Hooking up a 3 way fridge - Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum

Kadin · 04-10-2018, 03:50 PM

Hi,
I've contacted the manufacturer but haven't heard back from them yet... hoping someone here can help.

I bought a 60L SMAD 3 way refrigerator and I am unsure if I need to install a separate switch for the 12v connection. I'd like to wire the 12v into the battery but I'm not sure I can switch it back and forth from propane to 12v without disconnecting the cable from the 12v battery.

I'm also a little bit confused about shutting the propane off... it says to shut the propane off at the tank when running on 12v or 110v... that is fine for when we are driving (12v) but if we are plugged in somewhere and using the 110v, if I shut the propane off at the tank then I won't have propane for the stove... is there another way? The propane tank has one line coming out of it and then splits into two underneath the trailer, one end going to the stove and then other used to go to the furnace... I will be rerouting it to the refrigerator.

I'm new to all of this and modifying an old hi-lo that wasn't equipped with a refrigerator when I bought it.

Any help would be very much appreciated.

Thanks!
Kadin

KnottyRig · 04-10-2018, 09:46 PM

Im sure one of the guru’s will chime in shortly...but first - you have a hi-lo that wasn’t equipped with a fridge? What year/model is it?

As far as wiring goes - I’d expect the 12v should go through a circuit that’s switch off by the master. So it’ll be off when you turn everything off.

I wouldn’t expect leaving the propane on when it’s on 12v should be a problem. I would hope the manufacturer put a valve in place so the propane is off when on 12v. BUT...that’s putting a lot of hope in a vendor.

I did a quick search for “SMAD 3-way fridge diagram” but haven’t found any good docs yet. Do you have a link to owners/install/wiring diagram (anything will help)?

Kadin · 04-10-2018, 11:02 PM

Thanks for the reply KnottyRig,
It is a 1968 hi-lo... it had an old ice box in it so I am having to install everything.. Which is pretty tricky for someone like me that knows nothing about how these are set up.

The 12v really isn't a problem as that will only be activated when we are in transit... so i'll just shut the propane off and switch it to 12v (I guess I could install a switch... just seems like the refrigerator should already have this). The 110v is another issue though as I want to keep the propane on for my stove when we are plugged in somewhere. I'm not sure how to shut the propane off just to the refrigerator.

I've attached the only docs that I have on the refrigerator... hopefully I attached them correctly.

Thanks,
Kadin

RichR · 04-11-2018, 09:00 AM

Does this fridge have electronic ignition or does it have the push button spark ignition? The Hi-Lo factory supplied fridges had a 12 volt line with an inline fuse that hooked up where the converter hooked to the battery line. Does the trailer have a 12 volt converter? As far as hooking 110 volts and LP up there should be no difference and the controls should allow you to switch between the three. Turning the LP off at the tank is a safety precaution while in transit.

JIM L · 04-11-2018, 04:29 PM

Kadin; Welcome to the forum. I Read thru the manual very fast. Did you buy this fridg new? Which model do you have, the XC40 or XC60? You will need to have knowledge about working with the gas hookup, AC and DC electric. Also you will have to make the exhaust system like HiLo did since the top raises and lowers. Did you get the exhaust system that the second manual showes? If you would like to talk about this project get in touch with me here in the forum. Too much to try and do it here typing on the forum so would need to exchange PH# and best times to call and see if this is a project you can handle. I would need to check how HiLo built the exhaust system on my HiLo in order to pass that info on to you. Let me know if you want to talk. This is a doable project and not to difficult, the exhaust being the more difficult part.

renoites · 04-18-2018, 05:26 PM

Jim has given you excellent advice.
YOU WILL NOT SMELL WHAT KILLS YOU!

12v Power to refer comes from 12v transformer box circuit. It is fused. 120v power comes from 120v circuit box/fused
There is no on/off switch on mine. The refer has the switch that changes the input from 12v/120v/gas. Also a knob that in/decrease temp

This model is not the same as mine. READ the book!

Kadin · 04-18-2018, 11:14 PM

Thanks you guys! I’ve figured out the install (- the exhaust) ... I’ve routed the propane that is going to the fridge into a seat where I installed a valve so that I can shut off the propane to just the refrigerator while leaving the propane going to the stove.

There is a push button Ignition to answer richr’s question.

I’m not completely sure how I will install the exhaust because of the top going up and down... if I can’t figure it out I’ll be sure to get in touch with you Jim. I very much appreciate you offering to help.

Thanks!
Kadin

renoites · 04-19-2018, 03:13 PM

Since you are doing a custom install with unknown venting.
I strongly suggest that you also install a battery(AA) carbon monoxide alarm.
They are cheap insurance!

I live in a tourist town and we have had 2-3 families die this year to this issue.

The propane shuts off automatically at the gas valve when no flame is present.
But should be on full time while using refer, on propane.
If you installed a valve in the propane line, it NEEDS to be a gas valve, not plumbing. All soft copper fitted, no flex lines if not for gas!

Propane is a dangerous gas. Make sure all fittings are good well before use.

Jennifer I · 04-19-2018, 08:50 PM

I have just purchased a 1968 model 150 and am anxious to watch your progress Kadin! Being in love with the thought of an oldie still on the road will, I'm sure keep me from making too many improvements. I feel priviledged to have found one in pristine condition! A fridge, AC, and rest room would be nice tho! Send pics of your progress if you can.

sam · 04-19-2018, 10:45 PM

Do a search on this forum for 1960 model restorations. Several members have restored a RV of this vintage. Probable will give you some ideas.

Kadin · 04-20-2018, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jennifer I

I have just purchased a 1968 model 150 and am anxious to watch your progress Kadin! Being in love with the thought of an oldie still on the road will, I'm sure keep me from making too many improvements. I feel priviledged to have found one in pristine condition! A fridge, AC, and rest room would be nice tho! Send pics of your progress if you can.

Awesome Jennifer! You’re the first person I’ve heard from that has the same model and year as us!

Ours had quite a bit of water damage so we are redoing a lot of it. It won’t be original but at least it’s still an oldie on the road!

We are starting to document the remodel on our Instagram if you use that: @open_air_studios

Would love to see pics of yours!