Another problem here and found out on the land yacht's maiden voyage that the 4 door Norcold in never cold and now using the freezer area for the fridge.So, I know this has been around a number of times and have even commented on the numerous threads, myself, but there may possibly be another problem to contend with here.We're at LazyDays for the weekend and more info mostly I ask at the expert desk in the store here, about their labor and procedure for replacing the Fridge with whatever. He says that firstly, the windshield must be removed for getting it out and getting the other in and they will undoubtedly break this $3K windshield in the process.I find that hard to believe for a given an something the customer will be stuck with.Now after taking some measurements with the coach entry door removed it's 27" and with some rough measurements of the fridge, I can't see where it can be more than 23" deep max., so I don't get where this guy is coming from.Anyway, if anyone knows of someone and in SW Florida or elsewhere, please advise. I may be able to do this myself with a little help, even at my age, but need to explore all these possibilities first.Also where are those that are replacing just the cooling units and especially the Amish type, getting this done?

I like the LP option for dry camping and wanted to retain that option. So.... I installed the Amish unit and am happy with the results. No added batteries or solar to run a res fridge when boondocking. About $140 including new fans and the ARP backup controller. Not a bad job to tackle if you are able. Good luck with whatever you decide.

I replaced the cooling unit when mine failed with the Amish one. While the result was originally satisfactory the performance of the Norcold just didn't match up with my expectations. When the ice maker failed, I yanked it, gave it to a friend and went with the Samsung. I'm in my third year with it and am totally satisfied. We are full timers so it gets used all the time. Freezer is at -2 and box is at 38 constantly. I installed it myself but had help in bringing it into the coach. We removed the living room emergency window and brought it in thru the side. Removed the Norcold the same way....DennisSamsung Install

Like Dennis, our Norcold was removed through the emergency window (completely removed frame and all) in the Living Room and our 22' Whirlpool came in the same way with the door removed.

Executive,,,, I read your write-up on your Samsaung install. You said the weight of it was around 450 lbs (loaded). I think the Samsung 17.5 cu.ft. is only 230 lbs. (actually lighter than the Norcold @244lbs). Do you have that much food with you are did you get a different model fridge? I know you're a full timer but over 200 lbs is still a lot of food.

I removed the doors from the Norcold and took it out the door. To bring the Samsung in I thought I would do the same but a little to deep. So removing the front door and frame slid it in on a rug up the steps. This way I was able to do it myself without getting help.

Residential vs Repair RV Fridge | Good Sam Community

tropical36
Explorer
Jul 23, 2016
J-Rooster wrote:
Owning a Winnebago with a glued windshield taking the windshield out is a no go for me.

Not many have to go that route and as long as you don't go talking to someone at the expert desk at Lazydays. First thing out of his mouth, was, we'll undoubtedly break your $3K windshield and the only way to do it. Didn't know whether to laugh or cry or that one.
Ours will actually go through the door, but maybe better to use the huge passenger side window for this and what is actually recommended by most installers, depending on who you talk to.
tropical36
Explorer
Jul 23, 2016
Bill1374 wrote:
Tropical, I've been in rvs since the early 70s and this is the first Dometic I've had quit on me. I'm the second owner of this coach so I don't know it's early history. And yes, it's the double door similar to the Norcold. Even a bit pricey, I'm content with my decision to repair.

Can't knock that. Our 98 is still going strong and will freeze out if not careful. With NC, it's not a question of repair, it's for similar functionality, so rather than a expensive replacement that may or may not work well, the res. models seem like a logical way to go at 1/3 the cost and especially if you're already equipped with the battery power and inverter setup, which we are. I even have the inverter setup in our old 98 tropical and do wish someone would come and buy this fine old rig.
Having said all this, I have the NC set on high and down in the mid 30's empty and no door opening to speak of, so soon we'll see, but I think I already know the eventual answer.
J-Rooster
Explorer
Jul 23, 2016
Owning a Winnebago with a glued windshield taking the windshield out is a no go for me.
Bill1374
Explorer
Jul 23, 2016
Tropical, I've been in rvs since the early 70s and this is the first Dometic I've had quit on me. I'm the second owner of this coach so I don't know it's early history. And yes, it's the double door similar to the Norcold. Even a bit pricey, I'm content with my decision to repair.
tropical36
Explorer
Jul 22, 2016
cruiser51 wrote:
I have an 06 Rev Le E bath & 1/2, I also removed the norcold through the front door and brought my new RF18 in the same way. I lowered the floor about 2 inches and took the rest from the top. We love it! I would be more than happy to help you with it but I am in WI, unless you are heading this way. I could show you a pict but I cant upload it here. If you have any question just ask.

Oh and by the way, including any other members, that may be interested in uploading photos here....
PHOTO UPLOAD
tropical36
Explorer
Jul 21, 2016
cruiser51 wrote:
I have an 06 Rev Le E bath & 1/2, I also removed the norcold through the front door and brought my new RF18 in the same way. I lowered the floor about 2 inches and took the rest from the top. We love it! I would be more than happy to help you with it but I am in WI, unless you are heading this way. I could show you a pict but I cant upload it here. If you have any question just ask.

Thanks and will send you a PM with my email addy...
cruiser51
Explorer
Jul 21, 2016
I have an 06 Rev Le E bath & 1/2, I also removed the norcold through the front door and brought my new RF18 in the same way. I lowered the floor about 2 inches and took the rest from the top. We love it! I would be more than happy to help you with it but I am in WI, unless you are heading this way. I could show you a pict but I cant upload it here. If you have any question just ask.
YC_1
Nomad
Jul 21, 2016
I have been doing lots of measurements lately. I found the RF18 is tall so installing it in a slide or over a furnace poses some challenges.

Check the dimensions on the RF220NCTABC. It is much shorter but deeper. The width should not be a problem either.

It is 65 inches high, 29 inches wide, and will take 33-36 inches of depth.

The weight is comparable. I am amazed that this refer has so much room.
tropical36
Explorer
Jul 20, 2016
Bill1374 wrote:
I'm going through this same dilemma now. I have decided that since I spend 4 to 5 weeks each year without hookups, I'm staying with the Dometic and just going to replace the cooling unit.

Bill

You have a Dometic 4 door that looks like the Norcold 1200 or what?
I have an old Dometic that's just great in the old coach, so had all the faith in the world with this brand and especially since the original 98 ac's are still going strong and the original awning still looks as good as it ever did.
Bill1374
Explorer
Jul 20, 2016
I'm going through this same dilemma now. I have decided that since I spend 4 to 5 weeks each year without hookups, I'm staying with the Dometic and just going to replace the cooling unit.

Bill

Forum Discussion

Residential vs Repair RV Fridge

About Motorhome Group

Related Content

Residential Fridge

Residential Fridge Ventilation

Residential fridge

Residential Fridge Yay or Nay?

Residential Fridges