Not Cool, Fridge! | Isotherm INOX Drawer 130 Replacement

Replacing my Isotherm INOX Drawer 130 Refridgerator with an Isotherm CR90 Freezer. Turns out the coolest vanlife fridge can't keep it's cool!
Here at TheGalavan I feature vans, primarily designed and built by women, to give you inspiration for your own van build. I’m always on the lookout for other van life enthusiasts who want to collaborate and share their love of this lifestyle. I also love to cook from scratch in my van and share accessories, tips, and tricks to make van life easier and more successful for you.
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[@brittmccann]

I have an isotherm refrigerator, it's not that same one, but it was doing the same thing. I discovered it did not have enough ventilation so I cut a larger hole in the back wall and put a vent with a fan, and it solved the problem! It's not perfect but it made a huge difference and it doesn't run as much as it used to.

[@tomcorbett7027]

I just bought an Isotherm, 3 cubic foot drawer fridge. It is still in the box. So interesting that you say it is not working well. They are EXPENSIVE!

[@2XCoworking]

Thank you very much for this, Joanie! I'm *yet* to start van life and still collecting information such as the stainless steel lobster monitor, which I've filed away for future reference.

[@davidlastoria3341]

I absolutely love my TruckerFridge sold in Georgetown, KY. Very low battery draw, and it is made to be in a vehicle. It has ac/dc power, and will freeze the food if you set it that low. But in my van, it keeps the food cold when it is the hottest of outside temperatures. I would always have the option of a fridge running off of shore power for times when i am plugged into shore power. Always have options!

[@TheGalavan]

That's great. My friend, Keri swears by hers!

[@elizabethgolding2754]

Wow! I found your video when I did a search on the exact unit you just replaced. I am getting ready to purchase my fridge/freezer and was set on this one!😩🤦🏻‍♀️. Not anymore!!!!!. I’m in south Florida....much hotter than 86. Thanks for the review!

[@donnahoffman1855]

Good info to consider for those who still want to built out a van 🙋‍♀️! I was getting nervous with that electricity stuff...lol.

[@TheGalavan]

Ha! So was my girlfriend! I'm not too worried when it comes to plug-n-play.

[@suesorensen2440]

Well, I, for one, am impressed with your knowledge and skill! Hope you have a better experience with the new one.. PeAcE!

[@TheGalavan]

Thanks! Me too.

[@cindym6138]

Impressive! 👍

[@tony-kj5mc]

Glade to see you making videos again , I miss watching yours. maybe now you can start making more!

[@TheGalavan]

Thanks, Tony, that's the plan!

[@trixie2010]

It’s not a mistake buying the 130 drawer. I like the concept but have had problems with the thermostat and the lights. I think you made the right move changing it out.

[@r.c.7762]

Thank you, you are such a Mac Gyver, and handy, lol. I really enjoy your video's.

[@TheGalavan]

Thanks - I think my friend, Josh would probably not agree since I had to call him a couple of times for this one! He is the one who told me about this fix.

[@thepandemicdiva3369]

I didn't get it. You're not the only one who had trouble with it. Instead I'm getting the Vitrifrigo C90IXD4-F 3.1 cf. My build starts Feb 1st. I am designing the build but having a company do the conversion. If my husband and I were younger we would probably tackle the job ourselves. But I'm having a great time on the design. Thank you for your tip!

[@TheGalavan]

I'm glad you were able to get a different fridge. I'd love to hear how it is for you after you've used it for awhile. Good luck with your build!

[@yemayashimek2301]

Great job Joni! I know so little about my solar system... you've got it all done!

[@TheGalavan]

Thanks. Yeah, the electric takes a while to understand, but I think I finally got it. Let me know if you'd like to do a free consult - maybe I can explain it in a way that will make sense.

[@donnamount151]

That is what I am doing, but I have one but am purchasing a second freezer and purchasing a seperate controller..good to know about stainless Lobster..😉

[@dudeleboski2692]

Ive heard that Isotherm has a kit that allows you to remotely install the compressor to an area more ventilated. I’m no pro, but perhaps that was the issue with the 1st fridge.

