samsung 197

Drain issue and defrost issue are two different problems. Whirlpool had the same problem with the drain adding a aluminum tang that went into the drain hole. Makes it confusing

LG has drain problems or did fix was replacing lower half of drain assembly

These work too

RayChez
We had a Samsung197 in our S&B home for four years. Had the defrost issue and posted extensively to another forum on the fix. The issues is an aluminum tab wrapped around the defrost heater below the coil is too short to reach into the drain tube below. The fix is a $4. Part which had the extended tab or wrapping some copper wire in place of the short tab and extending it into the drain. Both are a DIY job however the fridge must defrost as there is likely ice frozen to a foam shroud behind the interior plastic panel will fracture if frozen when trying to remove it. There are no other defrost issues although some might claim the defrost heaters were replaced - likely by repair personnel not satisfied with the commission on a $4 part IMO.
While the RF197 is discontinued, Samsung make the RF-18 which is an updated model with a linear compressor that runs continually at variable speed as required so it draws slightly more power than the 197. There are few choices to replace the Norcold if you want a fridge that fits the opening. The Samsung fits almost exactly but might stick out an inch or two in front of the Norcold.
I went to an Amish unit but replaced it as the limitations of abortion technology limit its use in really hot weather with the sidewall venting on my coach. I moved the RF 197 from our home to the RV 18 momths ago against my wifes wishes. She will tell you today it was the best change we made to the RV. My advice is to get rid of the Norcold ASAP and you will never look back. Good luck,
Bob

sailor_lou wrote:
I agree with bkd148, installing the mod couldn't be simpler. For us, the benefit of a large fridge that works great, uses less power and goes from ambient to proper temps in less that two hours is perfect for an RV. I removed a perfectly functioning Norcold in order to install the RF 197 and still consider it one of the best mods we ever did.

Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy

That is great knowing that by making some modifications on the SamSung RF-197 that the owner is still happy. Same as the poster that made the modification on his Norcold 1200 LRIM with the Amish upgrade. That is why these forums are so good, it gives options to owners of the Norcold on what to do.

I agree with bkd148, installing the mod couldn't be simpler. For us, the benefit of a large fridge that works great, uses less power and goes from ambient to proper temps in less that two hours is perfect for an RV. I removed a perfectly functioning Norcold in order to install the RF 197 and still consider it one of the best mods we ever did.

Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy

Considering an Rf 197 refer is kind of a moot point, they are no longer in production. There is another Samsung but it is larger and hopefully they solved that problem. I have the 197 in my 02 Thunder and did the little mod to it and that solved the problem. It is an upgrade that I thought long and hard about and I am glad I went with the residential refer. Marty

That makes my 1999 20 c.f. GE Profile side-by-side (ice and water through the door) look better every day. Never had to defrost it, not even once.

Drain is one issue defrost is another. The big problems with these when I was working on them was defrost problems and ice makers.

sailor_lou wrote:
This is a known problem with some RF 197 fridges. Check out the fix here:

RF 197 Defrost Drain


Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy

Very interesting link from Sailer lou. on the SamSung RF-197. There are several on this forum that have installed them residential refrigerators on their coaches. And it is good to know for RVers like myself who has seriously been thinking IF my Norcold was to go belly up on switching to something like that.
I guess that link answered my suspicion on the RF-197 and leans me more towards the Amish upgrade.

This is a known problem with some RF 197 fridges. Check out the fix here:

RF 197 Defrost Drain


Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy

Frost in the freezer is generally caused by warm moist air entering the freezer. Check your door seals to make sure they're in place and sealing properly.