Forum Discussion

webejpn's avatar
webejpn
Explorer
Apr 28, 2016

Swapping Dometic Fridge for Household Unit

Hey everyone!

So i just bought a used 2004 Cardinal 31BH and the stock fridge has a shot cooling unit. I was told a new unit would cost around $1500 or repairing the existing unit by a local Amish guy would be around $650.

So i pulled some measurements and found a Vissani (Magic Chef) unit that should fit perfectly from the local Home Depot.

Does anyone foresee any issues with pulling the stock unit and replacing it with the Vissani unit?

When i pulled the grate off the outside of the camper to access the back of the fridge i see an outlet right there where i could plug the new unit in. So all i should have to do is cap the gas line and cap the electrical wires and i'm good to go.

FYI, this camper is never going to move from my permanent site on my property up north.
Seeking Advice
  • wanderingbob's avatar
    wanderingbob
    Explorer II
    Apr 28, 2016
    Read the post , he ain't never gonna move the trailer, he does not have to worry about locking the doors .
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Apr 28, 2016
    to anchor my 'Avanti' residential fridge
    i went to home depot and bought two 5 inch 'T' brackets bend the long end
    into a parallel offset about 1&1/4 inch

    the long end bolted on too the top of the bolts holding the compressor
    the 'T' cross end set on the base platform wood and got screwed to the platform with the biggest screws that would go in the holes

    child safety locks went on the doors

    if you an't moving it, it don't need to be anchored
    if you install it AFTER you move the trailer

    NO on the fridge door ventilation
    that will just let outside dusty air into the RV
    seal that cover with with alu heat duct tape
    residential fridge is designed to be operated at indoor room temps
    allow for air circulation inside the RV around the fridge to cool the coils
  • Matt_Colie's avatar
    Matt_Colie
    Explorer II
    Apr 28, 2016
    I had three problems with this plan (different unit and different coach).

    There was no easy way to make the new reefer stay in place when underway. I made plastic hooks for the door edges.

    The unit required an inch of clearance on each side for cooling. I was able to reposition things enough to get this and added fans and an attic fan switch to run them.

    There was no way to lock the doors. A child proofing lock worked.

    And there is very little chance it will set the coach on fire.

    Matt
  • webejpn's avatar
    webejpn
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2016
    Thanks for all the replies already!!

    Won't the exterior vented access panel be sufficient for exchanging air?

    Newman Fulltimer: Are you speaking from experience on this exact unit and rig?
  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2016
    webejpn wrote:
    ...this camper is never going to move from my permanent site on my property up north.


    If you have a reliable source of power, no problem at all. Just be sure to maintain the specified clearances.
  • newman_fulltime's avatar
    newman_fulltime
    Explorer II
    Apr 28, 2016
    You will need to shave about a quarter inch off one side and if you flip the doors flip the seals as well .I have the/same fridge in black
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2016
    120V replacement is good. The compressor fridge will use 1/4 of the power compared to an absorption fridge and keep inside temps better regulated.
  • mowin's avatar
    mowin
    Explorer
    Apr 28, 2016
    Check with the manufacturer of the fridge to see what the clearances are. Maybe a fan rigid to help with airflow to aid in cooling the back of the unit might help. Many newer larger campers are coming equipped with residential units.

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,110 PostsLatest Activity: Feb 16, 2025