I am about to switch out the refrigerator in the 5er. For those who have done so do you have comments that make the job go smoothly? Did you use extra insulation on the sides? I was told that if the new unit is laid on it's side then you would need to wait 24 hours before turning on? What if it is tilted about halfway, do you still need to wait a bit before turning on?Thanks!

My coil is on the back. I removed the doors to get it in. The manufacturer will give the side clearance numbers. I closed off my top and side vent and treat it as a home install with proper side and top clearance.

Once a fridge has been moved and left on its back or side and perhaps leaning a lot it is best to let the refrigerant inside settle for a while ( not sure how long ) before turning on.

Weldon, You have gotten an amazing mix of information, and about half of it is wrong. We are talking about a modern AC powered compressor unit.... It has to be close to upright to run, other than that, it doesn't care. You don't have to wait for nothing to happen.Azrving was on the mark and you will not need the old venting for that was for the gas unit. If it does not have the coil on the back, then it is cooled by the sides, so those have to be open.I did this change about 8 years ago, then I got the original repair and DW won't let me change back.... Matt

The reason for letting it sit for a while is so the oil can drain back down to the compressor. The oil is mostly in suspension in the refrigerant loop. Even then its not really that big of a deal but a CYA by the manufacturer.

Thanks Matt Colie, Ava and azrving...do appreciate your comments. Do you know if insulation is needed? My old one is loose and ready to come out. It is also a bit over 100 miles away so I am unable to look and see if insulation is there now.

Installing residential refrigerator | Good Sam Community

Weldon
Explorer
Aug 08, 2018
azrving wrote:
Bill.Satellite wrote:
It can't hurt! Is this your new residential fridge? If so, I am sitting in 105 degrees in S. CA and I don't have any additional ventilation other than the roof vent. No fans, never have.

Is your coil on the back or in the cabinet sides?

Yes sir, this is the new one.
Weldon
Explorer
Aug 08, 2018
In the cabinet sides.
azrving
Explorer
Aug 08, 2018
Bill.Satellite wrote:
It can't hurt! Is this your new residential fridge? If so, I am sitting in 105 degrees in S. CA and I don't have any additional ventilation other than the roof vent. No fans, never have.

Is your coil on the back or in the cabinet sides?
Bill_Satellite
Explorer II
Aug 08, 2018
It can't hurt! Is this your new residential fridge? If so, I am sitting in 105 degrees in S. CA and I don't have any additional ventilation other than the roof vent. No fans, never have.
Weldon
Explorer
Aug 08, 2018
Right now my RV is parked and will not be moved for some time. The temp daily is around 95 degrees and drops to about 75 in the evening. The refrigerator will be ON constantly. Do I need to add the small fan for improved cooling/ventilation? Thanks
pianotuna
Nomad III
Aug 01, 2018
Be sure to test the thermocube. Some of them (brand new) do not switch on.
AllegroD
Nomad
Aug 01, 2018
Since I have the area sealed and insulated, I am going to add these.
Bill_Satellite
Explorer II
Aug 01, 2018
Closing only the vent in the side of the RV seems to have eliminated any possibility of the ice maker water line freezing as we have spent some part of the last 3 Winters in VERY cold weather including a blizzard in NJ last Winter.
Weldon
Explorer
Jul 31, 2018
Thanks would not want a frozen water line.
AllegroD
Nomad
Jul 30, 2018
Weldon wrote:
Questions, is there a small fan with thermostat that operates off 115volt to reduce heat from the frig? Why cover the outside vent, seems if it is left open it would aid in the cooling process. Rather than close the top vent why not leave it open for cooling?
Thanks!

It has a a water line for an ice maker. Like I said earlier, we camp late fall to early winter in temps that will potentially get to low 30-high 20 at night. Do not want it to freeze at the water line connections.