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Old 08-28-2017, 12:41 PM   #1
Ram Montana High Country
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ARP Fridge Controller

What are the thoughts on the ARP Controller for Dometic 12CUFT fridge - do many of you utilize them? Since my unit runs uphill all the time, it could be worth the investment. How many travel with fridge on?
 
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Old 08-31-2017, 01:43 PM   #2
artfuldodger
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The best time to install the arp is when the fridge is new. The arp shuts off the fridge temporarily if it overheats. The fridge overheats when it is operating off level. There is an anti rust chemical in the cooling coils which is destroyed when the fridge overheats, so then the coils will begin rusting from the inside. Eventually a hole will allow the ammonia to escape. Ammonia is flammable. Since the fridge burns propane a fire could happen. These fridges are expensive to replace so the ARP is protecting you from not only a fire but also from losing your fridge. We no longer travel with the fridge on.
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Old 08-31-2017, 04:24 PM   #3
gmstrom
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Got it. Love it. Helps the fridge stay cooler in the hot weather. It's a noticeable difference. Nice to have especially if your fridge is in a slide where the hot air comes out the top vent on the side wall. Get the two fans along with the controller.
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Old 08-31-2017, 06:46 PM   #4
jfaberna
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I have it and the 2 fans along with the ARP controller. Mine will trip when it's off level, so I feel that I have some extra protection. I also have the Halon fire extinguisher near the boiler.
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Old 08-31-2017, 07:46 PM   #5
Mudchief
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I also have the unit with the 2 fans. It does keep your fridge stay cooler.
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Old 08-31-2017, 07:50 PM   #6
DQDick
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Had the unit with two fans in our old rig, will be looking to hook up with them and get it on our new one also.
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Old 09-02-2017, 10:46 AM   #7
bshgto
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can`t make this stuff up

I had this device. After looking on You Tube and watching how these campers burn from refrigerator fires I put one on and slept better if nothing else . Then I got a wild hair one day and ripped the gas hog out and put in a residential unit in with an inverter and golf cart batteries and don`t worry about any of it anymore. The wife says " no more gas refrigerators anymore ,ever." Think about it.
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Old 09-02-2017, 11:07 AM   #8
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We've always traveled with the fridge on since the 90's. I installed the ARP and added my own fans a few years back and have been pleased with it's performance ... fridge stays colder without the temp swings we used to have. I also added a different thermistor controller that's a step up from the 4 lights on the OEM fridge panel. http://www.snip-the-tip.com/NorcoldThermistor.htm
Lotsa members on the MOC are long or full timers and have in recent years leaned towards the residential fridges ... to each his/her own. We like the versatility of the gas/electric fridge that have been around since "Moby Dick was a Guppie". We have no solar nor plans to add one ... we have 2 batteries, not 4 with no plans to add them. A previous post referred to a gas absorption fridge as a gas hog ... I beg to differ ... the gas use is minimal to say the least. A good percentage of the negative posts on gas fridges can be attributed to a marginal installation in slide outs. Read the instructions on baffles and installation dimensions along with circulating fans. Many a unit comes from the factory NOT following those instructions very closely.
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