How to install an Isotherm fridge in a Pleasureway Ascent Camper van

The big day has arrived. We received our new Isotherm Elegance 115 and installed it the very next day. The new fridge is a compressor fridge and replaces a Dometic 3-way absorption fridge that wasn't up to par.
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[@nancyschaecher2548]

You continue to amaze me by your ingenuity and your willingness to attack and conquer almost any problem. Many of us would have just managed or hobbled along with the old refrigerator.

[@anthonycbrown1952]

Bless you, your partner, and your handy neighbor. That refrigerator was never fit for purpose and you finally sent it packing. Well Done!!!!. Thank you for going through the extra effort to record the removal / installation process.

[@dianashelton1371]

Thank you for this video. We all hate Absorption Refrigerators. Quarter Round Trip would probably be a nice transition for the gap

[@bikezoo7167]

Installation of Isotherm Elegance 115 was a big success. Your video and comments were very very helpful. Refrigerator is very quiet & matches the interior decor quite nicely - Oh, and more room. Again - BIG success. Thank you for “pushing the envelope” of PW Van experience improvements.

[@FromShetoMe]

You're welcome. We just got home from a brutally hot northwest. For several weeks temps were above 100 but the fridge kept things cold at 40. And it even makes ice.

[@judystreich7333]

Hey sista, you and I are like minded; fix the problem the right way and not afraid to tackle a job like this. A lot of people would not replace the fridge because of the price but at what price is peace of mind. A bad fridge is like a nagging back ache. Good job, happy and safe travels.

[@jackielegare4126]

I am so impressed with your handy-man abilities! Great job!

[@dougf94912]

Very comprehensive, thank you for including the rationale in the preamble!

[@bbhurst65]

Just read that the newer Ascent TS and Plateau FL have upgraded compressor fridges--still small, but upgraded. Glad to know that!

[@ManWander]

yeah those 3-ways are great when they work but getting them to work consistently is a constant struggle! CONGRATULATIONS!

[@bsjcook]

Great conversion to your rig! You will get so much enjoyment by not having to worry about the fridge all the time! Congrats!

[@LisaMarli]

So happy you will have something that works. I have a 12v compressor ice chest. It was so nice on my trips last summer to have a real Fridge. And it will be useful around the house too.

[@sandysamuels7890]

We own a 2012 Majestic (Curse America's own private labelled worn out coach brand) 28' Class C. It came equipped with a typically deficient absorption refrigerator. OK, so I'm gonna try real hard to...oh well, can't describe our experiences without A WHOLE LOT of profanity so let's just say that the best place for an absorption refrigerator is Craig's List. We purchased a Dometic 8 Cu Ft. compressor refrigerator with the same form factor (computer geek for dimensions) as our old 8 cu ft Dometic absorption type unit on eBay which it turns out came from Camping World. Mathew and I proceeded to remove the appropriate window screen, slid a side window open and wiggled the old unit out through the open window and set the new unit inside the coach. Prior to setting the unit in place we cleaned out the space and added some foam insulation that I had lying around to the rear and about of the side walls of the opening. Since the new unit was essentially the same size there was no real drilling or cutting to set the unit in place although we did replace the exiting 14 gauge power wiring with a #10 red/black siamesed RV type power cable. Now comes the typical set of RV sagas. The unit worked fine although we did install (glued in) an internal auxiliary fan assembly. The unit performed quite well for most situations but I noticed degradation in internal temperature in the fridge but the freezer stayed around 0 degrees. Hmmm. Research (A WHOLE LOT OF RESEARCH) led me to believe that the problem was overloading the fridge. When we went as a family we had issues but when I went alone, without half a Safeway store crammed in it the unit it worked OK. Bottom line is that an ABSORPTION refrigerator (per Dometic's ^@$^*]{%# help line folks) isn't going to give you anything lower that 50 degrees when it's over 90 degrees out and with the absorption unit we're just fine as long as we don't cram the unit so full there's no room for cold air to circulate. I'm sure that you will be (are) VERY HAPPY with your drama free compressor unit although they are typically a little hard on the batteries when boondocking but our unit is about twice the capacity of yours and the current draw is about twice what your Isotherm draws but we've got over 900 amp hours of battery and 600 and 600 watts of solar panels. Note that we live in Lake Havasu, frequently very near the highest temperature in the nation. We have also installed a second 15,000 BTU air conditioner in the coach and this does help some with the fridge cooling issues.

