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Topic: Refrigerator Swap Out (Read 433 times) previous topic - next topic

Refrigerator Swap Out

As you know, I have a 2001 U320 36 ft coach. I am about to order a Frigidaire FFR1425 to replace our Dometic RM 1282.
I know a few of you have replaced your refrigerator.
My Question Is:  do you think I'll have any problems getting the new box through the door.
According to Home Depot, dimensions are:
59.875 h
31.25 d
27.625
Please respond asap, as I want to take advantage of a sale going on here. Thanks
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Refrigerator Swap Out

Reply #1
I had no problem getting the new fridge in. I can't remember if I took the doors off
or not but I had to take them of to change how they open. It was a lot easier to bring
the new one is than take the old one out.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Refrigerator Swap Out

Reply #2
What am I going to have to do to remove the old refrig?
What will I need to do to the vents behind and above the fridge?
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Refrigerator Swap Out

Reply #3
Glenn you will have to cap the propane line , remove the doors from your old one makes it easier to handle. As far as the vent go I left mine alone I did put a blocker board on the inside of the vent door to keep out any wind from coming in I had to add a foam strip around the edge on one side of our new fridge. I did remove the doors on the new fridge like mentioned above makes it easier to get through the bus door. Good luck :))
Andy & Eileen
MONTROSE COLORADO
1992 U300  40' 6V92 TA
2016 4 Runner
1998 Jeep Grand cherokee

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee) Build # 4135 Skp# 122921

Re: Refrigerator Swap Out

Reply #4
No matter what model fridge you are talking about, removing all the inside shelves and bins, and taking off the doors, makes it both lighter and smaller.  Much easier to maneuver through whatever opening you are using to enter the coach.  Also, less chance of scratching or denting the front face of the doors.  "Stripping down" the new fridge for insertion seems a no-brainer to me.

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: Refrigerator Swap Out

Reply #5
I have found that putting ratchet straps (in both directions) makes handling bulky items much easier with less loss of control.
Things like fridges, freezers, washers and driers are bulky, awkward, and heavy.
Ratchet straps make handling these items safer and easier.
I can't imagine anything worse than watching a nice new expensive fridge slide out of control and damage itself or your coach, after all the planning and research to find the perfect fridge you wanted.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Refrigerator Swap Out

Reply #6
My 95 has the narrow front door.
When I replaced our fridge I chose a Bosch stainless, side by side, COUNTER DEPTH. It weighed over 300 pounds.
I removed both doors and everything inside the fridge. I removed the grab handle on the inside of the coach by the front door, and removed the passenger seat.
My wife and I were able to wrestle the fridge through the front door. I don't think we could do that now!
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Refrigerator Swap Out

Reply #7
I think I also removed the grab handle. Taking the old one out I took the doors off and
I would have removed more things but as I was giving the old fridge to my son I wanted
to make it easier to put back together.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport