Refrigerator Replacement

Topic: Refrigerator Replacement (Read 2427 times) previous topic - next topic

Refrigerator Replacement

July 13, 2017, 10:51:35 am

We like to be " proactive " regarding future needs to our 2001 U320. The next area of concern is focusing on the refrigerator. I would like to replace the door gaskets, but, if you can find them, they are priced " on the moon". I have been reading the recent posts, and understand the buzz regarding residential refers. We still entertain the idea of being off grid, so we would like to keep the present set up. However, the concern of fire, which I had NEVER heard about before buying our coach, has me concerned. Added to the confusion, Dometic doesn't have a replacement, nor does Norcold. I will look into SeaFreeze? when the time comes. I just got a quote from MOT regarding a remodel they had done on a similar FT. The unit was a Haier #699391, from Lowes. Reviews gave it one star and most said they were junk. Add $2300 for labor, according to MOT. Didn't sound too good to me. Sooooo......when the time comes......and it will......what are my options if I DON'T want a residential unit. BTW, we don't want to give up the drawers below the refer.....need all the storage we can muster up. Thanks

Re: Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #1 – July 13, 2017, 11:02:32 am

The options seem to boil down to:
- an Atwood helium based fridge
- one of the various marine fridges
- putting in a new high quality cooling unit into your existing fridge (something like the Amish units RV Cooling Unit Warehouse ).

If your current fridge is a two door side-by-side model then you may have to go with a two door unit (top freezer/bottom fridge) that is slightly narrower. It would be some cabinet remodeling and some people have been able to add a slide out pantry by doing this.

Lots of people still use gas absorption fridges. Consider installing the ARP fridge system ( ARPrv | ARP Control | RV Refrigerator | Dometic Recall | Norcold Recall | RV... ). Perform annual maintenance on them, and inspect the pipes and fins regularly.

Chris

Re: Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #2 – July 13, 2017, 11:11:58 am

Do not have history on my new refrigerator as I still have not picked up yet but everyone I talk with indicates it is the way to go. Keith Davis at MOT has completed the install but dash air out so having to replace compressor. Will pick up tomorrow. A new Samsung with ice maker wow It should be a great improvement.

Re: Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #3 – July 13, 2017, 11:22:36 am

Glenn,

Do you ever get to St Peet? I bought a counter depth at HHGreg (Hair, but any counter depth will do that is the correct width for your opening, mine fit a 33" perfectly). Samsung is popular.

Labor at Parliament in Clearwater was $800 - remove side window, remove old unit out window , modify cabinet floor (rest of opening was fine) and install new unit. Used doors from OEM refrigerator to mill some simple trim - my whole residential project with labor and refrigerator and tax was $2,300 installed, less than any other option -

Mine was still running, just wanted away from Propane and the convenience of residential. Putting solar on the roof at AM solar in about a month, may start with 180W to charge batteries, but with 30% credit, will probably go 1KW or more.

AM Solar is pricey and I like DIY, but I hate working on anything electrical.

Anyway, since you are not in a hurry, sopping around a bit and taking your time will save you $$. How wide is current refrigerator?

Tim Fiedler

Sure Start Soft Start

TCER Direct generator-gas-prod 630 240-9139
Gen-Pro

Re: Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #4 – July 13, 2017, 11:32:55 am

Quote from: GleamB – July 13, 2017, 10:51:35 am

what are my options if I DON'T want a residential unit. BTW,

A new Amish cooling unit installed for about $1400.00 and a set of door gaskets for about $450.00.
Less than 2 coachbucks.

Re: Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #5 – July 13, 2017, 11:53:51 am

FWIW,
I just ordered and haven't received yet a 10.7 whirlpool to remove and replace my dometic. My dometic is working as well as it is designed. It works really very well when it isn't opened a lot. But when everyone there, it gets opened a lot. This lets the cold air out the door and it doesn't tolerate that very well. The ice cream is soft and since the temp is higher, food spoilage is quicker. Also the cost to run on electricity when plugged in at home is considerably more. I have decided to change out mine as most of the time it is plugged in anyway. I believe it will fit through the door of the FT with the door off. I think it is supposed to come with it hinged on the right. I would prefer it to be on the left and while changing out the swing by removing the door I will bring it in the FT (and then reinstall the door with the correct swing). The whirlpool is a little more expensive but seems to have basically the same dimensions as the Haier and MUCH better reviews. The Kenmore 10.7 cu ft model is essentially the same. I am going to attempt to do this myself and hopefully will get it done without too much trouble. I have changed out a refer once before in a SOB. It was dometic to a new Norcold. I didn't have any problems with the new one and had that motorhome for about 5 years after the switch. I wanted the better performance and safety that comes with the residential fridge. This is reason for the switch. Best of Travels.

Re: Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #6 – July 13, 2017, 12:46:53 pm

I just replaced my cooling unit with the Amish replacement. It is heavier duty than the original Dometic. It is the Hyrogen and Ammonia absoption unit. If you are concerned with fires they make the unit in the hellium which does not catch fire. If your unit is over 10 years old the system should be replaced. They are good for 10 - 15 years before they become defective.
John M.

