I love 12 volt fridges

Nice unit ,thanks for sharing .

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Carolyn, it is a great refrigerator and am happy to share!

@Alex-es6dr

5 жыл бұрын

New 13.5 cu ft solar refrigerator by EcoSolarCool. More details on our website: www.ecosolarcool.com/collections/upright-refrigerators/products/solar-refrigerator-13-5-cuft-escr380sw

Nice video, and that looks like a viable way to go especially for those already on solar- thanks for the info.

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

6 жыл бұрын

Thank you, and yes you are right... a great appliance for those already established with solar power. I would also recommend them for those who are planning to go solar or are tired of paying for propane to run their fridge.

like your fridge.lots of space in it.you getting any snow today.we getting 20 cm then 25 mm of rain.nasty winter.might be able to go trouting with a rod.lol take care

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy, it is a great unit! We got a foot of snow today and now ice pellets with rain overnight. One of the worst winters here... unable to get anywhere on snowmobile and I'm down to 8 days of firewood. LOL

Hello Dave, liking your fridge! Hard ole winter eh? Any snow up your way?

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

6 жыл бұрын

Hey bud, it is a great save on power and works better than I expected! It has been a bad winter for rain following the snow. We got over a foot of snow today but the rain will take it all away again tonight... unable to get anywhere on snowmobile. What about over your way?

Great information. Couple of questions: What size solar system do you require for this fridge ? What size generator do you use to charge your battery bank ? What brand of battery charger do you use for your battery banks ? Thanks'

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

5 жыл бұрын

I would recommend a minimum of 250 watts in solar array, the battery bank should be at least 3 times the consumption of the daily(3x524Wh/24hrs=1.6Kw). A bank that size would only need a generator at 2000 watts. Most intelligent battery chargers are good, I use a marine grade charger for one bank, while my Magnum Energy inverter/charger handles the other bank. A 20 amp charger would be sufficient for most banks on a smaller scale such as 1.6Kw bank. You can also use this fridge with a generator and no batteries... a simple converter will work, as this unit is DC it can be connected to a converter that can operate 5 amps. A small generator can easily run the fridge. For example, the 1000 watt Honda inverter generator that burns little fuel, along with a 7 amp converter would work running the fridge. I have over 9Kw of batteries, but I am consuming a fair amount of electricity.

@remotetrapper8991

5 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for the information.

Which much did this cost total: fridge, battery, solar panels and such? What size solar panels, battery, and controller would you recommend for this fridge? I would like just to have the minimum things and small in size so it won't be such a hassle. Thanks

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

5 жыл бұрын

Hi there, the fridge usually retails for about $1349 CA, the battery required would need to be at least 400 amperes (amp hours) and are between $300-800 CA, a minimum solar array of 200-250 watts and costs about $200-$250. Charge controller size should be at least 15 amp and costs about $50-$125. So the total cost would be about $1900. The same size fridge and brand in propane retails for about $2200, and it costs money to keep it running, whereas if you look after the solar, it will provide free power for many years. Hopefully this information helps.

Hey Dave I don’t know very much at all about solar. I have a hunting cabin that is totally off grid. I use two Honda generators to run everything in my cabin. Can you tell me exactly what I would need to run the refrigerator that you have with solar only. I’m usually only there on the weekends during hunting season so I would need it to run totally off of solar since we only run the generators when we’re there. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

7 ай бұрын

Hi there, I would recommend at least 400 watts solar array, but you could get away with a smaller solar array. I am personally running my solar(DC) deep freeze on its own solar system. It is connected to 4 (6 volt) GC15 lead acid batteries. The shorter the distance from your fridge to the batteries the better as it won't lose as much with resistance. I have 600 watts in solar and just a cheap mppt charge controller. Basic wiring that's sufficient enough to handle the load, and a couple of alligator clips to connect to the batteries. Hope that helps. It's been running 24/7 for years now without any issues.

@DrewHanks2083

7 ай бұрын

@@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors Thanks for the prompt reply. God bless and have a wonderful day. That’s exactly what I needed.

How long did this unit take to cool down? Mine doesn't seem to be getting cold! Any info would be great, thanks!

