Fridge up, freezer down

[Forward]

I'm in the market for a Class B RV and one of the things I'm considering is the layout for a refrigerator/freezer unit. I will use the refrigerator more frequently than the freezer, so it makes sense that the fridge will be on top and the freezer down below. That will make for less bending over for this aging body!

As I look at various units online, it seems that most of them are set up as freezer on top and refrigerator on the bottom. That seems backward to me. Ideally, I think a chest style freezer on the bottom that rolls out would be the best situation from both an ergonomic and economic viewpoint.

Any ideas, links, or brands for me to shop?

 

[WJones]

Our home fridge is like that, but I don't remember ever seeing a class B with the freezer on the bottom. If you can't find one, you might think of getting a camper where the fridge is a certain distance off the ground.
You don't mention whether you're looking for new or used.
William

 

[eric1514]

The way an absorption fridge works necessitates that the freezer be on top for the best efficiency. A compressor fridge can be made either way.

 

[Forward]

I'm looking for used units 1-4 years old. You're right. If the whole fridge/freezer is higher it keeps the bending over limited. Maybe it's less of a nuisance in reality than I imagine.

 

[Forward]

The way an absorption fridge works necessitates that the freezer be on top for the best efficiency. A compressor fridge can be made either way.

I'm most interested in RV's that eliminate the need for propane. I'd prefer to live with a single fuel source for the vehicle and cabin heat and everything else electric.

 

[avanti]

Our NovaKool RFU68000 has a bottom freezer:

 

[Forward]

That's what I had in mind. Thanks for the photo.

 

[mumkin]

Our NovaKool RFU68000 has a bottom freezer:

Did you special order this on your Great West?

I've never seen another, and I suspect that it may be one of a kind.

 

[Johnnyfry]

My home fridge has the freezer on the bottom and I love it but, unfortunately, the layout of RV adsorption fridges is dictated by the physics of the refrigeration unit. The ammonia refrigerant goes into the freezer first and the flows down the the refrigerator section.

 

[avanti]

Did you special order this on your Great West?

I've never seen another, and I suspect that it may be one of a kind.

Yep, it was one of the mods that I specified when I ordered the unit. They were still using absorption fridges at the time. I think near the end they switched to compressors, but not the NovaKool. Dave said that they were difficult to source.

 

[WJones]

I'm most interested in RV's that eliminate the need for propane. I'd prefer to live with a single fuel source for the vehicle and cabin heat and everything else electric.

I'm sure there must be a number of used B's out there that fit the bill, but just be aware that you are limiting your choices quite a bit. You are looking for a diesel power train with a diesel space/water heater. I don't know what type of stove top you want if it isn't propane? Electric maybe, with solar and plenty of batteries and a high power inverter?
This could be the subject of a completely different thread.
William