Re: Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #7 – July 13, 2017, 01:56:48 pm

Thanks, everyone. It measured 37 1/2" wide. If I went with the Amish option, did they install the new unit? Did they install the new door gasket?? I appreciate the input. I am sure we will want to act on this ASAP.

Re: Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #8 – July 13, 2017, 02:27:42 pm

Leon can replace your gasket in Shipshewana, Indiana where all the other Amish cooling units are made.

Leon Herschberger at National RV Refrigeration; National RV Refrigeration

Re: Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #9 – July 13, 2017, 03:29:22 pm

Glenn

You are perfect for a 33 or 36" wide counter depth residential, minimal cabinet mods. Most 36" wide are about 35.5 to 35.75" wide -

BTW, I till have the lower cabinet doors (walnut) from my refrigerator replacement if anyone wants them PM me

Tim

Tim Fiedler

Sure Start Soft Start

TCER Direct generator-gas-prod 630 240-9139
Gen-Pro

Re: Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #10 – July 13, 2017, 04:12:30 pm

Thanks T man....that is what I will do. I will contact them and get more info. Much appreciated

Re: Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #11 – July 13, 2017, 04:50:53 pm

Here are the others;
Home | JC Refrigeration
Pines RV Refrigeration |

Also, the door gasket should only be about $237.00, not $450 as I said before;
Dometic RV Refrigerator NDR1492 Door Gasket Kit 3108708474 . Any RV Parts

If you can DIY;
Dometic Refrigerator Gasket Repair

Or try and duplicate the gasket profile with a residential fridge gasket, cutting it down to size. They're cheap enough;
Replacement Refrigerator Door Magnetic Gasket Replaces Whirlpool Model...

Re: Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #12 – July 15, 2017, 09:54:03 am

FWIW: Doing the install yourself saves about $2500 bucks. Need to put miles on my coach to get the return on the current investment. Upgrades help a sell but do little for the price. Hurts ur pocket book but makes the trip more enjoyable, after all money only helps making memories.

Re: Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #13 – July 15, 2017, 10:55:16 am

When I needed a new refrigerator MOT talked me out of residential because I had a 2 house batteries on 1998 U270. Now it seems that it is the way to go. What changed; new remodel department?

Re: Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #14 – July 15, 2017, 11:13:54 am

Quote from: John/Pat – July 15, 2017, 10:55:16 am

When I needed a new refrigerator MOT talked me out of residential because I had a 2 house batteries on 1998 U270. Now it seems that it is the way to go. What changed; new remodel department?

The new ones use less electricity.

Re: Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #15 – July 15, 2017, 12:04:44 pm

That was 2 years ago. Would have liked residential as most of my camping is with hook ups.

Re: Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #16 – July 15, 2017, 03:27:57 pm

Drcscruggs: Post pictures when you are done! Best luck.

Re: Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #17 – August 12, 2017, 05:16:31 pm

Got the coach back. Refrigerator replacement looks great. Well done by MOT.
Put in Samsung model RF18HFENBSR. Recommended. By Keith Davis purchased at Lowe's in Nacogdoches and delivered to MOT. Had sofa redone also great job.
Eric came through in removing propane tank as they could not repair. (Legal issue)
All completed coach home.

Re: Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #18 – August 12, 2017, 06:19:59 pm

Quote from: Dan Stansel – August 12, 2017, 05:16:31 pm

Got the coach back. Refrigerator replacement looks great. Well done by MOT.
Put in Samsung model RF18HFENBSR. Recommended. By Keith Davis purchased at Lowe's in Nacogdoches and delivered to MOT. Had sofa redone also great job.
Eric came through in removing propane tank as they could not repair. (Legal issue)
All completed coach home.

Did you get the tank repaired?

Re: Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #19 – August 13, 2017, 08:27:12 am

Tank once removed was picked up by welding shop and repaired then delivered back to MOT. They reinstalled at my request. All looks Good although have not yet filled with propane. Cost of welding was about $100.. Great job after just a look for a new tank.. MOT match sofa material now may have to redo front two seats. Not now as after all the service and updating and repairs I am now broke, but have funds for trips. Ready for the road.

Re: Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #20 – August 13, 2017, 09:18:41 pm

You will really like the ice cubes & ice cream that are truly FROZEN!

Re: Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #21 – August 14, 2017, 08:33:08 am

Ice cubes removed. Turned on ice maker made some ice then stopped. Turned on water pump. Discovered out of water. Put in more water and ice again. Love the install looks as done original. They even made a door strap.

Re: Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #22 – August 14, 2017, 09:22:46 am

The residential frig was the best upgrade I did. I am back to the old propane one in the new coach and I am looking at ways to replace it already.

Re: Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #23 – August 14, 2017, 11:23:46 am

X2 John, I'm within about 3" of having the space I need for the residential.

Edit...should have read ....residential on my new downsizing rig. Already did the job, by myself in the FT, would NEVER go back?

Re: Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #24 – August 15, 2017, 02:51:50 pm

Dave W. Not sure how close u are to Livingston, Tx ., Call Keith Davis At MOT give him ur measurements and let him fix that for u. The advantages for home refrigerator are just too many to list. Should not have waited so long but the new refrigerator is worth the wait. Has been running for a month with no issues as to low power.

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