[@FromShetoMe]

Good way to put it, "drama free," because until we had the compressor fridge, there was constant drama.

[@jeffthalheimer8187]

Hi I started to a comment and thank you for a great video (many things mentioned I wouldn’t have thought of) but I hit the wrong key and lost it. I agree with several of your viewers that you don’t put tape on the threads of a gas fitting. 2 decades in the hydraulic industry taught me to look at where the seal takes place. In this case, on the flare. No tape. The other thing I wouldn’t do is disconnect the positive side of the power supply before the ground. I’ve always been told, by professionals to disconnect the ground first and connect the ground last. This to prevent an arc that could ignite gas. Check me on this of course. I did love your video.

[@FromShetoMe]

You are correct on all counts. Thankfully no one was injured in the making of this video. 😅

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

Good move - removed our 3-way frig and replaced it with an Engel electric cooler (or frig) - so much better.

[@angpb6176]

Well done👏👏👏 Thank you for documenting the removal and installation. Yay! No more rotating frozen water bottles / ice packs 😎

[@i9im241]

I'm looking forward to seeing how it performs in hot weather. Keep us updated!

[@FromShetoMe]

Here on the coast, it has been nearly 90 all week, no breeze, high humidity. Shouldn't complain but we don't have AC. Anyway, the fridge has been at 40 the whole time and I don't have it on max. Someone pointed out that it should do even better when it has food in it. But I'll keep everyone posted on our next trip out.

[@jimrichards5181]

@@FromShetoMe Debbie, you’re missing out. My Dometic was hovering around 50 all day yesterday. Won’t you miss that? 😏😁

[@FromShetoMe]

@@jimrichards5181 LOL. Yeah, like I miss poison ivy.

[@kathleenreyes4345]

I would learn to love the gaps after going through all that!! But, it seems like it will be worth the effort! It really is a nice fridge!! Enjoy your ice cubes!! 😀

[@Surfmoai]

Thanks for doing a terrific demo on removal and installation. I have a Sportsmobile with a Norcold refrigerator. It works great and it has run completely on solar for extended periods. Thanks again.

[@Agueybana55]

I'm so happy for you guy's this new fridge is going to be a game changer. Great move. Thanks for the awesome detail video.

[@jml4941]

I ordered the unit and received it five months later. I installed it last week in my 2013 PW Excel. I'll be on the road starting Monday for tree to four weeks. The freezer is HUGE! I actually have ice cream bars in it. Testing at home indicates an average of 0.7 AmHr draw in the first 24 hours of use. Of course, it was winter so the fridge did not have to work too hard. A few years ago I installed a 100 AH LiPo battery and a 100 watt solar panel on the roof and I have a 100 watt suitcase for added input if needed. I also have a generator. I had to take out some side molding and a lip in the existing compartment. I also had to cut the bottom front of the cabinet frame. There was a thin strip of laminate behind the sink that I had to cut a piece and remove - that is how tight the fit is. There was some sheet metal at the top of the compartment that I had to bend back but not remove. I ended up putting some tape and insulation there. I'm not sure I would have pulled the trigger on this

[@FromShetoMe]

That’s awesome. We sure do love ours.

[@NelloCambelli]

My trainer grew up 8n Arco, ID - long discussion about Craters on the Moon. Loved the campsite and exploration roads. Reached out to your robust horn, compressed air and lift supplier.

[@FromShetoMe]

Agile is sometimes hard to reach.

[@rfleming7883]

Who knew installing a new fridge could be so much fun!

