Residential Fridge Install ON THE ROAD

[TechWriter]

My 12-year-old Dometic NDR1292 is showing signs of giving up the ghost. I've done a bunch of mods, but I think the writing is on the wall.

So I plan to go residential fridge.

However, I'm full timing, and I think a fridge install on the road might be different than having it done in the comfort of your stick & brick driveway especially because I know my install will require cabinet modification and electrical work.

Anyway, I'm looking for advice for those of you who have done the swap on the road -- especially if you know of good installers as I'm out of the heavy lifting game.

In other words, this won't be a DIY project for me -- looking for good installer.

I'm in IL headed for CO and then AZ for Winter. This is not an ASAP project as I have a basement fridge I could use.

[MeanderMan]

We recently had our frig installed by Mastertech RV in Elkhart, IN. If you look at the RV service reviews web site, you'll see a large number of positive reviews, and we concur with them. We had a 24.5 Samsung counter depth model installed, and it looks like came from the factory. They recreated the trim to match the existing wood, moved the cabinet wall, and managed to get the refer in through the door so they didn't have to remove the windshield. They did a great job, not cheap, but well worth the price for the quality of the work. They have parking with electric and water and you can stay in the coach each night. You can see how it looks on our blog; the link is below.

[Deano56]

we replaced our fridge with a 120V unit and are happy with the changeover. Ours only draws 102 watts so it's easily run off and inverter. Many of the new motorhomes are coming with full size residential fridges so it's not at all uncommon. I still need to trim it out, but i got caught up in building a new bathroom vanity cabinet and the rest of the bath remodel

[Deano56]

MrWizard wrote:

Executive wrote:
Getting the old one out is easy....use a sawzall, cut it in pieces and take it out the front door....:B:B.....Dennis

sorry Dennis, thats not funny
remember the Ammonia, in fact a spark could set off the hydrogen , if the fridge is still working

the cooling unit is removable from the unit, there fore you can take the rest out in pieces.

[conmoto]

We were on the road in Indiana and had ESC in Elhart do the install. Took 2 days one to remove the Norcold and refit the opening and the second to put the new one in. We stayed on the FHU site that they have and all was good.

[JFC]

We didn't have ours done on the road, but had it done at Oregon Motor Coach Center in Eugene. I dropped the coach off and flew home, then picked it up a couple of weeks later, my schedule not theirs. They are very close to the airport. I know they have electric and water connectins for folks staying in their coach as well as dump. I'm not sure if you could stay in the coach the entie time they were working on it, but they did do a super job of our installation. We purchased our french door Samsung over the phone from the local Lowes in Eugene and they dellivered it to OMCC. Seem like good folks and we're very happy with their work.If you have the time before you head for AZ, it might be worth a call to them to discuss it.

[gatorcq]

Where in Illinois? I would call Paul @ Precision Painting in Bremen, In. Say dale sent you.

[Executive45]

Thanks..You are correct...I misread his post...thought he said it had dumped...the cooling unit must be hazmatted...Dennis

[MrWizard]

Executive wrote:
Getting the old one out is easy....use a sawzall, cut it in pieces and take it out the front door....:B:B.....Dennis

sorry Dennis, thats not funny
remember the Ammonia, in fact a spark could set off the hydrogen , if the fridge is still working

[Executive45]

Getting the old one out is easy....use a sawzall, cut it in pieces and take it out the front door....:B:B.....Dennis

[Dog_Folks]

Our died on the road. We needed minor cabinet modifications, so we did it ourselves. You could have a handyman do it. Get local recommendations at the park office.

We measured the available space carefully and bought one with 1/2" clearance to trim strips. (there is much more clearance inside the box.)

Bought ours at Lowes after careful measuring. When the salesman said:"Free delivery, and haul away, I said : "Sold."

The refrigerator had to be lifted into the camper and then again about 2 feet off the floor to it's spot. (Our electrical box is below the frig platform on the floor.)

As I said it was going to be tight but doable. The two fellows got the unit inside, changed the door swing and got ready to lift into place when the lead guy said; "Did you measure this?" LOL

I'm sure he wanted to be sure it would fit before they lifted it. It was tight, but it did fit. The delivery guys got a nice tip, as the did all the lifting for us.

Long story short, it is doable, and doesn't need a visit to an RV dealer and tie up the RV for a long period of time

[hitchup]

We were going to use a Mobile Tech to switch out our Dometic. Have seen other Suite owners do it at an RV Park.

After compiling costs and other new improved features of 2014's, we decided we're better off ordering a new unit with it factory installed. This should be our final, retirement home.

[dbbls]

I think I would wait until you park for the winter then get a mobile tech. to do the work.