Dometic NRX50 Fridge - Do I need the drain plug?

ben5560

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Just wired up my new Dometic NRX50C camping fridge... It came with a L shape drain plug, do I really need to connect this? It's something I didn't plan for, as all the videos I've seen on the cheaper THQ versions.etc don't mention it?
 
I’m installing the same NRX50C fridge this week. I believe the elbow needs to be connected to a condensate waste pipe that exits through the van floor or in to a catch tank of some description ( that can then be emptied).

Perhaps the THQ fridge has an evaporation tray or something similar.
 
Just wired up my new Dometic NRX50C camping fridge... It came with a L shape drain plug, do I really need to connect this? It's something I didn't plan for, as all the videos I've seen on the cheaper THQ versions.etc don't mention it?
No, just avoid leaving the door open when cold and putting warm food inside, as with any fridge.
You may find you need a couple of sheets of kitchen paper in the bottom depending on the ambient humidity. Make sure the plug is fitted and water tight.
 
I’m installing the same NRX50C fridge this week. I believe the elbow needs to be connected to a condensate waste pipe that exits through the van floor or in to a catch tank of some description ( that can then be emptied).

Perhaps the THQ fridge has an evaporation tray or something similar.
Yeah that's what the manual says, I've messaged Dometic to see if it's 100% required, as it'll be another hole I didn't want to drill! You'll love the fridge, it looks amazing in person!
 
No, just avoid leaving the door open when cold and putting warm food inside, as with any fridge.
You may find you need a couple of sheets of kitchen paper in the bottom depending on the ambient humidity. Make sure the plug is fitted and water tight.
Awesome thanks, I mean that's the worst that can happen right, is water pooling up at the bottom of the fridge! 😊
 
Yeah that's what the manual says, I've messaged Dometic to see if it's 100% required, as it'll be another hole I didn't want to drill! You'll love the fridge, it looks amazing in person!

Be interested to hear what they come back with. If the pipe’s optional I’d rather not drill too.

I received mine last week. Really smart aren’t they! Few more jobs and it’s ready to go in the van.
 
Definitely, was worth the extra cost! I got the base model C, but there's a more expensive one with a stainless steel front which I bet is smart!
 
Definitely, was worth the extra cost! I got the base model C, but there's a more expensive one with a stainless steel front which I bet is smart!
Looks like stainless steel but it’s brushed anodised aluminuim. Easy enough to replace with some genuine stainless for durability.
 
I've got the C. There is an E which is black, which i would have preferred but it isn't readily available and is being sold for the same praise as the C, despite not having an icebox or door shelves. The C just made sense...

@DXX Does your CRX have a drain plug too and did you not bother with it?
 
I've got an older CRX (I think) and that has the same drain. I find the fridge does produce enough condensate to leave a wet trail on the floor when I'm out camping. I've put a shallow plastic tray and foam rubber underneath as an easier alternative to drilling a hole in the floor. The drain plug and tube didn't seem to work very well as you just end up with a load of water in the pipe on the slight rise as the pipe goes through the floor. I suppose you could put another 90° fitting to print that, but it's more hassle.

The tray and foam seems to work well for me. No trails of water on the floor and the water seems to just evaporate on its own
 
My CRX50 has a drain plug which isn't connected to a tube. Some water does manage to collect in the bottom but I've now learnt to deal with it. When we first noticed it a few years ago, it proved to be a pain in the aris when we were parked up on a pitch with a very slight slope down to the passenger side and water ran out of the bottom of the fridge and under the mat. We only saw it on taking the mat out to give it a shake (sand!) - luckily it couldn't soak through the flooring so no real harm done but things might have got smelly had we not found it. My solution which is now tried and tested was to put a strip of rubber draught excluder across the width and slide a folded J Cloth (or at least the Lidl version) under the door which fits perfectly and soaks up any water that gets to it. We keep another one handy in a drawer and swap them over every few days after giving the bottom of the fridge a wipe. My bottom line would be if you can manage the condensation there's really no need to drill another hole.
2.webp
 
Actually, looking at the above picture again, I realise that it's actually two parallel strips of draught excluder.
 
I've got the C. There is an E which is black, which i would have preferred but it isn't readily available and is being sold for the same praise as the C, despite not having an icebox or door shelves. The C just made sense...

@DXX Does your CRX have a drain plug too and did you not bother with it?
Has the drain plugged, conversion done by a reputable professional, no drain. I’ve lived in the van for months at a time for over 8 years, no drain required
 
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