For those with the portable ice makers

[nosticks]

I guess we learn something new everyday, or at least we should. I have two of the "Emerson" brand ice makers from Target, one at home one on the RV. They are so simple and idiot proof that I just tossed the owners manual in a drawer still sealed in their plastic zip bags. Today I was cleaning out the proverbial junk drawer and after shoveling out the screws, zip ties, coupons, stamps, plastic parts for who knows what etc., I uncovered the owners manual. There was a supplement in the bag along with the manual. It jumped out at me.

Duh! Did you know the ice maker has a filter that is to be cleaned once a week. Me neither. Although I drain it weekly and wipe it out, I never saw the filter or even thought about it having one. It is shaped like a sewing thimble and is inserted in the water pick up at the bottom of the water compartment. It pops right out. It had some chunks of lime like residue in it but was really not that bad. After running it a year with out cleaning the filter I thought it would be plugged. The one on the RV is two years old and I'll check it tomorrow. Just thought there would be others that might have missed this small maintenance item.

[snfexpress]

We only use purified water purchased from the store. This really helps to keep the insides clean.

[7.3Ford]

Thanks Dave,

Will have to check that out next time I am at the RV.

[NCFischers]

We only use bottled distilled water in the ice maker.

[Tithy242]

I'm just seeing this thread today. I'd like to know more general information about the portable ice makers being used. Where are they being installed in the RV? What about the water source? Are they plumbed in or filled manually. Any pictures of the placement in the rig would be helpful in deciding what might work for me.

Thank you!

[bncinwv]

We use the type that sits on the floor and is manually filled. It sits at the end of our counter where it is beneath the counter extension.



The one in the picture is a little larger than our current Emerson branded one. The one shown is now relegated to full-time duty at the stickhouse. The new one with the smaller footprint (less ice capacity as well) works a little better in the rig. We paid $119 on sale at Target, they can be had at a better price at Target or even Home Depot when they are on sale. I think they are rated at about 20 pounds of ice a day.
Bingo

[nosticks]

Tithy242, They are really not installed, but sit on a counter top, require no plumbed water source, and chuck out ice at 13 cubes every 9 minutes or so. Many places carry them, Target has the best price, particularly when on sale about every other month or so can be had for $119. Camping World will rip you $269 to $300 for one. Just google Emerson Portable Ice Maker for the scoop.

[Tithy242]

Thank you for the replies...I found an Emerson and an EdgeStar that both look very promising. This is a great idea for those of us that need to reclaim freezer space.

TC

[jpkelpe]

They also fit in the baasement

[wingerphil]

we have our portable sitting on top of the Washer/dryer combo in our 3400RL, we simply sit it on the kitchen floor when traveling.

[boje]

I keep mine in the basement as well. Fill it up using the outdoor plumbing.