Another residential refrigerator question

It might help if you posted which Norcold you're trying to replace. The Samsung 197 is almost the same size as the Norcold 1200. It's a little taller but the other dimensions are the same...Dennis

Many have recommended Samsung refrigerators as they seem to tolerate the inverter power much better than other brand refrigerators.

Are you also planning on installing a inverter and extra batteries and solar panels?

Good luck,

Fred.

"VCBandit".....I installed one in my sister's 2004 34' Itasca Meridian. Most of the refers are the same width as the Norcold 1200, it's the height that is the issue. On hers, she had a cabinet underneath the Norcold that held fuses. We cut that cabinet in half (a lot of dead space inside), reworked the door and installed a Samsung RF197, which is no longer available, but I believe the replacement is pretty close.

Haier (sp) makes some nice looking, smaller refers, but are pricey.

I believe the RF18 is the model being used currently.

I put off going residential too long partly because I could not find a unit that was not too tall because the DW wanted to save the drawer below our 1200. Finally found a unit that ended up being 1/2" too tall but was able to save the drawer. If you click on "projects and upgrades" above you can find my DIY install and model #s of this size 21 cuft refer. Would not recommend this top freezer if your DW is not fairly tall with it against the ceiling. It is not a counter depth unit so it sticks out 4-5" further than the 1200.

The Samsung work well on MSW inverters because they use DC compressors BUT they are 5-6" too tall. These EnergStar units use around 100 Watts when running, yes the same as a 100 W bulb. I put in a complete battery system for it because we boondock often and used a PSW inverter for the increased motor efficiency for the AC compressor.

Executive wrote:
It might help if you posted which Norcold you're trying to replace. The Samsung 197 is almost the same size as the Norcold 1200. It's a little taller but the other dimensions are the same...Dennis

Dennis - good questions! The Norcold is a model 8421M. It is 591/2"H X 231/2" W X 23" D. One of the other posters suggested a Haier. I found one that might work so will check it out. We have a 2000W PSW inverter, solar and adequate house batteries so should be good in that area.

Kindly post the results of your search and eventual install, please. The same model of Norcold is in our new-to-us motorhome, as is an adjacent pull out pantry. As newbies, we are not ready just yet, but a residential frig is planned. Anything I can learn from others is greatly appreciated.

VCBandit wrote:
The Norcold is a model 8421M. It is 591/2"H X 231/2" W X 23" D. One of the other posters suggested a Haier. I found one that might work so will check it out. We have a 2000W PSW inverter, solar and adequate house batteries so should be good in that area.

We replaced our Norcold 821 (same dimensions) with a Haier 10 cu ft that was a near perfect fit in the opening. A bit of prefinished trim around the edges finished it off nicely. This link is to a post I made last fall showing the modified window latches I installed to keep the doors secured while under way. I used the original Norcold rear bracket to secure the Haier to the floor.

Stormy Eyes wrote:
Kindly post the results of your search and eventual install, please. The same model of Norcold is in our new-to-us motorhome, as is an adjacent pull out pantry. As newbies, we are not ready just yet, but a residential frig is planned. Anything I can learn from others is greatly appreciated.

Stormy We are in the same place you are. Just waiting for the Norcold to quit as it is slowly getting less efficient. Will post when we change it out.

I replaced a Norcold N841IM model with a HAIER 10.3-cu ft Top-Freezer Refrigerator (Stainless Steel)
Item #: 150646 Model #: HA10TG20SS purchased from Lowes. I don't know if this exact model is still available.

Here's a thread that has more info on this unit being used by several folks:

thread on refrig replacement

Fred