Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Residential Refrigerators for older Unihome Coaches (Read 787 times) previous topic - next topic

Residential Refrigerators for older Unihome Coaches

Several of us with older Unihome Grand Villa coaches who would like to switch from an LPG refrigerator to a residential refrigerator have been stymied by the lack of available models. I know that the space for our OEM fridge is too small for a 10 cu. ft. refrigerator and enlarging the space, while feasible, will impinge on my solar "closet" (that used to hold the vacuum system) which holds my inverter and the busbars for plus and minus 12vdc (which greatly reduces the number of wires to the batteries). I would really like to preserve this area for a future much larger inverter and the coach-wide network access-point.

I know that there used to be a Whirlpool refrigerator that would fit but that seems to have been discontinued years ago.

At least one forum member (Propman?) had an adventure with Avanti refrigerators from Amazon. He had to return several of them due to damage and one that didn't work. Walmart now offers these but only in white (which almost none of us would want). But it turns out that there are ways to make them any color you like (even stainless) using the appropriate paint or with wraps. Heck, one outfit will make your fridge look like Coca Cola dispenser. This Avanti is 7.5 cu. ft. and the link to its energy use indicates that it would be appropriate for an RV.

Avanti link: Avanti 7.5 cu ft Two-Door Apartment Size Refrigerator, RA754WT, White -...;

I found a model from Frigidaire that will fit with room to spare. It is 6.4 cu. ft. so it is almost exactly the same size as the Dometic fridge we have in the coach now (but smaller than the Avanti). I can't find an energy use sticker but Home Depot should have something. I only found it white so same issues apply.

Frigidaire link: Summit Appliance 6.4 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator in White, Counter...

Haier makes this 8.1 cu. ft. model that seems to have a larger freezer compartment than most. The link is to Sam's Club and indicates that it's "out of stock online" but some might be available in the stores. Unfortunately, I think the nearest Sam's Club to me is about 1,000 miles.

Haier link: http://www.samsclub.com/sams/haier-8-1-cf-ref-fre-white/prod10780438.ip

All of these run slightly under $400 and might offer the plus of being in a store and inspectable.

Anyone with some thoughts on this issue is welcome to respond.

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."

Re: Residential Refrigerators for older Unihome Coaches

Reply #1 –
Craig,

Yes, the OEM vacuum is pretty useless plus hard to get down to change filters, etc. Wonder what the small compartment temperature would do with the new inverter installed there? Might have to duct the hot air up into the back of the fridge compartment.

Take a look at the Atwood helium RV fridges. Could be set to run on AC only. No hassle with doors, etc. Works at almost any angle. They make a model just your size.

Jerry, have not heard how you like your Atwood.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Residential Refrigerators for older Unihome Coaches

Reply #2 –
Installed a Home Depot Vissani 2 door Refrigerator in our GV, it has run perfect for 3 years, you will need a 2000 watt inverter for battery backup. The installation required only minimal cabinet rework, almost like it was made to replace a Dometic.

Re: Residential Refrigerators for older Unihome Coaches

Reply #3 –
Fredi, which GV do you have and please post a picture of the installI would like to see it. I do not think a 2k inverter is needed, and how many amps (batteries)  do you have for the coach side?
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Residential Refrigerators for older Unihome Coaches

Reply #4 –
John, I was looking at Fredi's profile and the is no coach listed, I sent him a PM and asked him to update his page and signature.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: Residential Refrigerators for older Unihome Coaches

Reply #5 –
Three of us did a Refrigerator swap in Camp Verde at our gathering of GV's 3 years ago.  The best thing about a Kitchen make over is getting rid of those Black Appliances that every manufacturer uses to this date in RV's
Below is a installed view both front and rear, the rear shows a cheap flat Wal Mart Auxillary cool fan wired into the compressor motor, it has worked well in 114deg weather.

Re: Residential Refrigerators for older Unihome Coaches

Reply #6 –
2 of the 3 GV's at our Gathering of Eagles in Camp Verde

Re: Residential Refrigerators for older Unihome Coaches

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –

Take a look at the Atwood helium RV fridges. Could be set to run on AC only. No hassle with doors, etc. Works at almost any angle. They make a model just your size.

Jerry, have not heard how you like your Atwood.

Pierce

So far I'm very pleased with it. It's still a gas absorption fridge but with Helium (inert gas) Atwood did some re-engineering on the system and the result is a lower operating temperature and less stress on the system.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1hSkIgyRow
http://www.dyersonline.com/downloadfile/download/aitfile/aitfile_id/1507/

No ice maker like the old Dometic but more room in the freezer, led lights, recessed door handles, extreme tilt sensor. and a thermostatically controlled fan in the back for upward ventilation to the roof vent.  The hottest temp I could find on back with an IR thermometer was 120 degrees on the lowest tube. 

It cools down faster than the old Dometic 4804 and normal operating temps I measured with an IR thermometer were 38 in the fridge and -12 in the freezer. 

It also has a built in heater between the freezer and the fridge to help keep moisture down.  I used it for a week in July and had no moisture buildup. 

Two-way gas or electric with auto switching to best available source ( normally 120 VAC ).  You can also use the manual setting and leave it there.  I usually start it up on gas to cool down even more quickly and when traveling, then switch to auto when hooked up at the campground.  When I unplug at the pedestal it switches back to gas.  There are also storage latches built in the handles and a door ajar alarm.

Installs easily in the old compartment except for the mod to make a flat floor and about 3" of space at the top.  While I had the old one out I lined the compartment with inexpensive Hardie board (1000 degree fire protection) following Pierce's lead...See his Posts.

