Many Foretravelers have installed Samsung electric refrigerators that have a unique compressor, which is explained below.
from:
How the Digital Inverter Compressor Has Transformed the Modern Refrigerator... (https://news.samsung.com/global/how-the-digital-inverter-compressor-has-transformed-the-modern-refrigerator)
For decades, refrigerators had single-speed compressors that were always either off or on. A compressor is the engine that powers the refrigeration cycle, moving refrigerant through the inner and outer heat exchange pipes. With a single-speed compressor, when the temperature inside the fridge reaches below a certain temperature, the compressor suddenly switches on – a noise almost everyone is familiar with. The single-speed compressor operates at full power, producing enough cool air until the temperature has sufficiently decreased before abruptly shutting off.
Enter the digital inverter compressor (a compressor that can operate at variable speeds because it is operated with a digital inverter). Unlike the standard single-speed compressor, which is either off or operating at full speed (typically about 3,600rpm), the digital inverter compressor is almost always on, but can operate at different speeds – from 1,100 to 4,300rpm. This ensures high efficiency and consistent temperature inside the refrigerator. It also results in significant cost savings, a reduced carbon footprint, less noise and a longer lifespan for the compressor. The digital inverter compressor is one of the most important innovations in the history of refrigerators and food preservation and Samsung has led the way.
Today, digital inverter compressors are the main technology used in Samsung's signature refrigerators, including those that are part of the Chef Collection, the T9000, as well as food showcases and large-capacity premium refrigerators. This has played no small role in Samsung's ascent to become the world's top refrigerator manufacturer.
The lack of abrupt starts and stops means no sudden, potentially startling disruptive noises interrupting you dinner. Digital inverter compressors are also far less noisy overall: up to 3 decibels quieter. And the consistent, uniform cooling that maintains the desired temperature means food lasts longer because changes in temperature can lead produce, meat, fish and dairy to spoil more quickly. It all means that consumers will save money on both their electric bills and food costs.
12 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator RB12J8896S4 (Urban Silver) | Samsung... (http://www.samsung.com/us/appliances/refrigerators/RB12J8896S4/AA)
Barry's Samsung link now has me lusting over this 12.2 cu. ft. refrigerator that I could just barely fit into my existing opening if I get rid of the bottom cabinet. I'd have to get creative with the furnace ductwork though and have to move the HWH level sensor.
In March of 15, I installed a Samsung, and was lucky to have a 33" old Dometic, width hole, for the new 33" Samsung. I too had to remove the shelf and loose the double door storage to gain the height of the new box. Lucky for me, I only had to deal with some plumbing and wiring, to build the new base height platform.
Maybe the best upgrade we have done in the ever growing list. Love the perfect temp control settings for the two boxes. My recording unit shows just how little the temp varies in the bottom freezer or the top refer. And yes, it is quiet.
May I elaborate, if you dig deep in the specs you may find that the compressor ramps up and the inrush current nearly matches the full load current (FLA) vs old school compressor at 200% FLA for inrush, which is very good for the generator or inverter. Compressor last longer due to fewer starts with zero lubricants as all motors or compressor are subject to.
Robert, if you may have the same propane fridge space as ours, that being 24" x 60", there is an electric almost drop-in replacement that many of us have used. Nothing exotic like Samsung offers, but our $350 Whirlpool is serving us very well for over 5 years. and still going strong. Just think, no more defrosting ice on fins... And our under fridge furnace is still in place to keep us warm.
Bought a coach with a new samsung 25 cf a couple of months ago. It has the inverter compressor and energy saver rating. Even with ice maker off and in save energy mode, will run down my 1200 ah batteries in a day or so to 80%. My advice is to keep your propane frig., till you have to replace it, if you can not plug in every other day. [I like dry camping}
Barry if you don't mind what is the model # of whirlpool?
we have same one as Barry and it is 3 yrs+ old and working great.
Mod # ETOMSRXTB02
Do not think it is available but is copied by another maker and I forget that name.
JohnH
Our 3 year old Samsung ice maker quit last year and 2 months ago a tech hauled off the fridge to replace the compressor. After replacing the compressor they found that there were too many "other leaks" to warrant fixing it. A nice 4 door fridge freezer, so I'm a little off Samsung for a while.
4 Thousand Bucks!! That thing better do more than make ice..smh
Jim,
Welcome! You bought DaveM's coach. Great buy! I think Dave has one of the largest residential refrigerator installed in a MH for camping use.
Don't drain those batteries below 50% if possible. Will shorten life. Only lithium batteries can withstand repeated deep discharge
Are you not getting any sun? With 1200 watts solar how can the batteries get down to 80%? Without solar my Monaco that I put a residential Samsung in went 3 days before getting that low. Is there a more heavy voltage draw being used in the coach.
I am parked under the trees now, so very little solar. This fridge is 25 cubic feet, probably twice the size of an average rv fridge. It has an automatic defrost which I cannot defeat without taking it apart, and is inside a non air conditioned coach. Average daytime temps here are about 95f. this time of year. Parasitic drain from my inverter and rest of coach is about 60 watts.
In the sun, I am usually up to 100% on the trimetric by 2 or 3 pm.
My guru buddy mentions some household refers have their compressors mounted so that as the coach moves oil runs through compressor valving only designed for refrigerant, he mentioned he could hear the noises from that style while driving customers coaches around.
Sounds like that might have killed the posters refer.
As was noted a residental refer is designed to be used in a climate controlled room. Vents to the inside as far as I am aware.
Bruce & Linda, Lowe's now carries a Haier 11.5 cu refrigerator selling for $476. I think this model is almost the exact same as what we (& John) have in our coaches.
Shop Haier 11.5-cu ft Top-Freezer Refrigerator (Black) at Lowes.com (http://www.lowes.com/pd/Haier-11-5-cu-ft-Top-Freezer-Refrigerator-Black/999919696)
When we made the change years ago, we felt that if an electric did not work out we would not be out that much money going back to propane. Lowe's had a Christmas sale and they have a 10% military discount, so our price was a hundred dollars less, but even at $500 it is less than half of a new propane fridge.
But of course, we would not want to go back to propane... No fire worries and no defrosting fins. Also colder and a little more inside space in fridge and freezer. And it was no change dry camping for a couple of weeks at our annual Quartzsite gathering.
Our installation required removing about an 1/4" of wood from right side of cabinet opening and strengthening floor with piece of sheet metal.
To convert to mobile operation, need a way to fasten fridge down fridge so it will not move around and keep doors closed.
There are write-ups on the Forum and BeamAlarm of what others have done.
Tim, thanks for reminding me, I need to change my sig. Don't have a foretravel anymore.
Traded in my 99 320 which was set up very much like Dave's was. Matter of fact, he helped me on the engine upgrade.
New coach has the giant refrigerator, If I didn't have to remove the dinette and window to get it out, I would go with something more reasonable. Now have six 8d's, and do need them. As my batteries are normal wet cell, try not to go below 75% before recharging.
Jim