[@wanttoplae]

Good job. I’ve heard a lot of people love their isotherm fridges so good call on your part.

[@kathrynowens2678]

So happy for you! I'm an ice lover too. Hope this meets all of your expectations.

[@loridumler905]

Congratulations on your new unit. We have an Isotherm and love it. Well done!

[@lidianistal3352]

Wow, great review. Straight to the point and very insightful. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@ericvaneck4296]

Our compression refrigerator will run all night, like 10PM to 8AM along with the gas furnace and our orgional batteries only went down to 12.4 volts. We ran the generator on and off the rest of the time to keep the batteries charged.

[@OldMan52]

Can't wait to install mine!

[@racheljoanfleming159]

Love that you share how you do the installations.

[@moondog303]

Congrats Debbie, John and Neighbor! That was quite an ordeal to swap out but I get the old fridge issue has been bothering you for a long time. I don’t think you are every going to want to sell your Ascent - you have put so many amazing TLC upgrades into it! Such impressive tenacity!

[@FromShetoMe]

We'll have it for at least a few more years. John likes the Ford Transit (the interior is 6'6"!

[@flybyairplane3528]

From She to Me Hello, rage FORD , MAKES 3 LENGTHS, 3 HEIGHTS , but do not know what they did about shower. They do have all wheel drive , not sure about 4X4 & I believe only the smaller one is diesel Do not know what sort of an electrical system They have ,

[@FromShetoMe]

@@flybyairplane3528 We'll stay clear of diesel but would like the 4x4 with an Agile Offroad ride improvement package. ;-))

[@Pinky121971]

Wow Deb you've come along way! Great mechanical & carpentry skills. Thanks for sharing.

[@timsmith7625]

Good video on the fridge and with the front screening, internal blackout shades, and battery monitor you are becoming a RV go to person! John and Bruce did good too!

[@danielgjb]

Great video. We have the same issue running off propane and it is hot outside, fridge is just under 50 degrees. We have a trailer so more room inside. We have a large portable fridge that is ac or dc with two compartments that can be either fridge or freezer. It uses very little power and is compressor so cools very quickly in any weather. Good option if you have a larger vehicle with room for it. Will just use the propane fridge for produce.

[@alexharris5985]

Yea! congratulations ! great video, thanks

[@aprilmarshall6245]

So excited for you, a new refrigerator!🎉🎉🎉

[@davidpayne2703]

This was a very informative video - it looks like it takes 2 men and a supervisor to succeed - Thank You

[@crystalstevens5010]

I knew u could do it, and I know u will be so much happier with the new compressor fridge. Enjoy!

[@FromShetoMe]

Oh yes. And as my high school english teacher used to say, "it's a thing of beauty and a joy forever." I don't know why I thought of that. The heat must be getting to me.

[@kathleenreyes4345]

LOL!! I love the applause sound affects!! Boy, what an ordeal!!

[@lindadugan6421]

Congrats on your new fridge!

[@robertpine1951]

Thanks for the great video. I have a 2018 Leisure Travel Van UnityMB on a Sprinter chassis and am now planning to install an Isotherm Cruise 165 to replace a Dometic RMD 8555 3-way. Previously I added 3 fans to the vent to no avail. This summer, traveling in the west, the fridge was at 49-50, so I'm looking forward to the swap out. Other LTV owners have posted the process in sprinter-source.com, for Isotherm and NovaKool units, so I know it can be done.

[@FromShetoMe]

Good call. We sure are loving our new fridge.

[@bevn362]

🎉Happy day!🎉 Very happy this all came together for you. If you have taken a trip with it, it must have been a relief to actually have a reliable frig (& ICE..gotta have ice). What will be the next project? You can tackle anything & succeed.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@CasarocinanteBlog]

This is fantastic. It's the first upgrade we'd make if we were to buy a gently-used Pleasure-Way, because we are so incredibly sick and tired of absorption fridges. :)

[@craigmoen1128]

Well done!! As usual...

