Last year I replaced the original refrigerator although it was working, but beginning to look a little worn and probably nearing the end of its life. Both the old and new instructions said that the back of the refrigerator should be as close to the wall (an inch or less), but not close enough to touch the wall. If this was not possible install a foam baffle between the top coil and wall. I had no baffle and several inches of space to the outside wall. Used some wood and sheet metal to fill in the space before installing the new Norcold refrigerator. Filled the cavity between the sheet metal and outside wall with fiberglass. I also filled the area above the refrigerator with fiberglass. The new refrigerator has worked well. Even in 100 plus at Las Vegas this summer it was about 40-45 in the refrigerator and 0-10 in the freezer. Of course you have to not overload, open the doors frequently, make ice at night, etc. I think following the manufacturers installation instructions really helped. I don't have any fans behind or above, but I do have a small 2 D cell powered fan (runs a month on 2 batteries) on a lower shelf inside the refrigerator. I believe the narrow space behind the refrigerator enhances the chimney effect of warm air moving up and also forces it over the coils on the back of the refrigerator increasing the performance. Compressor refrigerators will always cool better, but we are unplugged a lot and there is no noise from propane or electric heater. FWIF.
Jerry, Are you the Foretravel owner who posted great pictures during all the removal, preparation and installation of your refrigerator?
I thought for sure I had saved those pages, but cannot find a one of them now.
Our refrigerator died a long, lingering death and we need to replace it (or have it replaced with one from Lowe's).
We have a son who is very handy, smart and accomplished (simple mother's view) and perhaps we can induce him to help with the removal, replacement, etc. But I thought if I had the pictures about which I spoke, it would help.
Many thanks,
Kathleen Smith
Sounds like the mod I did with the Lowes fridge. replaced a dble door RV with single electric. I forget the heading but know Steve and |Michelle will find it for you (if it was mine with pantry on right)
John H
John Haygarth's fridge and pantry upgrade (What did you do to your coach today) (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=15228.msg91842#msg91842)
I did post some pictures, however I don't think they would apply to an installation of a compressor type refrigerator.
Thanks. Some folks on the forum have replaced the original refrigerator with an electric one - like the ones Lowe's sells. I keep looking for some pictures some person posted (maybe a year ago) and showed nearly ALL the steps he took in removing the old refrigerator to the preparation for the area that would hold the new refrigerator (amazing work done) then putting the new refrigerator in place and doing the wood work that was necessitated by using a new refrigerator not quite the same size as the old one. The pictures and descriptions were amazing, and I was sure I "saved" it, but now can't find any of them....
Katheen
Was it in this thread Residential fridge (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=13454.0) and possibly those photos "Merle Hench" aka Steve (no, not my Steve) posted?
As you look at those photos, keep in mind if you are going from an NDR1492 so the Whirlpool fridge from Lowes is
significantly narrower and will require a lot more cabinet work.
Michelle
Kathleen,
I don't know if this is the particular thread you are talking about, but a member "Merle Hench" (real name Steve) posted some nice pictures of his Lowes' fridge install. Some are in this thread Residential fridge (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=13454.0)
I believe his installation was in a U225...
LOL, I see Michelle just beat me to the punch as I was typing this (I really need to learn how to type faster)! Oh well, consider this a plus one for the quality of the pictures and the descritpion of the process...
Don