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Sooner_Schooner's avatar
Sooner_Schooner
Explorer
Feb 25, 2016

Residential Refrigerator

Just did a change from the Norcold to a residential refrigerator, and we are so happy. Bought an inexpensive basic black Whirlpool 14.3 cu. ft.from Lowe's, and had it installed by a great RV shop here in Tucson. We had to take out the driver side window to get it in but that worked out just fine. I had terrible fogging issues with that window anyway, so I had it repaired while it was out. The total project ended up costing much less than anticipated which was a pleasant surprise. Total cost was about $1130.00. But wait, it gets better. I put the old Norcold on craigslist and sold it quickly for $300! Life is good. Loving the Whirlpool so far.
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  • TNGW1500SE's avatar
    TNGW1500SE
    Explorer
    Feb 26, 2016
    The 12 volt / propane refrigerators should be left to the Amish. They must like their stuff warm. LOL! Mine went bad so I swapped it out for a 12 cubic foot from Home Depot. Cost's about 500 bucks and we have twice the room now. Lost one drawer. Big deal. My wife sold the old one for parts on Craigslist for 50 bucks. I don't even have a inverter. I just start the generator after 4 hours on the road. The food is always cold and the ice cream is as hard as a rock. Very happy!

    PS: And no fires!
  • Two_Jayhawks's avatar
    Two_Jayhawks
    Explorer
    Feb 25, 2016
    I always run the inverter. Last August we had a long travel day and I had forgot to turn on the inverter and ice had started to melt (slightly). Wife had been in the fridge several times that day but naturally didn't say anything about being dark.
  • DSDP_Don's avatar
    DSDP_Don
    Explorer
    Feb 25, 2016
    No need to run the generator, unless you want to run A/C. The alternator will keep the batteries charged and the refer running without a problem.
  • jorbill2or's avatar
    jorbill2or
    Explorer II
    Feb 25, 2016
    Sooner Schooner wrote:
    A follow up question for you with experience. We travel 300 miles/ 5 hours as a general rule and we have an inverter and a generator. Do you use either one while in transit, or will the fridge normally stay cold enough until we stop and plug into a site? We will leave soon for our first trip with the new refrigerator. Thanks.


    And in most cases your engine alternator will charge the batteries while driving so the inverter power doesn't drain any battery power! arrive at your location with full batteries and cold food! The new energy models use just about the same as a 60-100 watt light bulb
  • barmcd's avatar
    barmcd
    Explorer
    Feb 25, 2016
    Sooner Schooner wrote:
    A follow up question for you with experience. We travel 300 miles/ 5 hours as a general rule and we have an inverter and a generator. Do you use either one while in transit, or will the fridge normally stay cold enough until we stop and plug into a site? We will leave soon for our first trip with the new refrigerator. Thanks.


    Either one works.

    If you get one of the energy star refrigerators it will stay cold most of the day, even when turned off, if you don't open the door.

    They run on very little electricity so solar or an inverter can run it all day.
  • Sooner_Schooner's avatar
    Sooner_Schooner
    Explorer
    Feb 25, 2016
    A follow up question for you with experience. We travel 300 miles/ 5 hours as a general rule and we have an inverter and a generator. Do you use either one while in transit, or will the fridge normally stay cold enough until we stop and plug into a site? We will leave soon for our first trip with the new refrigerator. Thanks.
  • Sooner_Schooner's avatar
    Sooner_Schooner
    Explorer
    Feb 25, 2016
    DSDP Don wrote:
    "Sooner Schooner".....There is one problem with the residential refer. It's a training issue. You have to retrain yourself that you're allowed to leave the door open while looking for food. I use to open the Nocold doors just enough to reach one arm in and grab the food before I lost too much cold air.

    You'll love the new refer. I also sold mine for $300.00 to a guy who wanted to use it at a cabin. My brother-in-law got $350.00 when we changed his out.


    LOL, You are so right,..thanks for the advice!
  • DSDP_Don's avatar
    DSDP_Don
    Explorer
    Feb 25, 2016
    "Sooner Schooner".....There is one problem with the residential refer. It's a training issue. You have to retrain yourself that you're allowed to leave the door open while looking for food. I use to open the Nocold doors just enough to reach one arm in and grab the food before I lost too much cold air.

    You'll love the new refer. I also sold mine for $300.00 to a guy who wanted to use it at a cabin. My brother-in-law got $350.00 when we changed his out.

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