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

5 жыл бұрын

Hi there, it only took about 4 hours to reach its normal cooling temperature. I use a laser thermometer to randomly check, and as in the manual it mentions to check the temperature in the very center of the fridge. I will check all the items in the refrigerator with the tester to ensure the temperature is where it should be... and with my cabin ambient temperature at about 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit), the temperature inside the fridge and freezer is what the manual says set at 5. I'm using 10 awg stranded copper wire that works just fine with the 20 foot span. The longer the distance to your battery bank, the thicker guage wire should be used as shown in this video. Check the fuse also, the 15 amp inline fuse can sometimes blow when connecting, so if it's not cooling at all after a few hours, the unit may not be running. I've had mine running constantly since January, and just now planning to defrost the unit in the morning, which is very straight forward. It's not recommended to put any items inside until at least 4 hours after it's been running, and also recommended to turn the unit up on max at 7 until the desired operating temperature. Any further questions, feel free to ask. 🙂

@MBFModernHomesteading

5 жыл бұрын

@Dave Wilcox Jr Outdoors thanks. Turns out my fridge just needs replaced and Unique is sending a new one :)

Very nice! Where can I purchase the solar refrigerator like yours? I'm trying to save money too.

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

5 жыл бұрын

Hi there, many hardware store outlets carry them, as well as most places that specializes in propane appliances.

nice unit, u heading down to the big land this summer?

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kris, I am hoping to but won't know for certain until late Spring. You are lucky to get out on skidoo and get a bit of firewood... running low here and can't get in the woods!

I have the exact same unit as you. How long does yours run for in a typical hour? Obviously longer if you had the door open but just typical run time.

Hi...after having had a propane fridge for years at our offgrid home in northern Ontario, we decided to move to a Unique 9 cu. ft. DC powered fridge (Model UGP 260L) two weeks ago. I'm frustrated with this fridge and wondering what I'm doing wrong. Fist off, it's been extremely warm the last couple weeks, with he indoor temperature being 29C. Even at a fridge setting of 7, our fridge cannot get colder than +4C. Today, it's cooler out at mid 20s, yet fridge at 5am was still only +4C. Around 8:30am, I added just 5 cans of coke and two small bottles of water, the temperature shot up to +9C. The freezer is maybe 60% full, while the fridge is maybe 30% full. I'm scared to add more food because every time I do, the temperature takes forever to fall, and I fear the food has spoiled. What are we doing wrong? At a setting of 7, the manual says fridge should get to -4C. There is a bit of frost in the fridge, but no ice. So frustrating that I now wish for my old propane fridge.

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

4 жыл бұрын

Hi there, try disconnecting from the power source and reconnecting, it will normally take 6-12 hours to reach its cooling temperatures. Ambient temperature will affect it somewhat but not to the degree you are having. I have a contact number for a representative in Ontario who replies very quickly and very helpful. The only model I've heard that had issues were their largest model (17 cubic foot) with a faulty charge controller. They are very quick with providing faulty parts, so if you like, private message and request the contact information. I've had zero issues with my 10.2 cubic foot and it's been on continuously for near 3 years now.

So if my battery bank is 40 feet away from we’re I plan to put my fridge , do I have to run 40 feet of battery cables ??

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Barry, you have two options. First, if you are running on a 12 volt battery bank, it is recommended a 10AWG wire will allow you to go 32.8 feet, if it's a 24 volt bank, it is recommended to go up to 65.6 feet. If you use a heavier cable than 10AWG, such as 4AWG, it is possible to go further. Your second option, a simple solution to having too far of a distance would be a converter. You simply connect the cables to the converter and the converter has an AC plug to plug in to an AC outlet.

@barrycritch3417

3 жыл бұрын

Dave Wilcox Jr Outdoors sorry to keep bugging ya, but converter, would that be the same as an inverter, and is 4 gauge wire good for that length? Thanks Dave , appreciate the info.

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Hi, no worries, I actually was inaccurate with my previous comment, for the 65.6 feet it requires 8AWG cable, not 10. However, 4AWG should work just fine. I'm currently in the process of moving my batteries to the new garage and I needed 60+ feet, so I went with the 4AWG 12 volt wire and through calculation, the voltage loss is minimal. So you should be fine with that size, it is a little pricey but still better than purchasing a thinner gauge wire and discovering it's not sufficient. The key to remember is with lower voltage like DC power is that resistance plays a key role, do not use solid copper, it has to be stranded copper wire. As for the converter, it is not the same as an inverter, it does the exact opposite. Inverters allow battery power to become 120 volts, converters allow DC to be plugged into an AC outlet.

