Foretravel Owners' Forum

I want to replace the Dometic RM 1272 with a residential refrigerator.  However Jackie does not want to lose the storage drawer (15x37) below the Dometic, which may be necessary due to the height of the refrigerators we have found.

This option occurs to us.  What do you think...

Remove the Splendide 2000 washer drier that is under the hutch (34 h x 28 w) space and convert that space to replace the drawer storage loss from under the refrigerator.

I wonder if that space might be good to also hold an ice maker.  Maybe not a good idea though if the new refrigerator could have an ice maker....our Dometic does not.

Since we do not use the washer/drier, it seems not a loss.  That may however hurt a later sale of the coach.

Anither thought is to get a refrigerator that does not intrude on the drawer.  Not sure what sizes are available if do that.  The Dometic cu ft size of the side-by-side freezer and refrigeration spaces is not known (by me).  But the width of the space used is 36 inches and the height seems about 60 inches, not counting the drawer below.  Cabinet depth is 26 inches.

Ideas?  Take out Splendide and convert the space to replace the drawer?  Or best to keep the drawer and find alternative space if the drawer has to go to fit a refrigerator?

(She does not want me to use the top of the hutch for the pots and pans now in the drawer...but that could be an option if the Splendide must stay for the later sale of the coach.....or she stays with a Dometic!)

Thanks for your free consulting services!

Mike

Mike, I guess you'd know by now if there was a separate ice maker somewhere, (& yes, the residential fridge will no doubt have one) I have one & my coach is a few years older....I vote for taking out the washer/dryer, I don't miss mine at all, I doubt it's necessary for future sale...storage space is more valuable.  Besides, many stay in nicer places & can use their laundry facilities if needed, + the added storage is great!  (am getting a residential fridge soon, just got the inverter upgrade & 2 new batteries for that.)       

Keep the Washer and Dryer AND put in the residential refrigerator.  Re-evaluate what you have in your other cupboards.  When I lost that cupboard space, we changed the electric frying pan to one whose handles fold in so it takes a lot less space (google Presto 16" foldaway electric skillet).

Also look at nesting pots and pans such as those found at Amazon (search for nesting pots).  These, too, take up much, much less space than standard, handle-attached pots and pans.

In our 2003, there was a ton of hidden space under the sink behind two false panels.  Jim opened this area up and now I store paper towels and wine there.

Mike,  a 32" wide Samsung refrigerator gives you 4" of space to the side where a very usefull full height storage space can be made. It makes up easily for the space under the old refrig with new more useful space.  And the added space in the refrigerator and all of the benefits you get there are great.  Some adjustments to stuff is required but we are happy with ours.

Stainless, ceramic coated, induction ready nesting cookware.  We have the 10 piecs, there is a seven piece now. Fabulous!  A glass see through lid would be nice.

Amazon.com : Magma Products Gourmet Nesting Stainless Steel Induction... (https://amazon.com/Magma-Products-Stainless-Induction-Non-Stick/dp/B01CN7JIPK/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1470449188&sr=8-7&keywords=magma+cookware)

Another option:

Several have installed a 24" x 60" electric fridge in place of Mike's fridge, so they can keep the drawer. 

This is a common $400 fridge from Lowe's that many have installed to replace a 24" x 60" propane RV fridge.  We have had this type of fridge for 4 years of full timing so we know it can work very well to feed our family of two.

Also because of the low entry cost, if later the narrower fridge just does not work out, remove it, (sell it?), modify cabinet, maybe losing drawer and install the larger fridge.  Maybe in the future, there will be a wider 60" tall fridge.

Example:  11.5 cu in
Frigidaire FFTR1222Q 24 Inch Counter Depth Top-Freezer Refrigerator with... (http://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/FFTR1222Q.html)

I would not think that keeping an unused washer /dryer just to possibly improve future resale is a good use of limited RV space.  If you have room at home, remove and store it and offer it later to a potential buyer as a bonus.

I had a Splendide in our '95. Was never in love with it. I DO LOVE the residential fridge we installed!  You have ice for all your friends. I never missed that cabinet by the floor! What a pain to get stuff in and out of it, anyway!  Since you two do not full time, I cannot see that you can't keep both! If you cannot find room for that little stuff you can fit in that one drawer ... you have too much stuff.  C'mon, Jackie!  Reconsider exactly what you are packing in there ... make Mike get rid of some stuff from below ... leave 2 pairs of shoes at home and it will all fit.  The fridge is wonderful.

Sure death for me to even consider removing the washer. After she experienced some public washers in Alaska that had seen to many sled dog beds and baby diapers.....nope ain't gonna happen. I'm considering the 24x60 route, but only have 2 8d batteries.

Edit...I already have a 5cuft freezer that I run on them as needed.

