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Topic: Residential Refrigerator replacement on our 2005 U270 (Read 1042 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,


Frank Stevens
Spring, Texas
2005 U270  M3623 PBLW E34
36', 2 slides
Build #: 6339
Motorcade #: 17440

Re: Residential Refrigerator replacement on our 2005 U270

Reply #1 –
Looks good
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob & Susan
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Residential Refrigerator replacement on our 2005 U270

Reply #2 –
Congratulations! Installing our Samsung Rf18 was one of the best upgrades we have done.
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

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.
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

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
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
"It goes without saying..."

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.


Frank Stevens
Spring, Texas
2005 U270  M3623 PBLW E34
36', 2 slides
Build #: 6339
Motorcade #: 17440

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?
Dave & Danette
2005 Foretravel U270, 3620 PBLW, Build #6331
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2017 Can-Am Maverick X3 RR
2016 Polaris Turbo RZR
Motorcade #17839

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?
The selected media item is not currently available.Keith & Jo
2003 U320T 4025 PBBS Designer series
Build 6203    Cummins 500hp
2000 U320 4010 WTFE / Build 5762 —Sold—
Motorcade #18070   
Pasadena, Texas
2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara-Sunset Orange pearl coat
Don't argue with a fool, people watching might not be able to tell the difference.

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
Frank Stevens
Spring, Texas
2005 U270  M3623 PBLW E34
36', 2 slides
Build #: 6339
Motorcade #: 17440

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
Frank Stevens
Spring, Texas
2005 U270  M3623 PBLW E34
36', 2 slides
Build #: 6339
Motorcade #: 17440

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
Frank Stevens
Spring, Texas
2005 U270  M3623 PBLW E34
36', 2 slides
Build #: 6339
Motorcade #: 17440

Re: Residential Refrigerator replacement on our 2005 U270

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

Mike
Mike (Shelby the wonder dog)
2003 U320 (Barry Beams old coach)
2012 Honda CRV

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
Steve & Sandy
2003 U320 4220 WCDS, build#6160
Motorcade #17794
USMC '67-'71