3 way to compressor refrigerator fitment guide

[mlts22]

With so many people tossing their absorption fridges for compressor models, I wonder if it might be good for creating a guide of replacement compressor fridges that can most accurately fit into the aperture left behind when the compressor fridge is removed.

This way, someone who has upgraded their solar panels and has a beefy battery bank wouldn't need to have a LP gas fridge, but could pull their existing model of fridge and replace it with something that fits almost exactly in that space.

[Almot]

MrWizard wrote:
The Avanti 8 cu ft
Will replace most Norcold Dometic 7 cu ft models

I think it's 7.4 cu.ft, not 8.
And so will few Summit models ranging from 5 to 9.5 cu.ft, one Daewoo (for those in Mexico), and 9.5 Danby. Depends on whether you can move it forward, and inch or two out of the existing cabinet.

In couple of years some of these will be gone, some other will come. It's like writing a "guide" on cell phones.

Here is Avanti. Can be found around $350. Apparently uneven distribution of cold air, food at the back wall gets frozen. One-star review from the guy who bought a whole bunch of them for apartment building was particularly impressive.

I've compiled a short list of more-less fitting models for my particular rig, because I see compressor in my future when my camping will be reduced to on-grid only. Not yet. Hopefully my current 7 cu.ft Norcold will last until then.

[JiminDenver]

After throwing out a fridge full of food two trips ago I was taking measurements and checking prices. It was a easy fix and the fridge has been running at 35* since, so it has been given a reprieve...for now. Had it required any major spending, it would have been outta there.

I'd replace it now for the faster cooling except for that I know how little propane and power it needs to keep it going. As a boondocker that hates generators, that can be important.

[MrWizard]

The Avanti 8 cu ft
Will replace most Norcold Dometic 7 cu ft models
And leave a few inches for ventilation and trim

[wa8yxm]

Almot wrote:
Not too many people intentionally throw their fully functional LP out and install a compressor.

You might be surprised... There is a commercial on TV for Angie's List just now where the man is talking about cleaning the gutters on his house (I do agree with him it's a nasty job and that is why I did something about it on my house but that's another add)

He also talks about all the warnings on ladders "They might as well say You're dead".

Some folks have read about Fridge Fires when the unit fails.. I do not know why RV units tend to be more prone to failure than fixed or shipboard units but my Grandfather installed several systems still in full operation today with no failure (What he did for a living).

YES. fires happen. More likely due to poor maintenance than system design in my opinion.

Second... Well Propane. like the laddres above, comes with warning labels.. I mean it's not like Gasoline where you can fill your own tank (Most folks do not know you can only do that on specially equipped pumps) you have to have the trained pump jockey do it.

So like the guy in the Angie's List add they are scared of the big bad BOOM one gets when one is an idiot around propane...

I was trained to live with propane.. So I do not have that problem either.

What problem do I have... Well back to the ladders.. I'm Acrophobic.

[fcooper]

Here's one replacement for the Norcold N841IM:

The HAIER 10.3-cu ft Top-Freezer Refrigerator (Stainless Steel)
Lowes Item #: 150646 Model #: HA10TG20SS will replace the Norcold model N8411M with no cabinet modifications. It is slightly deeper, but only by 1 or 2 inches. Switched mine out last summer and very pleased.

Fred

[Ivylog]

After years of looking I finally found a unit that came close to fitting the hole of my norcold 1200. Yes I took out a working unit and replaced it with a residential after spending over $1800 on it in the last four years. Here is a link to my DIY project installing a Whirlpool WRT771RWYB 21 cu ft. I still had to increase the height by 3/4".

Home Depot has the new version on sale for $648 plus $99 for a ice maker... WRT311FZDW in white, WRT311FZDB in black, and SS for $949 Seems like Whirlpool has been around for some time.

The discontinued Samsung 197 was a popular install, but it is 70" tall while my Whirlpool is 65" once you take the wheels off BUT unlike the 197, it is not a counter depth unit. The 197 has DC compressors so they worked well on a MSW inverter. I installed a separate battery bank and a PSW inverter for mine.

Last week I finally went camping and did a test of my 500AH battery bank. Results are that I could go 36 hours before reaching 50% and needing to recharge.

[Almot]

Not too many people intentionally throw their fully functional LP out and install a compressor. When the existing LP has already died - or dying, then maybe. Otherwise there isn't much incentive to do this work. And there are certain limitations to either scenario. This route is not for everybody.

As to the "guide"... Unlike LP and 12V models, 110V residentials - I have a feeling that you meant residentials, rather than 12V - they come and go like flood waters in spring. Every year I see some new fly by night names in big box stores, or variations of existing models. Would be difficult to write a comprehensive guide.