Installing residential refrigerator
I am about to switch out the refrigerator in the 5er. For those who have done so do you have comments that make the job go smoothly? Did you use extra insulation on the sides? I was told that if the...
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My opening was lined with the same paneling as the outside. They tried to create a tight cabinet for the propane fridge because they don't want the fumes from the gas flame to enter the rig.
I removed the inner panels and had to cut the opening larger for side and top air clearance. I had to close the side and top vents or the wind would be blowing in. Some people do insulate around the frig so it's not open to the living area and then leave the vents open for cooling.
I was concerned about proper cooling so I went with a whirlpool 10.7 that has the exposed coil on the back. So mine is no different than having it installed in a house. It is captive on both sides and doesn't have a gap between the countertop and the upper cabinet like a house install. It does have the required side clearance and an extra large gap at the top.
You will probably also find that it will hang out of the cabinet a fair amount so the front feet may not have anything to sit on. I used 3/4 lumber to set it on which protrudes out of the cabinet. Iirc I used an L bracket at the top at the hinge screws. I also drilled through the rear bracket for a couple screws into the cabinet floor.
Depending on how you want to approach it, whether forming an insulation seal or leaving it open to the living area and closing the vents be prepared for some sawing and hacking. What refrigerator are you considering?
I removed the inner panels and had to cut the opening larger for side and top air clearance. I had to close the side and top vents or the wind would be blowing in. Some people do insulate around the frig so it's not open to the living area and then leave the vents open for cooling.
I was concerned about proper cooling so I went with a whirlpool 10.7 that has the exposed coil on the back. So mine is no different than having it installed in a house. It is captive on both sides and doesn't have a gap between the countertop and the upper cabinet like a house install. It does have the required side clearance and an extra large gap at the top.
You will probably also find that it will hang out of the cabinet a fair amount so the front feet may not have anything to sit on. I used 3/4 lumber to set it on which protrudes out of the cabinet. Iirc I used an L bracket at the top at the hinge screws. I also drilled through the rear bracket for a couple screws into the cabinet floor.
Depending on how you want to approach it, whether forming an insulation seal or leaving it open to the living area and closing the vents be prepared for some sawing and hacking. What refrigerator are you considering?
