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Topic: Residential Frig Model Numbers (Read 947 times) previous topic - next topic

Residential Frig Model Numbers

We have decided we want to upgrade from our Norcold 1200 fridge to a residential unit. I have read all of the posts I could find about the subject, however I would like to know what models were installed by you guys. The model that Roger and Susan (great energy study on that one by the way) installed is no longer available. I like the idea of a counter width model to minimize the intrusion into the kitchen.
I hope to have MOT do the install.
Suggestions are appreciated.......
Rick & Deborah Webster
2002 3610 U320 #5964
2014 Jeep Wrangler Sahara JKU- 'Copperhead'
Richland Chambers Lake, East Texas

Re: Residential Frig Model Numbers

Reply #1 –
Take a look at Samsung's website for model numbers; they change each year but the fridges are basically the same.  Just look at the 32" counter depth French door or 36" counter depth side by side, depending on whether you have a wall next to the fridge (if so, go 32") or not (36" will fit and doors will still open enough to remove bins).

The 32" French door is probably the most popular residential fridge installed in RVs.

Lowes in Nac is a good option - they will deliver to a shop for you and have great prices.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Residential Frig Model Numbers

Reply #2 –
We installed the Samsung RF197ACRS (now discontinued, was replaced in the Samsung lineup by RF18HFENBSR).  We purchased ours online from Home Depot.  The store in Lufkin delivered it to the remodel shop at FOT...Flanagan's crew installed it.  ^.^d

Samsung 33 in. W 17.5 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator in Stainless Steel,...
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Residential Frig Model Numbers

Reply #3 –
That is the same one we installed too.
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Residential Frig Model Numbers

Reply #4 –
Rick,

The newer one is almost exactly the same size as the older one.  The Energy Guide numbers ar a bit higher.  If you are careful with wires and plumbing behind and put the refrig on a raised platform (about 2 - 21/4") to help clear plumbing the frome for the case comes our about 5/8" from the face of the existing cabinet.  The doors come out another 3-3/4" and the handles another 2-1/2".  So you lose a bit of aisle space, no big deal.    Best thing about this refrig is that it will leave enough room for a 4" wide full depth full height pantry.  Suddenly there is room for all of that odd shaped, tall stuff, serving trays.  At the top we can get about 10 beverage cans.  See what you need to store and make the shelves accordingly.  It way more than makes up for the space under the LP refrig. I did ours my self (some help with the in and out).  It is not a difficult job.

18 cu. ft. Capacity Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator

When it is done you will really like the space and the quick cool down.  These are not noiseless but pretty close.  They will make more a bit more than the LP Refrigerator.

Shop carefully because you can find some deals.  Your LP refrig should be worth $300 or more on Craig's list. It helps offset the cost.  Keep the wooden panels from the doors, you may need some matching wood someday.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Residential Frig Model Numbers

Reply #5 –
Tagging this thread as this is a project we want to tackle.

Will I need to add more coach batteries? Can I do without solar?
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Residential Frig Model Numbers

Reply #6 –
We get along with 3 8a8d batteries.  Would like to have some solar some day.
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Residential Frig Model Numbers

Reply #7 –
Your Three 8Ds will do OK.  Duration will be a bit less after a day of driving if you are not plugged in. Go through your charging system carefully.  Your alternator needs to be fully charging your batteries while driving even with the added load of the refrigerator.  Your batteries need to be in good shape. Double check all of the connections to make sure they are clean and tight.  Lots of other options for adding batteries, swapping alternators, new isolators and additional inverters when you get closer.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Residential Frig Model Numbers

Reply #8 –
We went with the same Samsung RF18HFENBSR and like Chuck and Jeannie the Nacogdoches Lowe's store delivered the appliance to FOT and David Flanagan's crew did a nice job. 

One of the owners that we met in the FOT lounge was getting his replaced and mentioned that this unit's price had been reduced for this model at Lowe's and Home Depot. I stopped in with my receipts that day and walked with a credit for $ 114 or so. Cool! Also got free delivery and no cost for shipping.

Three week wait from time of order. Four nights in Nac due to other work, like replacing the dead U-Line ice maker and relocating the Lil Wonder Vac and new walnut door over the ice maker opening. Looks good. Photos to follow.
Paul & Kathleen
1995 U320c SE 40'
Build 4681 --Cummins M11 /17511
"That Irish Girl"
Red MINI " 40"

Re: Residential Frig Model Numbers

Reply #9 –
We too replaced our leaking 33" Dometic, with a new 33" Samsung, counter depth.  As Roger pointed out, the case is 24" deep on both units.  The huge difference is with the depth of the doors.  The new Samsung doors and then the curved handles extend into the hall on our floor plan.