No need for an inverter or extra battery that can create more electrical concerns with charging, and wiring. I like the availability of an 80 gallon propane tank onboard which also supplies the stove and furnaces.  I don't have an operable inverter or solar power so this was the most economical alternative for me.  You can add a fire suppression system in the fridge compartment like some of us have.  The 120 VAC plug on my old fridge burned up and had it not shorted out I may not have found out in time.  It kept switching from electric to gas until it stayed on gas and I knew something was wrong. 

The jury is still out these Helium refrigerators and I believe they only come in two door models.  I haven't heard of any fires related to these Atwood Helium refrigerators.  I'm sure Atwood researched their risks involved in their development. The Dometic hydrogen/ammonia one lasted 22 years until it rusted out so I guess we'll just have to wait and see!  Proper inspection and maintenance on any of our onboard systems is always the key to safety and peace of mind.  I worry more more about blowouts and engine compartment fires.

The best Price I could find was at Dyer's RV.  Atwood RH 8 Cu Ft. 2-Way Helium Refrigerator with Fan - Refrigerators -...

Jerry
The selected media item is not currently available.
Jerry and Cindy Maddux
1993 U300/36WTBI DD6v92TA
build 4271  "Miss Lou"
1995 suzuki sidekick 4x4 toad
Gulfport, Ms

"Pride of Ownership"

Re: Residential Refrigerators for older Unihome Coaches

Reply #9 –
I forgot to mention in my last post that Thetford has a 2-way AC/DC 7 cu.ft model.  If you want to go all electric this might be a solution that works.  I haven't done any research on this one but it uses a compressor and has a low amp draw.  http://www.thetford.com/product/0061/  Marine Refrigerator - Norcold DE0061 on Sale - PPL Motor Homes
Norcold DE-0061 AC/DC Refrigerator
NORCOLD DE-0061 AC/DC Refrigerator/Freezer | West Marine

Jerry
The selected media item is not currently available.
Jerry and Cindy Maddux
1993 U300/36WTBI DD6v92TA
build 4271  "Miss Lou"
1995 suzuki sidekick 4x4 toad
Gulfport, Ms

"Pride of Ownership"

Re: Residential Refrigerators for older Unihome Coaches

Reply #10 –
Craig, doesn't your "older Unihome Grand Villa" have a 2' x 6' propane fridge?  If so, this is a common size home fridge.  About 10 cu ft capacity with rear gravity cooled coils.  Many have installed this size fridge.  We installed one ourselves 3 years ago.  Home Depot or Lowes may still have a brand in this size.

We have the Whirlpool from Lowe's but learned they then carried Haier brand and I think there are also other brands, and all of these almost look alike.  I think that the 5' height is closer to 59" on all these.

Several  months ago a Foretraveler installed a 2' x 6' size fridge in place of a double door larger original fridge, which allowed her to install without losing her bottom drawers.  And now there is new storage on the side of the fridge where there was open left over space.

Good luck.

Re: Residential Refrigerators for older Unihome Coaches

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
Craig, doesn't your "older Unihome Grand Villa" have a 2' x 6' propane fridge? 
The Dometic fridge is 57" x 23 (as near as I can tell without pulling it out). No 10 cu.ft. models will fit. About the closest would be the Avanti (7.4). The Dometic is listed as 6.4 cu. ft.

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."

Re: Residential Refrigerators for older Unihome Coaches

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
Craig, doesn't your "older Unihome Grand Villa" have a 2' x 6' propane fridge? 
Barry: Our Dometic fridge is 57" x 23 (as near as I can tell without pulling it out). No 10 cu.ft. models will fit. About the closest would be the Avanti (7.4). The Dometic is listed as 6.4 cu. ft.

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
Yes, the OEM vacuum is pretty useless plus hard to get down to change filters, etc. Wonder what the small compartment temperature would do with the new inverter installed there? Might have to duct the hot air up into the back of the fridge compartment.

Take a look at the Atwood helium RV fridges. Could be set to run on AC only. No hassle with doors, etc. Works at almost any angle. They make a model just your size.
Pierce: That's a pretty big cabinet (at least in our U225). In the two years I've had this particular (Chinese) inverter the fans have never come on (except at start-up). But I leave the cabinet door open. I don't run much on it though (generally the HDTV and carry-out satellite system). The Classic 150 is mounted over the hole the old vacuum hose plugged into and the wires route through that hole into the cabinet and over to the bus bars.

Eventually I would like a larger wired-in inverter/charger (2500 watts or so) and that would either go into that little cabinet or mount below it where the 45-amp converter/charger is now (on the bulkhead behind the stairs). All pretty close to the batteries, luckily enough.

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."
 

Re: Residential Refrigerators for older Unihome Coaches

Reply #13 –
The original refrigerator was DOA when we got our coach, so we replaced it with a Whirlpool residential unit. I had already removed the vacuum cleaner, so it was a pretty easy job to take out the floor below the old refrigerator. That let me put the new one down lower. I really wanted to leave that part alone, but I couldn't find a residential refrigerator that was almost as tall as the old RV one. The Whirlpool we got was about an inch or so too tall for the original space, so I had to lower it. It has about the same capacity as the old unit, but takes up less space (not as wide), so we have a pantry next to the refrigerator and a shelf above. One of these days we'll get down to Dave Flanigan's shop to have him redo that area into something that looks like it belongs.

We got ours from Lowe's. Jo Ann insisted on a stainless steel look, so that's what we got. It was also available in white and black, if I remember correctly.