[@garybadker9585]

Thanks. I will check this out. I wasn’t sure you would see this as earlier comments were year ago. 😁

[@FromShetoMe]

We get our comments in a combined form on a separate page so even if you comment on an old video, it comes in with all the other comments based on when you sent it, not when the video was created. I should also asked you earlier if you had checked out the PW owners group to see what others are replacing their fridge with. It can be a very useful resource.

[@garybadker9585]

I will do that. I should also on the fridge replacement video you mentioned there are no status lights and that was a plus for you. When my wife heard that - she hates all lights in all sorts of places - she said immediately, I like her even more now. 😆

[@FromShetoMe]

@@garybadker9585 LOL. Drives my husband nuts. I've gotten black tape on everything.

[@marymills5060]

I am absolutely thrilled for you!

[@craigs5212]

Nice job! If you would like to move the unit back that 1/2", get a heat gun and heat the vent pipe's plastic until it gets soft. Then squish it back 1/2", holding pressure until it cools. Do a 3 or 4 inches at a time. Loosing a little vent area will not cause any issues. Could also change the pipe to some marine flexible tubing like they use on sail boats.

[@FromShetoMe]

That's a great tip, thanks!

[@janicepeck4828]

YEAH! GREAT video appreciate all your time showing install . 👍

[@joycem2795]

Cool! Can’t wait to see how it works on some trips.

[@camperab]

Great DIY work! Congratulations. Greetings from Bavaria, Germany.

[@mikemanjo2458]

You're impressive to do that yourself!!! Nice work!

[@maitildamcintyre9344]

I’m continually impressed with your ability to remodel /repair your van. Loved the music and sound affects. Great job. 🚐❤️

[@SantaBarbaraAlberto]

Congratulations! Wow!

[@joshyoon]

I have the isotherm cruise elegance 130. Only drains 2% of my AGM battery overnight.

[@FromShetoMe]

Wow. That's awesome.

[@everintransit4240]

I second not using Teflon tape on brass flare nuts, but especially for gas. Use pipe dope instead and be careful to not get it inside the connection. So you really should redo that for safety sake. Also consider getting a set of flare nut wrenches. The wrench will contact all six sides of the flare nut at once, so not making it oblong. Cheap ones are okay. All of this detail is important only because it's gas. You guys rock.

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks so much. We will re-do that and share the tips on a future video.

[@keithfoulks2657]

I have the same predicament. Dometic 8505 must go. Pleasure Way 2011 Excel. The Isothurm 130 is exactly your 20 3/4 width. But wondering if that's to tight. Thankyou for the video. It's spot on as to what all of us are facing to faze out the 3 ways.

[@bSidesTheRoadTaken]

Looks amazing

[@WelcometoRJOURNEY]

Excellent Video....Considering the same for our 2020 XLTS....temps are just too variable.

[@mikemcgeehan4321]

Nice job. Very helpful.

[@daviddickerson495]

Looks great. Maybe you can help George at Humble Road get his out. Ha ha.

[@healthandillness4260]

I need a refrigerator like yours.

[@pamt6829]

Great video, you guys can fix anything 👍.

[@photochefs88k.15]

I also swap out my Roadtrek SS Agile for the same Isotherm Elegance 115 last year, kind of expensive almost $1200!

[@FromShetoMe]

Hope you are still happy with the fridge.

[@photochefs88k.15]

@@FromShetoMe Yes... No more dead battery on a few continue cloud day!

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

Do not use tape on flare nuts - the flare itself is gas tight.

[@pcsteve6072]

Congrats on the new fridge. Regarding the wire colors. All positives couldn't be red or you couldn't tell the various circuits apart.

[@cityslickeroutdoors8306]

Nice content with a pleasant host. Enjoyed hearing about the subject. Subscribing.

[@russellcalkins7082]

Great Job!

[@stan3497]

great vid. Thank you

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

What an upgrade. It looks great. Favorite line from the episode? "WATCH OUT FOR THAT WET WATER." 😂😂😂👍

[@FromShetoMe]

Yes, but did you hear John's response? "Watch out for that dry sand."