At the time of my buy, there were only 2, counter depth 33" wide choices of refer/freezers on the market.  If you have 36" of space there are a half dozen choices/brands.

I installed the unit myself with the help of some friends, with a rented lift and thru the saloon window.  I lost the under the old refer cabinet as the old unit was 60" tall and the new unit 71" tall.

After more than a year in use, on just 2 8D house batteries, we have not had any issues.  Note we are "pole to pole" travelers and never run the generator, unless to add over the road AC roof units.  I did take the time to replace the 1998 modified sine wave inverter this year with a pure sine Magmun 2812.

And I have forgotten a number of times to turn on the inverter.  We have an recording temp receiver unit and it has only shown a few degrees increase in the refer, or freezer sections in 3-5 hours of being without power. 
Dave Cobb
Buckhorn Lake Resort The Club, #6202, Kerrville TX
check the map.  I do rent it out when I am traveling!
2001, U320, 36' #5887, in Kerrville, FT Club #17006, (7/23 to present)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Summit, white
EX: 98 U295, 36' #5219, (mid door), (4/13-10/23)
EX: 93 U225, 36' (4/11 to 4/13)

Re: Residential Frig Model Numbers

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Dave and Dolly Cobb –
And I have forgotten a number of times to turn on the inverter.
So, Dave, apparently you do not leave your Magnum inverter turned on all the time?  What is your rationale for that choice?  I'm not questioning your judgement - just curious.  I leave our MS2812 inverter (and battery charger) turned on 24-7.  That way, whenever we have a power outage at the house (common occurrence during thunderstorm season), the inverter automatically takes up the load and powers the fridge.  Also, same thing when we disconnect from shore power and hit the road.  This is one of the features on the MS 2812 that I believe is extremely valuable - never having to worry about whether or not the residential fridge has power.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Residential Frig Model Numbers

Reply #11 –
We shut ours off occasionally. The standby load on our older Xantrex is about 4-6 amps.  So if we are not needing it I will shut it off. It doesn't take long to notice though when we unplug because none of the computer stuff in the coach works.  Do what works for you. 

If (when) you put one of these in choosing not to use the ice make saves a lot of energy.  There is a control button to shut it off. If you are using it w/o ice be sure to check the no ice indicator when you restart it. No ice means no water which means no winterizing issues.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Residential Frig Model Numbers

Reply #12 –
In answer to Chuck most excellent question as to why I did not leave the inverter on.  I simply have never thought to.  For good reasons, I guess when we are living in the coach, I should, as it would along with the auto start cover a park outage. 

Last summer everyone in the park knew a tall load took down the north end of the Eagle Nest NM valley power line.  The one exception was a nice Foretravel neighbor with his inverter turned on.  They did not know till his auto start kicked in some hours after the line was pulled down.
Dave Cobb
Buckhorn Lake Resort The Club, #6202, Kerrville TX
check the map.  I do rent it out when I am traveling!
2001, U320, 36' #5887, in Kerrville, FT Club #17006, (7/23 to present)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Summit, white
EX: 98 U295, 36' #5219, (mid door), (4/13-10/23)
EX: 93 U225, 36' (4/11 to 4/13)
 

Re: Residential Frig Model Numbers

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Dave and Dolly Cobb –
They did not know till his auto start kicked in some hours after the line was pulled down.
If the neighbor had sufficient PV (solar) capacity on his roof, the generator would have never kicked on.  That is what we were shooting for on our coach - a "no worries" electrical system.  If our grid power source goes down, the inverter kicks in.  Our 2 AGM8D batteries will easily maintain the fridge over night.  The next day, the panels recharge the batteries to 100%, usually by noon.  Ad infinitum...

Unless, of course, we are parked under a bunch of big old shade trees...

Although this thread started out talking about fridge models, and has segued into a discussion of the coach electrical system, I don't feel that is inappropriate.  If one contemplates installing a residential fridge in a coach, one must consider how it will be powered.  A search of this Forum will reveal several different approaches.  A bright shiny new fridge will be much happier if supplied with a clean, reliable, constant power source.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"