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Topic: Residential Refrigerator replacement on our 2005 U270 (Read 1240 times) previous topic - next topic

Residential Refrigerator replacement on our 2005 U270

We just replaced our original RV type refrigerator in our coach with a new Samsung 17.5 cu ft residential French Door refrigerator with ice maker, model # RF18HFENBSR.  We had the work done by RV Outfitters of Texas a division of Motorhomes of Texas.  We are ecstatic with the result.  In addition to the fire risk concern and loss of real freezing ability of the old unit we wanted more interior space that a residential refrigerator would provide,


Re: Residential Refrigerator replacement on our 2005 U270

Reply #1 –
Looks good

Re: Residential Refrigerator replacement on our 2005 U270

Reply #2 –
Congratulations! Installing our Samsung Rf18 was one of the best upgrades we have done.

Re: Residential Refrigerator replacement on our 2005 U270

Reply #3 –
If you don't mind me asking, what was the cost to do that?
Thank you,

Re: Residential Refrigerator replacement on our 2005 U270

Reply #4 –
Frank, it looks like they did a very nice job.  You will need something to keep the doors/drawer closed. We used a velcro strap on the upper door handles and a common sliding door latch for the freezer drawer.  Use 3M VHB tape on the part that attaches to the drawer, don't use screws.

The stainless steel doors get fingerprints and smudges on them.  This product works better than everything we have tried in the last 6 years. Stainless Care – Wash Wax ALL

It was a great improvement for us, should be for you as well. It is a good choice.

Re: Residential Refrigerator replacement on our 2005 U270

Reply #5 –
He already has the Fridge Fixer latch.  You can barely see it between the freezer drawer and fridge doors, with the insert portion stuck to the right side fridge door.  I started out using the marine latches but they caused my freezer drawer to torque if only secured from one side.  I switched to the Fridge Fixer and it's been great.  Easier and more secure.  We leave the insert portion sitting on the drivers seat to make sure we don't forget to insert it before leaving

Fridge Fixer

Re: Residential Refrigerator replacement on our 2005 U270

Reply #6 –
Oh, I see it.  Thanks for pointing it out.  I have never seen one in person.  We have had no twisting issues with the freezer drawer latch. The latch was about $6 and the Velcro strap was something I had. We can open the fridge doors while driving and still have the freezer drawer locked. Both probably work well.  I didn't want to use the big carpet covered horse collar thing that some use.  Rubs on the face of the refrigerator and you have to find a place to store it.

Another thing that you need to do that has many solutions.

Re: Residential Refrigerator replacement on our 2005 U270

Reply #7 –
The cabinet maker that did the install made this horseshoe for us, works great while traveling. We had the Samsung 19.5 installed, similar dimensions to the 17.5, just a couple inches deeper.  It actually makes a difference when storing a plate or something with depth. He trimmed it off with walnut 1/4 round to absorb the added depth.

Re: Residential Refrigerator replacement on our 2005 U270

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Jack Lewis –
The cabinet maker that did the install made this horseshoe for us, works great while traveling.
We secure our Samsung doors like Jack.  Has worked perfectly for 5+ years.  No noticeable scratches on the doors.  As always: DWMYH

Samsung Freezer latching system idea

Re: Residential Refrigerator replacement on our 2005 U270

Reply #9 –
Thanks for all the comments.  The cost of the refrigerator at this time ranges between $1100 and $1400 depending on when and where you buy it.  We bought ours at Lowes.  The installation cost ranges from $2000 to $2500.  Our installer has developed their own door securing system.  Most of it is hidden behind the doors with the latch mechanism easily removeable on the front when stopped.  The locking device can barely  be seen  in a non use position magnetized to the upper right side of door in my original photo.


Re: Residential Refrigerator replacement on our 2005 U270

Reply #10 –
If that's not a Fridge Fixer latch then MOT has done a great job of copying it.  It looks exactly the same.

Re: Residential Refrigerator replacement on our 2005 U270

Reply #11 –
Looks like the door is pretty tight to the wall, does it open without any issues?

Re: Residential Refrigerator replacement on our 2005 U270

Reply #12 –
Looks nice.. I have a new fridge on my wish list but I have electrical stuff in the doors under the fridge ( fuses,wires,fuse blocks relays). Did you have that down there? Did they move it?

Re: Residential Refrigerator replacement on our 2005 U270

Reply #13 –
Quote from: hdff –
Looks nice.. I have a new fridge on my wish list but I have electrical stuff in the doors under the fridge ( fuses,wires,fuse blocks relays). Did you have that down there? Did they move it?

Keith,
I don't think there was any wiring under the old refrigerator however there was a drawer that had to be removed and the bottom platform had to be rebuilt.  I suspect Keith Davis & Michael at MOT have seen all kinds of situations.
Frank

Re: Residential Refrigerator replacement on our 2005 U270

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Dave & Danette –
Looks like the door is pretty tight to the wall, does it open without any issues?


Dave,
The doors open fine but the right side crisper drawer can not be removed but is otherwise useable.
Frank

Re: Residential Refrigerator replacement on our 2005 U270

Reply #15 –
Quote from: bdale –
He already has the Fridge Fixer latch.  You can barely see it between the freezer drawer and fridge doors, with the insert portion stuck to the right side fridge door.  I started out using the marine latches but they caused my freezer drawer to torque if only secured from one side.  I switched to the Fridge Fixer and it's been great.  Easier and more secure.  We leave the insert portion sitting on the drivers seat to make sure we don't forget to insert it before leaving

Fridge Fixer

You are right, I went back and looked at my invoice and there was the Fridge Fixer on my parts list!  I confirm it works great.
Frank

Re: Residential Refrigerator replacement on our 2005 U270

Reply #16 –
Had MOT install the fridge fixer yesterday. No more bungy cords.

Mike
 

Re: Residential Refrigerator replacement on our 2005 U270

Reply #17 –
Our 2003 U320 had the Intellitec lighting equipment installed below our old Dometic refer. When asked, Keith Davis at MOT said we couldn't install a full size residential frig in our coach. David Flanagan  at FOT said no problem - do it all the time. So we had FOT do ours. The intellitec stuff was moved to the right side of the frig where there is about 10" of space between it and the wall.
As most everyone says it's probably the best mod we've done. And no, we don't boondock.

Steve