Replacing 3-way fridge with compressor fridge, T@B400?

Jay_and_Kat · July 25

We've got a 2022 T@B400 with the larger 3-way fridge and we're contemplating replacing it with a newer compressor-style fridge similar to the newer 400s, both for additional internal space as well as better cooling. A few questions though, we're hoping folks here will be able to help us with:

We currently have (and don't plan to replace) the original batteries in the camper (lead-acid I believe?), while we currently haven't boondocked, would these batteries be sufficient to run the compressor fridge over several days, presuming the camper is parked so that the solar panels get decent sun?
How hard is it, for those that have done it, to swap out the fridge like this? Such as capping off the propane line to the existing 3-way? Or, would we be better off seeing if our favorite dealer would do the work for us?

Thanks everyone!

Horigan · July 25

The 2-way frig will draw more power than the 3-way when running on propane. It will draw less power if you run the 3-way on 12V. So how you run the current 3-way will determine if you’ll find the current batteries adequate. With decent sun you should be fine for several days.

If you have a good hardware store you should be able to cap the gas line easily. Another place to cap it is where it tees off from main line, likely near the Alde.

AnOldUR · July 25

We replaced the 3-way in our 2020 320S with a 12V model. Not the same as it would be for a 400, but although not an easy mod, it was not too bad. Just a lot of attention to detail required. Rather then cap of the propane, I added a disconnect since our model didn't have an external one. That was four years ago and we haven't used it yet. A five pound tank out by the picnic table takes care of our Blackstone.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/03/48nibykjvd9c.jpg

Bayliss · July 25

@Jay_and_Kat, in 2022 I replaced our 3-way Norcold with a 2-way Isotherm in our 2019 320 S Boondock Lite. I (like others) had to do some minor modifications to the exterior of the cabinet (e.g., venting), but installing the refrigerator itself was pretty simple. It slid right into the cabinet.

I opted to cap off the Norcold refrigerator's propane hose fitting. I attached a plastic electrical cable clamp around the propane hose and secured the clamp with a screw to the interior side of the refrigerator cabinet.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/6p/g96s7sp37jw4.jpg

Jay_and_Kat · July 25

@Horigan so far all of our camping has been somewhere we've had a 30amp hookup, so we have yet to see how long we can run the 3-way on batteries. The only time it's been on battery is on the drives to (and occasionally from) campsites. I am looking at, next year, camping at a "rustic" state campground that won't have hookups, so I might find out then how it goes.

@AnOldUR we JUST this year bought a Blackstone and have used the external hookup on the back of our camper.

@Bayliss so it looks like to cap off the hose, at least in the 320 (and I wouldn't expect the 400 to a lot different) it's just a brass screw-in cap and some teflon tape? That'd be easy enough, this might be a project I'll tackle myself.

Bayliss · July 25

@Jay_and_Kat, "yes," that is all that is necessary, plus making the electrical connections, which is also easy. The only other factor to consider is air flow as described in the manufacturer's installation instructions, but that should not be an issue for you.

P.S. I'm not sure why I used white Teflon tape (at least it appears that is what I did), but you should use yellow tape recommended for gas lines connections. However, since the cap/plug is a "flare fitting", tape is not necessary (because the fitting creates a seal through the metal-to-metal contact.) If you do decide to use yellow Teflon tape, probably once around the threads (for extra sealing) is sufficient. You don't want too much.

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