[@laurencegoldman4639]

Thanks. I've always had in mind to convert chest freezers to fridge. You just saved me a HUGE expense finding a large capacity 12V Fridge for RV DYI build. I won't even bother with Dometic, Iceco Wynter, etc. I'm 100% vegan, 100% organic produce only. So how do I boondock? HUGE ISSUE. I think I'll convert chest freezer, then use good camp ice coolers for overflow. Maybe try a small portable ice maker to prolong dispersed stay.

[@marirose756]

Hey Joni! Good to see you. I haven’t been getting any notifications from your channel. Am going there now to see what I’ve missed. I don’t use FB so wont be there & only live vicariously as a nomad for that “someday.” Hope you’re feeling well & love is treating you well also🤗. Take good care.

[@TheGalavan]

Hi Marirose - I haven't been posting as much, so it might not be that you are missing notifications as much as there haven't been notifications! I'm sure I'll get back in the swing of video creation soon.

[@donnamount151]

Ps...don't know if it will make a difference or not but mine is a Wynter...love what u do...😁

[@chipbrown433]

What do you think of the general "drawer fridge opening into the side entry" design? Would you do the same basic design again? It seems great to me - access from inside or outside, but are there downsides I haven't considered? Do you like the drawer or do you think a dual-hinged door would work just as well?

[@TheGalavan]

It's great in theory, but in practice, I only ever accessed it from inside and I feel it really limits how I park because I don't like to have the sun beating on it. I would recommend swapping the fridge and sink. This gives the added bonus of using the sink faucet as an outdoor shower. I definitely prefer the drawer. I found it much easier to work with.

[@GreatGrannyFreeBird]

the chrome edge is really pretty. hope it keeps colder for you.

[@TheGalavan]

Thanks, me too!

[@allegrosotto2126]

Good info thanks.

[@keving9512]

I suspect that the drawer isn't sealing fully, explaining why the fridge won't stay cool AND the massive ice build up. we have the same fridge and the same problem and sometimes I even see that terrible blue light shining around the seal when the door is "closed" - really a bummer since the fridge was so expensive. but the drawer idea was cool but really is inefficient at storing food

[@r.c.7762]

I have been trying to find the video you did on making blondies, and it won't come up?

[@TheGalavan]

Yumm! Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKe2p56Mhr92ea8 And, can you let me know what words you used to try to find it? I can add those to the tags so it's easier to find.

[@thizizliz]

Good job! I hope it works out better.

[@TheGalavan]

Thanks, me too!

[@karinhart489]

Was the old marine fridge under any kind of warranty?

[@mikebillets9671]

Joanie, If the fan is on the left side on a DR130 INOX is it ok to vent it on the right side? I just had mine installed by the outfitter and they vented it on the opposite side of the fan, The left side (just like yours) is on the outside of the galley where there's a drop down table. Maybe vent it to the rear as well? Seem like it runs constantly and is a bit warn on the top and rear. Thx of the video.

[@TheGalavan]

It's supposed to vent diagonally. Whatever you do, make sure there is enough space for it to really "breathe".

[@laurencegoldman4639]

Do does the revamp work like you need? What exact freezer didi you buy? Do you think it's possible to keep an RTIC cooler going with ice froma portable ice maker? (to avoid frequent ice trips?) I need to keep at least one week fresh veggies and fruit for 1-2 weeks w/o travel. Even large 100L 12V. products are tiny for my needs. Thank you.

[@metahacker]

you should try aerogel insulation

[@robertb7110]

Hi Joni - Thank you for your willingness to share your experience. That's a good insight to keep in mind for the future. Do you think it would have made a difference if the drawer version had a thicker/different type of insulation? Take care of yourself! Warmly, Helen

[@TheGalavan]

Insulation would totally make a difference. That's the biggest difference between the fridge and the freezer.

[@scottweikert5189]

So I'm curious - the 130 you had installed before had 4.6 cubic feet of storage, and your new 90 has 3.1cf, as best I can tell from a bit of googling - yet the two units are pretty much identical dimensions. I'm assuming the newer unit simply has thicker walls, better insulation, leading to the loss of storage capacity? It's hard to tell from a video. It's also now been a month and a half - how is your new fridge working so far? I just found your channel today, and will be working my way through older posts over time. You have a lovely van; if/when I ever start a project, I'll be shamelessly lifting some ideas from your buildout :D

[@TheGalavan]

Welcome, Scott! Yes, the decreased capacity is all insulation. The new fridge is keeping the temps well, although I'm still frustrated with the layout. I really liked the drawer - made it very easy to access everything. And I have since put the shelf I took out back in, so I no longer have space for anything tall. I would recommend looking to other brands and maybe researching the Vitrigo line. And, whatever you do, design in extra space for ventilation!