What kind of battery are you using

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

Жыл бұрын

I'm using 6 volt flooded lead acid batteries in a 24 volt array. If you were planning to power the fridge only, and deep cycle battery will work fine, I would consider having a large reserve that doesn't discharge the battery (batteries) lower than 50%.

Looking for an rv fridge, and it would be inclosed but I plan on venting it with a fan do you think this would work???

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

6 жыл бұрын

bill84345 absolutely, this unit would work very well in your set-up in an RV!

Is there a on / off switch on these. The ac fridge I’m using now doesn’t have one so I need to unplug it to turn it off.

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

4 жыл бұрын

Hi there, I am using alligator clips on the terminals, however there is the temperature adjustment inside the fridge, but the alligator clips make it simple to just turn off. If your batteries are not nearby, a simple DC disconnect switch inline can be installed, or if you're using a converter from DC to AC, they have an on/off switch.

What is needed for battery pack/solar panels to power just this fridge?

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

4 жыл бұрын

It's recommended at least 250 watt solar array and a 400 amp hour battery bank. It depends on your geographic (how much direct sunlight and hours of sun, in northern parts of Canada what I mentioned is sufficient).

@petergreene1262

4 жыл бұрын

@@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors Thanks, that is super helpful. I was told by someone that I can tie together two 6 volt batteries at 220amps to accomplish this. does this make sense?

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

4 жыл бұрын

Yes, that will work. The fridge can operate on a 12 or 24 volt system, so the two 6 volts wired for 12 volt configuration is good. The 6 volt batteries are actually better than using 12 volt batteries.

Is it still holding up ? Looking to buy a unique fridge I have only found the 6 cu. ft smaller version of this. Thx in advance

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

Yes it is, working flawlessly. Their 17 cubic foot has issues, but only that model. All other models smaller are working great.

@vanlifebiker

3 жыл бұрын

@@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors Thank you for responding so soon. I wasn't aware of this model & did find it thru Costco thanks to you. You seem to have some knowledge of the Unique products. I know they are out of Canada but I have noticed some are made in China. Do they still make models in Canada or have they out sourced everything? Costco doesn't state where this model is made & does this model have the 134a freon or the newer 600 freon? I was advised by an appliance tech to stay away from 600 type cause it's less known for now. He also said stay away from made in China stuff too but it's pretty difficult to do today with anything. Mine will be installed in a Sprinter van & I'm hoping these models are ok with tilts as well. 30 degree max I have seen on other companies. Any input on that would be appreciated as well if you have any. Thanks again.

@vanlifebiker

3 жыл бұрын

Actually just to add to my statement about Costco for future readers. Unfortunately they do not offer the 10.3 cu. ft. in the U.S. only Canada. Unfortunate too cause they sell them for $80 less than cabin depot @ $1319.99. Guess my search continues because cabin depot not only cost more buy shipping seems to be extra too. I have noticed a few models that are currently out of stock thru Wayfair & Home Depot & both offee free shipping in the U.S. Just some food for the soul for the viewers.

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

3 жыл бұрын

@@vanlifebiker sorry for the delay, the unit is manufactured in China, I've also seen competitors MSRP three times as mush yet still made in the same country. I can't confirm which Freon is used, however Unique does use the world's most efficient and quality compressor (secop). It's too bad Home Depot are out of stock in the US, however the Cabin Depot in New Brunswick do offer your choice in shipping couriers. They are also very knowledgeable in all their products they carry. Regards to the unit being operational when not level, it does specify to ensure its level, not sure of the tolerances. The smaller chest style combos that are AC/DC are better suited for mobility though. They are designed for mobility, but are also more costly. Thanks for your input and hopefully you'll find that unit that works best for your set-up.

