the 2019 400 Boondock Lite

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