Mike, I always use the same response when these decisions have to be made. "Why worry about what may happen in the future (re sale without w/D) just live for today and enjoy the changes you both want." Why carry around something that is not used, does not make sense to me- sorry, especially if it has nothing to do with the running/operation of coach.
By the way I second what Barry said about the need of a fridge larger than the 24 x 60. The things that NEED to be kept cold once opened can be well held by this size. I bet 30% of stuff in fridge does not have to be there.
JohnH

I too would suggest removing the old and now out of date smaller capacity Splendide.  Why carry anything inside that is doing nothing for your life style?  Store it if you can. 

Enjoy either a narrow 24"x60" and less expensive new residential unit, or go all the way, with new storage in the old washer/dryer space, and pop for a full 36" wide residential counter depth.  Note the "33"" units are 32 3/16", wide, and would need a new side cabinet wall, and then the tall pantry built like Roger suggested.  For my money, I would go 36" wide unit, as there are so many brand and features to choose.  Go, into the cabinet you have, with the bottom shelf removed.  Then rebuild the old combo area as true double drawer space that would be easier to use and access.

And as you said to me, you are just a "pole to pole" camper like me, stick with your present battery and inverter set up.  Or add the small inverter for just the new refer.

And note, we just added a new Splendide, 2100XC, and in the first 2 months love the unit.

No washer/dry, not going.  :D

We use it all the time. Not a fan of Laundromats, hotel beds or public bathrooms. That is why we bought a fully equipped FT.

If we didn't use it, I'd have no problem removing it. Just stick in in storage and see how it goes.

Thanks all, ....have found a 15 cu ft that 60x 28, may be an alternative too...gotta talk MOT.  That vs the the 60 x 24 that is 11.5.

I kinda like the idea that not need the largest units of 18 cuft,  could save weight and power demand I guess if smaller?  Gotta confirm that.

Dave, as I read you, you did keep a washer drier and value it even as you have the verynlarge Samsung?

John, I like your thought of not worry about future sale.

Roger, good photi but I not quite able to tell what fits in the storage space you generated beside the refrigerator.  What fits there, cans?

Carol, will review inventory of things....another response suggested same.  Plus Roger a good idea about nesting pots and pans......may fit in with a not yet agreed strategy to go with induction cooktop, have a trial portable Duxtop on way from Amazon....if that proves to work, goodby propane and maybe install a induction cooktop?

Thanks for help, your ideas and experiences.

Micheal -

We installed the 33" wide Samsung, centered it in the opening and trimmed with wider cherry. looks good.  Roger is fortunate that he has a wood shop and can build anything he wants.  For some of us schmucks we either have to pay or not do it.  We have never had a washer and don't miss it.  There have been a couple of times that we wished we had one so we didn't have to use the public ones but most times they are neat and clean.  So we have all kinds of stuff where the washer would be.  Platters, personal files, pots, toaster, etc.

I think the best idea was to have a marine unit built to the size opening with a double compressor, propane & electric, but for me the price tag was more than I wanted to spend so we settled on what we got. 

We mostly pole to pole as well and have no problems going all night with our OEM power set up, but......I always like more power.

I am sure that what ever you do it will work fine.  :D

Our two cents... Only applies to us I imagine, but we have an intense dislike or the perfumes and fragrances that most people use, Even in a clean laundry, the smell lingers and transfers to the next load. Especially on the front loaders where the detergent and softeners have a reservoir that will be coated with whatever was in there before making our clothes smell just like the previous patrons. Don't get me started on the smelly dryer sheets that can waft odorously from the dryer vent and be carried on the breeze intact until colliding with my olfactory senses (which I don't consider particularly acute)... all that is to say, having our own machine to use. Our Splendide (XC2100) works splendidly for our needs! Ours did not come with it, and the install was not a trivial matter, but I am pleased that I took the trouble to do it to OEM standards or better.
Don

You are welcome to come up north for some woodworking help.  😃🔨📐

Mike,
We did the new Samsung last year in spring of 2015.  We did the closet remodel and added a Splendide combo, in spring of 2016 while in Port Aransas.  We love both additions, and would spend the coach bucks again.

Used the old Splendide all the time. Upgraded to newest model, ditto. Washing a load of darks right now.

Hate the scented soaps as well

Country Save.  I've been using it for more than 15 years; take just a tablespoon in a Splendide.  Some natural groceries carry it or you can get it at Amazon Amazon.com: Gentle Powder Soap Laundry Detergent for Cloth Diapers HE,... (http://www.amazon.com/Laundry-Detergent-Diapers-Country-Save/dp/B00J2IX2J2/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1470574795&sr=8-1&keywords=country+save) for the big box, Amazon.com: Country Save, Laundry Detergent, 80 oz (2.27 kg): Health &... (http://www.amazon.com/Country-Save-Laundry-Detergent-2-27/dp/B007C5Y6U6/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1470574849&sr=8-3&keywords=country+save&refinements=p_76%3A2661625011) for the small one.