[@scottweikert5189]

I imagine it's a struggle losing about 1/3 your accustomed storage capacity :( Do you feel like the previous unit would have done the job properly if the enclosure had been a bit bigger and properly insulated itself?

[@Taj_mahaul_earth_cruiser_4x4]

What lobster are you talking about here and why your putting fan inside the fridge? this confuse the hell out of me lol . I have the 85 drawer and looking for the on and off switch and temperature adjustment. any idea?

[@TheGalavan]

Here's a link to the Stainless Lobster (not sure why they call it that) to control the fridge. Works way better than the dumb controller the fridges come with. www.pikavo.com/pikavo/product/pikavo-products/stainless-lobster-digital-fridge-controller

[@KatyInNH]

Thanks for the update on the fridge and solution. I am wondering if a 90 degree connector can be added to the white wire to prevent breakage over time? I was wondering what your thought are on that? I always enjoy your videos!

[@TheGalavan]

A friend of mine helped me create connectors jumping from the fridge to the block and we ended up taping the whole block out of the way. (We were so focused, I didn't even snap a picture!) I was just grateful it hadn't worn through before I got to it!

[@gabakusa]

i tried many brands and they have the same issue when my car is very hot it wont cool at all, I had to leave my car running with the AC in order to solve that issue, then fridge works fine

[@brendazorn7591]

At the end of your video you said "let's see how this works". So how did the Vitrigo freezer work as a fridge? It must work great because you recommended it to me today :)

[@TheGalavan]

This video is about the Isotherm Freezer 90. It's okay - it keeps everything cold, and hardly takes any electricity, but I don't like how it's organized. But it was the only thing that would fit in the space. I'd go with a Vitrigo if I were to build a new van...

[@brendazorn7591]

@@TheGalavan Oh that's right! I forgot that you recommended the Vitrigo but it wouldn't fit or you would have bought it. Well that's fantastic if your new Isotherm freezer is keeping things cold when it's hot outside. That's interesting you're using a freezer for a refrigerator. Whatever works right? Too bad you don't like the organization. That drawer fridge sure looked awesome! Too bad it didn't work well enough.

[@bretthawton]

It looks like your vent holes were not by the compressor on your old fridge and may have also been blocked by the insulation. Do you think this could have caused your problems?

[@laurencegoldman4639]

I don't get. I just went to the Stainless Lobster site. Why couldn't you simply have installed SS Lobster on the original Isotherm INOX drawer fridge to regulate it cooler with the Lobster? Buying a 12V freezer and converting to a fridge would be doing the same thing essentially with the Lobster. What am I missing?

[@TheGalavan]

I was already using the Stainless Lobster on the fridge and it just couldn't keep up. The compressor was running all the time and the fridge couldn't get down to safe temps when it was hot out.

[@makalapuamegs1056]

Just had a big problem with my isotherm dr130 as the thermostat ripped out as it was so iced up by the border patrol going into Canada. I disconnected it inside and yet it’s still draining the battery. How has the freezer model worked for you the last two years?

[@TheGalavan]

It's working really well, although you do have to have an additional thermostat to make it work right. I prefer the layout of the fridge, and miss having a separate freezer, but it's keeping temp really well. And only draws about 10ah/24 hours, so it's super efficient. (When I replaced it, my fridge was drawing 80ah/24 hours and not keeping my food cold.) I'm wondering if you could just add an after-market thermostat to your fridge.

[@makalapuamegs1056]

@@TheGalavan interesting, I’ll check that out!

[@lonestarsherp7560]

Curious how this unit is cooling verses the last unit? I think the small holes that you installed look about 1” but may still not flow enough air. Maybe a larger hole about 4x6” with a grate over it for appearances may help intake air. It’s important to have a exit vent at the top of the cabinet for the the rising warmer air to escape. I suspect as others stated that the last unit was having trouble removing the heat from the enclosure causing it to have difficulty cooling in higher temperatures . Door gasket leaks are usually the cause of excessive frost build up. The way the control cable is run thru the door seal may cause a air leak increasing frost buildup and loss of cooling. I have also seen some people install a small computer fan that assist in the air circulation behind the fridge. Some minor suggestions they may help improve your system performance.

