I am looking hard at a installing a residential refrigerator in our U225. I can find models by Avanti that would fit into the available space but I know that Samsung has the best energy-efficient models out there and would prefer to find one of those. But my searches have been foiled by the simple fact the way that web sites return search results. For instance. a search for "samsung apartment refrigerator" will elicit results from practically all brands and the ones from Samsung seem to be under-the-counter models. I've tried putting in cubic foot details and all sorts of tricks to narrow the results with unsatisfactory results.
So what I need is a Samsung refrigerator about 23 inches wide with about 9 cubic feet of space. Has anyone managed to find anything?
Craig
Go to ajmadison.com, you can filter on width and manufacturer
I went on Samsung's appliance website to look at their refrigerators Refrigerators - Energy Star, Smart, Wi-Fi & Touchscreen LCD Fridges | Samsung (http://www.samsung.com/us/appliances/refrigerators)
Scrolling down to "Shop by capacity" shows the smallest they make is the 18 cu ft RF197A French Door which unfortunately is 33" wide
Check Frigidaire.
Frigidaire would be my second choice but I can only find a 9.9 cu ft model which is 24" wide. :(
Craig
Look here: Top Freezer Refrigerators - Refrigerators - Appliances at The Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/b/Appliances-Refrigerators-Top-Freezer-Refrigerators/N-5yc1vZc3ns). A couple of the Summit brands fit.
Craig,
I am not promising but if i can get of my couch sometime today I am going to start removing the refrigerator out from our U225 this weekend. Then I am going to take my own measurements and accordingly i will order a new residential fridge.
Sometime ago there was a discussion i started (Is this how a RV fire starts? (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=20077.msg144877#msg144877)) I am hoping i can get and install this one ( Whirlpool® 11 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator (WRT111SFAW White) | (http://www.whirlpool.com/-%5BWRT111SFAW%5D-1021176/WRT111SFAW/) )
Stay tuned ......
Al, I think you're going to be disappointed when you try to make an 11 cu ft fridge fit but that would be great if it will. I'm thinking 9.5 to 9.7. I don't want to completely modify the woodwork.
I am no John Haygarth... although he's not far away... hmmmm..... :P
Craig
You might just find a 24" will work, after removing the cabinet trim off one side of the opening. I helped to that on a U240, with a vibrating multi tool and flat blade.
In January this year we put an 11 cu ft Whirlpool frig. See my husband's post on it. He is Kb0zke. It went through the doorway fine with the doors off as well as the railing.
To elaborate on Jo Ann's post, we took the doors off of the refrigerator mainly to make it easier to carry. We could have gotten it in with the doors still on, but taking the doors off and removing the shelves, drawer, etc. made it a little lighter and provided more places to grab. I took the wooden grab handle by the coach door off, mainly so I wouldn't damage it.
We measured the door opening prior to shopping for a new refrigerator. I know that some people have removed a windshield or other window in order to bring a refrigerator in, but I didn't want to go through that much work, so whatever we got had to come in through the door.
We found a Samsung that we really liked. It was bigger than the one we got, but would still fit through the door. Unfortunately, it did not have reversible doors, and the doors were hinged on the right side (we needed hinges on the left), so we couldn't use it.
I can use a door hinged on the right... do you remember which model Samsung it was?
Craig
I wish more members would post the width of their unit and then what width they end up installing. We see several sizes, and discussions on how or what will work. Then we find some are removing 33" units like I have and downsizing to 24". Others have 24" models and replace with another 24". Newer coaches have 36" units.
The other way to work the problem is to have someone like Dave at Sea Freeze of America make a fridge the size you want. That's what we did. Got automatic switch from AC to DC, too. No inverter needed.
Sea Freeze of America - Custom Refrigeration (http://www.seafreezeinc.com/custom.shtml)
best, paul
Paul.
Have you had any issue's with your unit? Anything you would have done different?
Larry
Paul,
What temperatures (frig/freezer) does your unit maintain?
Craig, if you want too you can drive up here and we can change it over!!