[@VANTREKKINGlifestyle]

From She to Me no... too funny.

[@flybyairplane3528]

From She to Me he is NOT JOKING but you need to air down for sand, then re inflate, there is a YT channel, called “ MATTS OFF-ROAD RECOVERY” they are from HURRICANE UTAH & daily they get calls for vehicles STUCK IN THAT DRY HOT SAND, or MUD, it’s bhalarous ! As many cars are RENTALS & damaged, cheers 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@bikezoo7167]

We are upgrading refrigerator, as you have, in our PW Ascent. You mention that decking material was sloping away from the refrig., to van side opening, as you start to saw & removed the old 1-1/2” plywood base (16:41) As you install new ¾” refrig. base, you installed this (it seems) over the top of laminate that was covering (on top of) original 1-1/2” plywood - I think (shown 19:03) Was it necessary to maintain the slope to exit and let potential water/moisture run out? Premium Van needs a Premium Refrigerator without absorbtion refrig foibles. Thanks for any thoughts.

[@FromShetoMe]

I think it was just a matter of making it level. The absorption fridge seemed to have a slope for moisture but the new one is a champ.

[@terryharrigan6324]

I was looking at Isotherm and a few others. In the end I set an appointment at JC Refrigeration to convert my absorption Dometic 8330 to compressor. Did not go with this is because I only have 17" width for a fridge. I have the Pleasure-way Lexor FL.

[@FromShetoMe]

When it's done, I'd love to hear how it goes with the conversion.

[@davidf2075]

Alas, JC isn't converting the 8330 anymore

[@terryharrigan6324]

@@davidf2075 Yeah. They set up an appointment then a week before they canceled saying they were no longer supporting them. I ended up replacing my absorption 8330 with a NovaKool R3102 compressor fridge and a F1900 compressor freezer. That was 18 months ago and they have been running non-stop ever since.

[@davidf2075]

@@terryharrigan6324 I replaced with a 50 quart compressor chest refrigerator from Amazon. We're about to leave on our first long trip . . . we'll know soon if it is satisfactory. Winnebago ERA 70a

[@ourjourneyvickiandjon2970]

Very nice !

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

Re your comment about the air at altitude - the thinner air at altitude has less "Specific Heat" - less ability to absorb heat from the fins. You would need to have forced air circulation over the absorption frig coils (The ammonia solution inside the absorption system knows nothing about the outside air)

[@FromShetoMe]

Thanks for the explanation. We were camped at 9000 feet last year, outside temp was 50 and inside the fridge was 50.

[@markmaluso2703]

Great video as usual! However, now I'm very concerned about the Dometic 3-Way Absorption unit that will be in the 2021-5 Lexor FL we have on order. Wondering if I should just make plans now to swap it out. Questions, questions....

[@FromShetoMe]

I would be concerned. PW has switched to a compressor fridge in the Ascent and OnTour; they need to do the same in the Lexor. The hard part will be finding a unit that fits that opening.

[@kgilbert5624]

Just curious how did you close off the outside vents on your van that were there for the absorption fridge?

[@FromShetoMe]

We left them as they are. But when we travel in the winter (temps near or above freezing) I'll place some reflectix in the vents. In Europe, you can actually purchase plastic covers that go over the top. No one sells them in the US. Go figure!

[@K-FOREST_Original]

From now on, you will be able to taste fresher food. ^O^

[@joanmarshall6653]

Why did you choose the verticle door as opposed to the pull out drawer door?

[@FromShetoMe]

The dimensions were perfect for the opening.

[@bradstevens2581]

Can you report the average daily consumption without solar? Curious about boondocking time in cloudy weather. Thanks for sharing! 😀👍🏻

[@FromShetoMe]

They say it is 262 watts/24hours.

[@marymills5060]

Would you happen to know when Pleasure Way will be coming out with the Compressor fridge? Love your videos they are very informative. Thank you so much.

[@FromShetoMe]

Besides the Ontour models which already have the compressor fridge, the Ascent will have them starting this summer. I don't know about the other rigs.