[@TheGalavan]

You're right, I didn't have enough ventilation. But a friend who installed a few of these did have the recommended ventilation and still couldn't get that fridge to keep temp. And you're also right about the control cable letting in moist air. I just didn't want to drill into it. The new fridge is keeping temps well, but the interior design is a major adjustment!

[@lonestarsherp7560]

@@TheGalavan I just purchased an Isotherm 130. I noticed they make a smart fridge controller that can be added. The video of the install shows them drilling thru the top to run the wires. It didn’t seem to bad. It’s suppose to cut the power consumption significantly and give better temp control over the stock system. I dont know why they dont just put that in from the factory. The price of these fridges are high another 100 isnt going to be a deal breaker for most buying these things.

[@lewisduffy675]

You don't want to insulate around a refrigerator like that. You want air channels for ventilation below and behind the unit so the fan can cool it properly, as Isotherm lays out in their installation instructions. No wonder you were having issues.

[@kevnrob1]

Bravo for attacking the problem by yourself. In watching it appeared that there was not much ventilation in the cabinet for the original fridge. If you still have the old fridge, try running it now that it is not in a box. If it works, the original problem was most likely a lack of ventilation. If the original begins to work, perhaps you could return the new and keep the old. Regardless of the original's operation, I suggest the new holes, as well as the two original ventilation slots, be enlarged. They seem quite small.

[@TheGalavan]

The ventilation holes on the front are actually quite large, but you're right, the five holes I just made are probably not sufficient, although the freezer is more than keeping up. It only drew 14A in the last 24 hours! I don't place the fridge there when I design vans for others now. It's a warm spot and hard to ventilate. They get the value of my lessons!

[@samshepperrd]

The problem is the "drawer" design. The efficient design is a 'tub' like many consumer home freezers. Cold sinks towards the ground. The tub design, which surrounds the cold chamber with insulated walls contains the cold air so it doesn't "spill out" the way it can with that "drawer" design. The reason for it freezing shut is ice melts when it's opened, then the compressor senses the temp rise and tries to compensate by pumping cold air in. This freezes the water melted around the door seal.

[@omalo3645]

I feel your pain! how old is your fridge? Good luck with this new plan, I could see the shelf doors would be difficult to deal with but really good for holding cool in, I wondered if you could install them on the bottom to pull down rather than lift up? I imagine that would mean drilling holes(?) surely a no-no for the warranty...probably not but I did like that feature. Also, does this mean no more freezer? I may have missed you addressing that, what would that mean for you?

[@TheGalavan]

Thanks, interesting idea, although it's working great without the extra doors. And yes, it does mean no more freezer. I've actually taken my VitaMix out of the van because I mostly use it for smoothies.

[@thepandemicdiva3369]

I was thinking about getting the Isotherm Drawer unit but after your video I'm not so sure. How long have you had it?

[@TheGalavan]

I had it for three years before replacing it. I'm still not loving the replacement. If you are starting from scratch, as in, your cabinet isn't built yet, I'd recommend getting something else.

[@chriscarter974]

Nice Have you sold the drawer 130?

[@TheGalavan]

Yes, I have. This video is a few years old now. ;-)

[@chriscarter974]

@@TheGalavan thanks for reply. I just installed on my 40 Sundancer with the Isotherm C130 and the drawer 55 freezer

[@laurajphillips]

You did a great job and it wasn’t that easy!

[@DonegalOverlanding]

There was nothing wrong with your Drawer 130, it was installed wrong. Insufficient space around the fridge and incorrect ventilation. That box would have been so hot you were giving the compressor an impossible task. It needs to be able to properly exhaust the heat. I have this very same fridge and have had none of the problems you speak of. They are installed in lots of overland rigs such as in Globe Campers with great success.

[@TheGalavan]

Right - but I also didn't have the ability to correct the problem due to the build, so this seemed like a better solution.

[@sv6892]

Great video and your as cute as always 🥰

[@TheGalavan]

Thanks! ☺

[@carolthecrazycamper3442]

Do you think the drawer one would work with more insulation. If you could have known? Can you give it to someone else to try it out?

[@omalo3645]

I wonder if it needed more vents but I also know that the little apartment size fridge I use goes downhill quick once the frost starts building up, I imagine that may be true for this (not sure, I'm not refridge person).