While on this subject I have now taken off the roof top vents on both coach's as they would let rain and cold in. I screwed a piece of ply to inside roof then 2" of stryrofoam insulation and a piece of aluminum sheeting fastened to roof. Caulked it all and painted white. I drilled a 2" hole thru all and put a round roof vent in it and sealed as usual. I did the 295 in Mexico and every day was mid to high 90's and no problem with heat at back. I left the lower vent in place of course. This change should minimise greatly the cold getting in in winter months as I did notice that the area around fridge was really cold and breezy.
By the way I have the same Whirlpool fridge in both units and they fit fine. The 295 as you know I changed over from double door to single and put in a pull out pantry with the extra room gained.
JohnH
John... I think the 240 has the same refrigerator as my 225 so if yours fit then something equivalent will fit in mine. I'm in the midst of doing the panels (gluing down one Unisolar today).
Craig
Craig, I've been looking for it and can't find it. Samsung doesn't show any top freezer models at all.
O.K. Someone tell me the trick. I am in the process of removing my 1994 Vintage Dometic Royal Designer RM 7030. I also would like to replace it with a residential refrigerator. The Old Ref. measures 32"w x 23"d x 57"h , without the door on. The maximum width of the man door is 24" Period, same as the height of the windows. As I see it this limits my choices to a refrigerator that has a maximum dimension of 24" or less on one side, front to rear or side to side. The only other option I see would be to compromise the exterior wall immediately to the rear of the refrigerator opening and installing a large access panel/door, that would allow for the installation of a wider and or deeper unit. I have found three units that would work well for me; Haler 10.28 cu ft. Model # HA 10TG30SS or # HA 10TG30SB (measure 59.21 x 23.6 x 23.4") no modifications. The only other model that I found that would require major rear access opening would be; Frigidaire 14.8 cu ft. Model # FFHT1513PS (measures 59.88 x 28 x 26.88"). Any thoughts or suggestions? My old Dometic is available for parts if anyone needs anything, No icemaker, circuit board good, Black Doors, worked O.K. on L.P. gas. Not so good on 110v.
Gerry, I seem to remember that the window opening (windows taken out) is 25+. I did not go that way I brought mine thru the doorway. Does this one work for you
10.3 Cu. Ft. Apartment Refrigerator | HRF10WNDWW (http://www.haier.com/us/products/kitchen/refrigerators/top-mount-refrigerators/hrf10wndww.shtml)
JohnH
Last Sunday we removed the refrigerator out of our U225. Our 94 U225 is SBI configuration.
After removing the space measured as:
W: 23 5/8 (can add 1/2)
H: 55 1/2 (can add up to 3 1/8 without changing cabinet door below)
D: 23 (from Romex)
D: 25 from case to counter across
So for the most part height is the issue. Most refrigerators we discovered require +/- 60 inc.
Se have found a Sumit 55.63 in height, but not black :-(
I have found this one. An Avanti. 7.4 cu. ft. Should fit right in. Not sure of how energy efficient these are, however.
Amazon.com: Avanti RA7316PST 2-Door Apartment Size Refrigerator, Black with (http://www.amazon.com/Avanti-RA7316PST-Apartment-Refrigerator-Platinum/dp/B00D1SZNO6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1399437704&sr=8-2&keywords=apartment+refrigerator#productDetails)
23 x 21.5 x 56 inches
energy star rated
found a spec sheet that says 15A @ 120 volts
This is narrow enough (21.5") to possibly add insulation and improve the efficiency of the refrigerator. If duty cycle is 50% then the unit will draw 9kwh overnight but that is almost certainly high. the 15A is probably starting current (he says, optimistically); if it is running current then a 15A circuit would trip the breaker when the compressor started and went on stroke.
Be nice to know more. But at least it *will* fit and it's only $333 (for white) or $444 for black/platinum.
Craig
most of us have removed shelf below refrigerator and built new lwer platform up above any plumbing in that cabinet to gain the needed room
Yes... I can't do that because I have an inverter and some other bits installed in that cabinet below the fridge. However the 7.4 cubic foot apatment refrigerator like the Avanti is still bigger than my Dometic AES OEM fridge.
Craig
Avanti from Amazon it is Craig. Just placed the order will receive it next Tuesday.