@vanlifebiker

3 жыл бұрын

@@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors Thanks Dave, I ended up ordering the 6 cu. ft. smaller version thru home depot & paid $160 more for a 5 year warranty beyond the 1 year manufacture warranty. It was free shipping to the local store as well. I actually called them to see if they would price match Wayfair ($30 cheaper) & they said they quit matching their prices. I said ok thanks & hung up. Wouldn't you know they emailed me a $75 coupon code the next day if I spent over $500 lol.. I wanted to go with HD because they have a local store if somethings wrong & they could get it faster.. Wayfair is just internet I believe. I wasn't sure which unit I wanted at that point but I figured if they matched Wayfair & I could buy it locally I would. So it ended up working out better than I expected so I put the extra coupon money towards the warranty. I'm covered for 6 years & it should be here by next weekend. Ended up costing $1162.02 total shipped to local store with tax included & using the $75 coupon code they sent for me if anyone wants to do what I did. It's the smaller 6 cu. ft. version. I will update in a week or so when I get it hooked up in the van to see if the leaning makes a difference. I couldn't stand the thought of living the vanlife out of cooler fridge. This will feel so much more like home. 😎👍

What size is the solar array & battery bank your using to run the fridge?

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

4 жыл бұрын

I am running on a large bank and array, but I am running all of my lights, etc. I currently have 18kwh of batteries which allows me to use 9kw. I have 800 watts of array, no issues at all. I'd recommend a minimum of 250 watts of solar array with 1.6kw of usable battery power to allow for bad weather.

@outportnl4892

4 жыл бұрын

Dave Wilcox Jr Outdoors thanks for the info.

Where can i get one? Ireland

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

5 жыл бұрын

This brand is Unique, not sure if Kal carries them there, but if you have seen appliances made by Unique, you should be able to purchase one.

why didnt you go with a chest style fridge and freezer? with regular style fridge/freezer every time you open it all the cold air falls out. with chest style the cold air being denser than warm air will stay inside when opened. this should save even more energy.

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

6 жыл бұрын

Asura it's more practical to go with this unit for opening and closing with never having to spend additional time to sort and remove the items needed at the time! With the chest style I would be rearranging too many items. This unit is super efficient and has been working very well without any notice of energy draw with the battery bank. 🙂

Where can you find these?

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

6 жыл бұрын

The Cabin Depot in New Brunswick carries them and ship to NL. Whoever carries "Unique" brand appliances should be able to bring them in, but The Cabin Depot are awesome to deal with and they are very well educated in all off-grid set-ups and good prices.

Do you know the model # of the compressor?

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

5 жыл бұрын

Hi there, I believe it's BD50F

How much kw do you use in a 24h period?

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

6 жыл бұрын

Christopher Boone my total average usage with my entire electrical consumption is about 2.5-3.5 kW per 24 hours. I have 18 kW battery reserve, so this fridge consuming just 0.55 kW per 24 hours is great.

@christopherboone9885

6 жыл бұрын

Dave Wilcox Jr Outdoors how big is your array ?

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

6 жыл бұрын

Currently just 800 watts and adding another 1500 watts in the near future to accommodate the poor weather conditions, although I don't have any issues maintaining the bank. I just want to add more for peace of mind and know that the persistent stormy weather that could last for days will provide a higher charge!

@christopherboone9885

6 жыл бұрын

Dave Wilcox Jr Outdoors I have an 1580w array and I’m getting 860ah of battery’s I only use about 2 kw in a 24h period

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

6 жыл бұрын

Just keep in mind the battery discharge rate should never exceed 50% dod to expect the battery life that's reasonable. Ideally the battery bank should only discharge 20% of the reserve power to get 10 plus years with the batteries. With 50% dod of an 860 amp hour it will be 430 ah which is acceptable. If you have deep cycle lead acid batteries that are not AGM (sealed) I suggest checking the fluid levels of the batteries every month. You may need to add distilled water that's available at most hardware stores to top up the batteries.

Price?

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

5 жыл бұрын

Approximately $1,400.

@franklinbrown7389

5 жыл бұрын

That seems like a good price for what you get. How has it been treating you?

@DaveWilcoxJrOutdoors

5 жыл бұрын

Very good price, the same propane unit is $2,300. This solar fridge has been working very well. It's been defrosted just once in 12 months. I'm very happy with it!