[@TheGalavan]

I'm not sure. I was told to give it a lot of insulation before I even started, but then didn't feel like I had the room. A do-over would be to MAKE room for enough insulation. Or get a Vitrifrigo.

[@chipbrown433]

@@TheGalavan I ran across this page because I'm looking at using the same fridge as you did at the end of the galley island and was disheartened that you had such a problem. Until I saw your removal and installation of the new one. I'm pretty sure the problem is lack of ventilation. Thank you for showing this in detail - I'm now really sensitized to ventilation for my own plans. I put this on the upfitter you paid to build your van. They may have used beautiful locally sourced-in-Eugene-Oregon Apple ply, but they made the box too tight around the fridge with just a couple of small exhaust holes at the compressor and no cool air ingress. They should have taken the time to understand what they were installing and dealt with the ventilation correctly. Hopefully the holes you added will help. For anyone running across this, a good reference for installing this fridge is www.indelwebastomarine.com/fileadmin/webasto_files/documents/IndelWebastoMarine/Manuals/drawer-manual.pdf. Section 4.3 states: "It is extremely important for the compressor/condensing unit located behind the refrigerator to be well ventilated so that the fresh air can enter at the bottom and pass behind the refrigerator, with the hot air being allowed to escape from the top or sides (Fig.1)." Figure 1 on page 3 of the manual (shown at the 6:05 mark in this video) shows an inch or two of air space below and behind the refrigerator.

[@chipper7711]

I’ve had my Isotherm fridge for 5 years now. The plastic handle has broken 3 times! They’ve mailed me new ones, but man. Really?!? Also, the temp has varied so wildly, and I’ve had to replace the control with their $150 digital thermostat. How Isotherm claims their “superior” status is beyond me. So very slow with their R&D.

[@TheGalavan]

Sorry you've had trouble. They seem to be more about cool design (which is what got me!) than truly superior functionality.

[@Amigoof]

Hi Joanie, what temperature do you keep you fridge set at?

[@TheGalavan]

Between 34 and 38F.

[@Amigoof]

@@TheGalavan thank you for the reply!!!!!!!!

[@mikebillets9671]

This refrigerator is very difficult to open with the small door latch and strong seal magnets. poor design in my opinion as well

[@TheGalavan]

They can be hard to open. I sometimes feel I'm going to rip off my nails opening it! But this new was is SO efficient! Draws about 11ah/24hr! I just filmed a tour where she just got a dorm fridge at Lowes. She figures she can just easily replace it at any Lowes if needed. She has plenty of power to have the inverter on all the time. Although her tolerance for messes is higher than mine - any hard stop could empty her fridge.

[@mikebillets9671]

@@TheGalavan Does it loosen up at all over time? Did you do anything to relieve the hard seal? Terrible design.

[@laurajphillips5981]

👍👍❤️

[@tomgeriak3757]

I am not sure your replacement was necessary. The Danfoss 12 volt compressor is a variable speed unit. It runs at 2000 RPM to 3500 RPM as described in the manual. The unit come set up with a 1500 ohm 1/4 watt resistor in line with the mechanical thermostat to run at 3500 RPM. By installing the SS lobster you removed this resistor necessary to run the compressor at 3500 RPM and allowing the compressor to cycle on and off to cool. Also the installation instructions require 3-4 cm behind the unit to cool the compressor through convection via venting into your van or to the outside. Clearly you did not have adequate ventilation, but your larger mistake was using the SS lobster without the 1500 ohm resistor to run at 3500 RPM. This video is misleading to future users of 12 volt compressor refers and should be corrected.

[@lenward474]

You will have trouble with fan and command cable. They are stressed and vibrate...guaranteed.

[@TheGalavan]

Not sure what you're referring to here.

[@lenward474]

@@TheGalavan sorry..the white connector wire at 90 degrees and under pressure. They typically break there. The other cable the same wire at 90 with pressure,with vibration fine inner wires will break. Especially in vehicle. Trying to save issues. All the best.

[@johntatman9168]

That's an expensive replacement for the little use you got from it.

[@TheGalavan]

Definitely an expensive replacement, but I did get more than 3 years from the fridge. I spent most of that time in more moderate areas. Now that I'm venturing out to warmer areas more often it was time to deal with it. :-/