Good! I'll have a good idea how it fits and how you like it before I have to buy one. I'm still installing solar stuff. Heck, I'm still getting the glue from the mirror off the pantry bulkhead. LOL
I presume you got the black/platinum one?
Craig
Craig,
Yes I ordered the black/p one. I should be receiving it next Tuesday. I will plug it in and run it for a couple of weeks then instal it. I think i am going to try to install it on Sunday 5/31.
AL
I almost ordered one for myself yesterday but my Foretravel kitty (which doesn't meow) is looking a bit sparse. I'll have to build it up a little more. My solar project is taking up all my time. Although, now that I think about it, taking the fridge out now will open up a lot of space to get those wires routed correctly and secured properly. Hmmm...
If you have a Kill-a-Watt you might want to put that between the new refrigerator and the plug. It will give you an excellent idea of the power draw (in killowatt-hours, even) over time. This will change with temperature, of course, but it will provide a good basis. I have a sneaky feeling that the "energy star" system might have some loopholes in it. :P
Craig
Yesterday Amazon delivered the second! Platinum one "Silver" I ordered BLACK. Needless to say I did not accept delivery .
On the first one I was on a work call and stupid enough to not inspect it before the delivery truck took off. So it sat there for few days. They picked it up ... of course went through the delivery scheduling, then pick up scheduling then again delivery ... now here we go for the 3th one.
....
....
Well no 3th one. Now Amazon tells me the Black one is out of stock ... it was in stock, 3 weeks ago when i ordered.
I guess the took the Black order and send platinum one twice hoping i would keep it. They wasted my time and i had to sit around and wait for delivery twice and pick up the wrong one once. This sucks.
I wish i could find one locally that will fit.
90%of all the 10.to 10.8 cu.ft. are made by Haier.
Try ajmadison.com
Lowe's has black Haier for $378.00
Avanti from Amazon was the perfect size/fit for the opening revealed after i removed the old fridge; with avanti 7.4 I don't have to do any carpentry work but just add trim. With all others from Lowe's or ajmadison i have to do some carpentry work ...
And it's still bigger than the Dometic! :)
I just wish I knew exactly how "energy star" efficient they are, though. Not that there's much choice.
Craig
I can only say that mine did not cause any increase in generator run time over normal after a night. The computers and phones and iPads and TV and DVR and two Cpaps and the generator would pop on about ten hours later. It was coming on at six hours before I replaced my batteries. Now the fourth battery makes it 10 to 12 hours depending on load. Stopping much earlier in the day so have longer time on battery but can still make it overnight. If I had solar then stopping early is not an issue I would think.
My situation is much like John S, but with less loading, less toys, but much longer run time on batteries.
Maybe Michelle might comment on this as they also did the larger Samsung like mine.
Dave M
Dave, I do not worry about the load. I just live normally and the coach is fine. It does not bother me if the generator comes on but I do turn it on before I start up the coach and let it bulk charge.
John,
I always start the genset in the AM for breakfast & bat charge, if I need to leave right after breakfast, I let the genset keep running for an hour or two, sometimes I forget it until I notice the light on the panel. if I can wear the genset out, I'm happy as I have had a great time.:o
Traveling alone, and being simple minded etc, I really do not have much battery drain over night for the four 8D Gels, while sitting in the shop/garage, I play battery games (testing or experimenting) have found the setup is way better with the 4th battery, do not need it, but fits nice where the LP tank was and near the Xantrex. Have run strictly from the batt setup for two days, that is with the Samsung refrig, Aqua Hot, TV and little Microwave use, not real cold but I prefer 70 to 45f.
I play to get educated like most of us.
We haven't yet done a real trip with our new fridge, but we will definitely report back later this year after we've gotten to know and load it.
After 4 Avanti refrigerators from Amazon returned for wrong color, not working out of box & damaged door at delivery, I purchased a Vissani 10 cu.ft fridge from Home Depot. I am very happy with it & I believe it is a better build fridge than the Avanti, yes time will show but at $300 I can buy one again ( I hope not)
I let it run in the garage for a week & took temperature readings from inside/outside of the fridge & the ambient temp.