[@marymills5060]

@@FromShetoMe Good enough for me, Thank you.

[@joycem2795]

Is PW switching to compressor refrigerators on any of their other rigs? The OnTour models have compressor refrigerators already, I’m hoping PW will completely switch over on all their models.

[@FromShetoMe]

The only other one I know of is the Ascent which will have the fridge being used in the Ontour 2.0. But I agree with you, they need to switch all the rigs over.

[@20cbwestiesden50]

Good choice. Much better than Dometic.

[@travels4097]

Congratulations!! Excellent video. Does it automatically switch from 110v to 12v? Also, I have that exact ladder and love it, so nice to have full steps to stand on. Thank you for the video.

[@FromShetoMe]

Yes, supposed to switch automatically. They also have a version that is just 12v.

[@flybyairplane3528]

From She to Me , yours is 12 volt only, but when you have ‘shore;power, a relay switches a transformer to reduce the shore power to 12 volt . I bet you can even keep ice cream now safely, & cubes for your cocktails , cheers 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@FromShetoMe]

Sometimes I miss replies. Coldest freezer is getting is 10. But that works for me.

[@deancade9682]

Comedy Company has nothing on you guys🤣

[@robertandmadelineglorybasc2425]

Amazing! Congratulations! The only thing holding us back from doing the same swap is concern about the noise of the compressor at night time when we're trying to sleep and all is quiet. You mentioned it's quiet during daytime; how is it at night when you're trying to sleep? Great running into you at Crawley Lake campground a few weeks back!

[@FromShetoMe]

Hi guys. Been thinking about you and how you are faring with the smoke. We head out in a few weeks and will let you know how quiet it is.

[@robertandmadelineglorybasc2425]

@@FromShetoMe Thanks! It's been hard with the bad air quality. One of the fire zones is only about 25 miles from us on the other side of the coastal range. We're closed up in our house with the furnace fan filter running constantly. But we're safe and not in danger for which we are very thankful.

[@johnpuccetti6019]

You are past the point that just tweaking some parts of your van is enough. Custom build is in your future.

[@FromShetoMe]

Probably. But years away from that.

[@jml4941]

I have a 2013 PW Excel, and based on this and a lot of research after viewing, will order a unit soon. Can you let us know more about the external controller? I am very interested to know what convinced you it is worth the extra cost. Great channel - Thanks!

[@FromShetoMe]

I don't know anything about the external controller. I thought that if it reduced power demand it would be a good thing. But I am trying to contact Isotherm for more info on installation and will let you know what I find out. There was almost no info on line.

[@jml4941]

@@FromShetoMe Thank you!

[@CampingCoastie]

Congratulations, no more 3 way for you. I use to say 3 way meant it had 3 ways to spoil your food, propane, 12 volt and 120 volt.

[@FromShetoMe]

LOL!

[@sams0blu]

looks good! would you mind telling me the name of the company/distributor you purchased it from?

[@FromShetoMe]

Defender Marine on the east coast.

[@garybadker9585]

What are the dimensions of the new fridge? We have PW Lexor 2015 and have problems when the fridge is on propane. Thanks

[@FromShetoMe]

Ours wouldn't work in the Lexor but you can check out the dimensions of all their units: www.isotherm-parts.com/PDF/spec_sheets/COMPARISON_CHART_FOR_COMMON_MARINE_REFRIGERATOR_SIZES.pdf

[@garywernick7950]

Very impressive! I will be very interested in the performance values. Any idea on which compressor fridge model PleasureWay will be using?

[@FromShetoMe]

I'm told that in the Ascent they are using the same one that is being used in the Ontour 2.0 which is a Norcold. But that is such a tiny fridge.

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

How will you clean that annoying looking wire (squirrel) cage heat exchanger (condenser) to the right of the compressor . Compressed air??

[@FromShetoMe]

Another good point. Compressed air would be a good solution.

