DIY System Kits

Chances are that at any given time, in any given anchorage around the world, there is a boat with a malfunctioning refrigeration system.  Why has it not been fixed?  Because few people have the expertise needed to make repairs.  Refrigeration is widely considered a "black science" but the principles are actually quite simple.  The best way to master refrigeration is by taking it head on and building your own system.  In building your own system, you gain the knowledge and experience needed to repair not only your own system, but those of others as well.  You will know exactly what is in it and how it works. 

RParts has acquired the services of one of the top refrigeration specialists in the marine industry to develop a line of do-it-yourself (DIY) refrigeration systems.  These systems are designed for those who are hands on and enjoy building it yourself.  Taking this hands on approach not only serves as a lesson in basic refrigeration 101 but there is also the added benefit of saving money.  Our kits are priced significantly lower than that of name brand systems with a savings of up to 40%.

All systems can be assembled easily using the components and comprehendible assembly and installation manuals.  Once completed, your system will match or surpass the performance of all the name brand systems.  Limited warranty is offered for all kits.  See the DIY Kits warranty for details.

System 1M is perfect for converting an icebox to a refrigerator/freezer box.  This system is suitable for those in milder climates where the air is sufficient to remove heat from the refrigerant.

The system includes the industry standard Danfoss BD50F, 12/24V compressor and a freezer roll bond evaporator box.  System 1M can be improved in energy efficiency by upgrading the compressor power module.  With a module upgrade (1M-O1) to an Adaptive Energy Optimizing (AEO) module (010-1176), the compressor will to adapt its speed to the actual cooling demand.  

With adequate insulation (3" minimum), this system configuration gives you up to a .45 cu ft freezer and up to 8 cu ft refrigerator.  With an evaporator box upgrade (1M-O2) to a larger box (019-0350), capacity is increased and will give you up to a .70 cu ft freezer and up to 12 cu ft refrigerator. 

We have assembled the kit using parts available through RParts.  See the complete 1M parts list included with this kit.  See the tools list to view the required tools needed for the assembly and installation process.  You may want to get one of our refrigeration books to help you design your box and system.  We recommend "Refrigeration for Pleasureboats" by Nigel Calder.

The system includes the more powerful Danfoss BD80F, 12/24V compressor and a holdover plate evaporator.   The compressor power module includes an Adaptive Energy Optimizing (AEO) feature that increases efficiency by adjusting the compressor speed to the actual cooling demand.  Alternatively, the compressor speed can also be set manually.

Adequate insulation plus a holdover plate upgrade can provide up to a 11.5 cu ft refrigerator box or up to a 3.75 cu ft freezer box.  Use the sizing table below to determine which holdover plate is suitable for your requirements and box configuration.

Insulation Box and Holdover Plate Sizing Table

“Spillover” type boxes can achieved with System 2M by installing an insulated partition in the box and putting a freezer temperature plate (size "B', "C", or "D" only) in the smaller compartment, with the larger compartment becoming the refrigerator.  Consult the DIY Support Forum for "spillover" design and application tips. 

We have assembled the kit using parts available through RParts.  See the complete 2M parts list included with this kit.  Also look at the complete tools list and additional parts list to view the tools and other parts needed for assembly and installation.  You may want to get one of our refrigeration books to help you design your box and system.  We recommend "Refrigeration for Pleasureboats" by Nigel Calder.

The Carel retrofit kit is ideal for upgrading your standard mechanical thermostat to digital.  It is suitable for any 12 or 24-volt DC condensing unit powered by a Danfoss BD series of DC compressors.  Upgrading to a Carel digital thermostat allows for a more efficient and optimized system.  The digital thermostat will give you complete control of the set point and the differential thermostat operation.  The set point value is the temperature at which the system will turn off and the set point plus the differential value is the temperature at which the system will turn on.   Add an optional second temperature probe to display box temperature.

We have assembled the kit using parts available through RParts.  See the complete parts list included with this kit.  You may want to get one of our refrigeration books to help you design your box and system.  We recommend "Refrigeration for Pleasureboats" by Nigel Calder.

This retrofit kit is the answer to any 12 or 24-volt DC air-cooled condensing system with a failing compressor.  The kit is especially suitable for those systems powered by a obsolete Danfoss BD2.0F, BD2.5F, or BD3.0F compressor.  Why spend more then necessary to purchase a new system when you can just replace the compressor and control module for a fraction of the cost?

A Danfoss BD50F, 12/24V compressor is included with the kit.  With a module upgrade (DR-O1) to an Adaptive Energy Optimizing (AEO) module (010-1176), the compressor will adapt its speed to the actual cooling demand.

We have assembled the kit using parts available through RParts.  See the complete parts list included with this kit.  See the complete tools list and additional parts list to view the tools and other parts needed for assembly and installation.  You may want to get one of our refrigeration books to help you design your box and system.  We recommend "Refrigeration for Pleasureboats" by Nigel Calder.

Old Module