I plugged and unplugged for an hour, two & 12 hours; testing & checking the temperature. It performed great. Sides of the fridge temperature reading was the highest when plugged in for the first time right out of the box (after 3 hours of bringing it home) it was 108 while the various ambient temperature was 88 in the garage. After that initial start at various starts after being unplugged for an hour, two & 12 hours, sides of the fridge highest reading was 98. Top & back of the fridge temperature was equal with other surfaces in the garage such as the hood of the car that was sitting in the garage over night and few other surfaces.
For the Vissani I had to do some simple carpentry work; had to gain 4.5 inches by lowering the original platform & the left side trim had to be cut half an inch. I replaced the original 110 outlet with residential heavy duty 20 amp outlets and for now I capped & kept the original gas line. I will cap it from the manifold before I head out for Oregon trip. Where possible I try to reserve the originality as much as possible. For what ever reason later on a fridge that works with propene can still be installed. Fridge is installed securely & working.
One side note, I think the fridge does not consume much power, I will test it with kill a watt next week, just did not have time to get/order one; when I have our FT parked in front of the house I use a 20 amp outlet that lets me run one AC unit and few lights in the coach (with converter breaker in off position) but when a vacuum cleaner or a power tool is used it trips the breaker. So last night while the coach was connected to 20 amp shore power, one AC unit and few lights were on & when we connected the new fridge it did not trip the breaker.
I removed the old blue insulation and used the same Ez Cool insulation that I had used for the Engine area. With Ez Cool on each side there is 3/4 inch space available for heat to escape, and I left the original roof fridge vent in its place. I believe I got it installed in a way that heat will escape just fine from the sides of the fridge. If I feel a need there is enough space under the fridge platform to install a fan and there is space left open on each side of the platform for air circulation. Also 3 inches space at its top before the roof air escape vent.
Here are some pictures of the process. A good final picture is not there yet ( it got late last night) I will put that one on when I finish few details around the trim part & install back the pantry doors. I think it turned out better than I thought.
Bringing in the fridge with its doors removed & installing it was a breeze it took no time.
There is a concerning review about this fridge on the Best Buy site-
March 31, 2014
1.0 1 out of 5
Features 4.0 4 out of 5
Energy efficiency 4.0 4 out of 5
Quality 1.0 1 out of 5
Value 1.0 1 out of 5
Doesn't Cool all the time. Too much ruined food.
The design of this fridge is not meant for the conditions of an RV or an unheated garage. This would have been real nice to know up front. Suggest to make this fact displayed prominently.
I am now about 6 months into ownership. I noticed that it sometimes won't cool, even if it is at the highest setting.
Buried deep in the manual, it states: It has an operating range of 50 degrees to 85 degrees. Some might suspect that this was merely a suggested efficiency range. It's not. The fridge WILL NOT RUN the compressor outside this range. For tailgating events in the fall or springtime camping trips, the outside temps can easily fall below 50, in which case it WONT COOL at all. In the reviews, some people bought this to use as a beer fridge for their unheated garage and noticed that it won't work. According to one user, a work-around is run a light-bulb in the compressor area to keep it above 50 degrees.
According to another user: The defroster is not a mechanical one. It is electronic and will not run when using an inverter. The problem: It will stop the freezer from running too. Fortunately, I have not experienced this problem while running on the inverter.
Buy a Whirlpool instead. It is just $100 more and has none of these problems or restrictions.
For now, I just don't feel like removing the fridge and returning it.
Hopefully this post will spare someone else.Read Less
Pros: Looks Great, Stylish
Cons: doesn't run when it is in a cold area below 50., defroster won't operate when run via an inverter.
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You seem to have used it and it functions outside of those temperatures so maybe the reviewer just had a bad unit. Keep us updated on this, I very well may end up buying one if there are no issues.
Al,
I was looking at the Vissani that you have and it really looks nice. But as I was looking through the owner's manual in that was inside the floor unit, I noticed that it explicitly states that the unit is not to be installed in an RV.
Has this unit worked out well?
Yes. So far so good. I have been using it with inverter none stop since 7/30.