Residential Fridge.. Brand? Model?

I have a norcold 1200. Will the Samsung RF18 fit In the same hole ?

Our other coach had a Dometic 8 c.f. fridge like you have. We replaced it with a Frigidaire 12 cf. It was an almost perfect fit. However, we found out the hard way that Frigidaire won't honor the warranty if installed in the RV because the one that was delivered was defective. So, I'd stay away from Frigidaire and check with the manufacturer you go with. Also, plug it in BEFORE you have it installed to make sure you didn't get the one-in-a-million defective fridges. We did not have it connected to the inverter, and it traveled fine for 5 to 6 hours without power. We also usually stopped for lunch and would turn on the generator for A/C, so that helped also. We never boondock.
I've read about a lot of people installing a Haier in the 10 cf. size.

We now have the Samsung RF18 in this coach, but I don't think it will fit in your space. I know it would not have fit in our other coach which had the Dometic 8 cf.

You'll be so happy you made the switch. I know we are.

We are replacing a Dometic RML8555 absorption refrigerator with a Nova Kool RFU6800 12 volt compressor refrigerator. It's a 12 volt 5 amp draw when running.

Our Dometic 1350 had been a problem from day one. After 3 cooling unit replacements and 1 complete frig changeout, when it died this time we had it replaced with the Samsung RF18. Works great. We did not have the inverter or extra batteries installed. We don't boondock often and have read other's comments that the frig can travel for about 6 hours without the temp rising much. We haven't traveled yet in warm weather, so we'll see. I am disappointed at the quality of the interior, it's kinda thin plastic drawers & shelves. I don't place heavy items in the center of the shelves. As you are looking for a replacement, the biggest problem is the depth. This RF18 was the only one I could find that would fit in the space. The installer still had to move my kitchen island over 1 inch.

We took out our Norcold 1200 LRIM and installed a Samsung RF197. The 197 has been replaced by the RF18. Both units are extremely power efficient. Ours draws 125 Watts AC with one cooling unit on. If both are on, the defrost cycle is running and it's trying to eject ice it will draw approx.468 watts. We also installed a Samlex 600 Watt PSW inverter just to power the fridge. We have four 6 volt house batteries and 375 watts of solar.

So far no problems with power and we really love the storage capacity and consistent temperatures.

We will begin full timing in about 2 years. We intend to spend the greater part of our time boondocking on national forest or BLM lands. In what way would a residential refrigerator be of any advantage to us?

We had the Samsung 197 installed in May 2014 and have been very pleased with it. Have a 2,000 watt modified inverter and the frig works fine with it.

Installed in Elkhart, IN so can't help with OR or WA.

When they do the install, make sure the drain line actually drains out of the coach. Our used 5er had a residential fridge when we got it with a drain line out the side wall. After a couple trips I looked closer and found the drain tube was hooked up improperly and would not actually drain...hence water would build up in the tray and then go onto the floor. Fixed now, but I would double-check anyones install in the future.

Those two 6 volt batteries will severely limit the length of time you can operate the refrigerator without solar, generator, or shore power.

dons2346 wrote:
The size of the refer you can install depends on the surrounding woodwork and what is located where. For instance, if your heater is under the refer, that limits how much lower the new refer can be installed which relates to size.

I installed a Samsung 197 but that has been replaced with another model that is the same size.

There are two places I would recommend. Our replacement was done by Amazing Creations in Junction City,OR or you could go to Oregon Motorcoach in Eugene,OR.


I have been to Dave & LJ's and was not impressed

I have space for a 86" tall and 36" wide fridge, but am thinking about a 14.4 or 14.8 cu ft fridge ~ 70" tall. Looking for what others have used with a 1000w pure sine wave inverter and 2 6v batteries.
Will check out your suggestions for the install.
Are you happy with the Samsung?
Thanks