[@bbhurst65]

In the process of buying our first PW RV. Sorry to learn most do not like the included refrigerator. Wondering why PW doesn't just install fridges like the one you replaced yours with?

[@bbhurst65]

Ahh...I just read that the newer Ascent TS and Plateau FL have been upgraded with compressor fridges. Happy to learn that!

[@FromShetoMe]

Feel free to email me if you have questions about your rig. [e-mail]

[@urbanpeasant1238]

I am just curious, did Pleasureway end up scrapping their plan to use Isotherm? Their 2021 models still have the 3-way fridge as standard equipment in Ascent.

[@FromShetoMe]

I was told they will be moving to the Norcold for the Ascent starting this summer.

[@pbean728]

I have a 100 Ah AGM battery and no solar panels. Does that eliminate the Isotherm as a choice for boondocking? (2012 Pleasure-Way Plateau)

[@FromShetoMe]

Probably because you only have 50AH of useable battery. But you could consider getting a solar generator. We have one that is a lithium 100AH battery with 80W solar panel. If you have a way of charging off your alternator, then that might work for you.

[@pbean728]

Thanks for the verification. Lots of upgrades to consider!

[@dlee796]

Congrats on the new fridge! Very impressive installation! I didn't see this on your storefront but at the 12:13 mark you used what looked like an adjustable ratchet screwdriver. Do you know what brand it is? It looked like a tool that would be very useful.

[@FromShetoMe]

It is a Craftsman brand that we have had for many years. There are quite a few similar products on Amazon but not that exact one.

[@cabocats]

wow great video. Now you have had it for a while how is it working out?

[@FromShetoMe]

Great. I’ll update in a couple weeks.

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

Make sure that the gaps around the frig front AND rear to not provide a path for insects to get in and out of the camper.

[@FromShetoMe]

Good point. I'll get on that before our next trip.

[@chakriavala9925]

@@FromShetoMe Fantastic Video! Loved it. One idea is to use spray foam that comes in canisters (get in HD) to seal the gaps, what do you think?

[@FromShetoMe]

@@chakriavala9925 I think I need to do some more research. Some people say close up the vents and do the circulation from the inside compartment and others have a different opinion. Thankfully we don't have to rush any decision at the moment.

[@joanmarshall6653]

How quiet is the fridge?

[@FromShetoMe]

Exceptionally quiet. We are never bothered by the sound.

[@bikezoo7167]

Reading Isotherm 115 manual - they recommend 15A fuse protection for 12V DC. The Dometic seems to have this on power line. Is the PW Van circuit fuse protection enough? Seems you install without any additional 15A fuse protection. Always enjoy your expericenced comments.

[@FromShetoMe]

I'm no expert, but we did not install any fuse protection assuming that it was installed for the previous fridge. Haven't had any issues and we love the fridge. It will be 100+ degrees this week and our food will still be at or below 40 degrees. With the absorption Dometic fridge, it would get up to 60 in some situations!!! But if you have a PW, I'm sure they would tell you what size fuse they installed originally.

[@JoAndMikeNow]

Awesome job. Is it holding 40 degrees? I assume it’s not self defrost?

[@FromShetoMe]

Easily holds 40. Will have to defrost but I'm also seeing that the humidity level in th fridge is half what the Dometic was. So probably just have to defrost at the end of a long trip.

[@jodymooney255]

I have a LTV and looking to upgrade to an Isotherm. Can you tell me what company you purchased from? How many watts or amps does the refrigerator use? Thank you! Great video.

[@FromShetoMe]

I purchased from defender.com. When it is filled with food, it will be lower than it is now and I can't really monitor for 24 hours because we have solar. But I'd say it is what the manufacturer says: 267 watts/24 hours. Another viewer with the same fridge said it is very efficient but cautioned that when the freezer frosts up, you need to be careful about opening the freezer door because he broke his. One thing I didn't mention in the video is that even an absorption fridge running on propane draws some electricity from the house batteries. How much depends on each fridge. I rarely see anyone speak about that issue but should be factored into your calculations.