Swap to residential refer

[Chinolbz]

So, I'm that close to swapping to a residential fridge. I have the semi-standard Dometic 8 cuft, 60"x24"x24". Most of the 110v models in the 10 cuft size have really bad reviews. What are you all using and how has it worked out so far? Do you block off the side and top vents? How do you insulate or cover any side, top, and bottom spaces?
Do you disconect the defrost heater, or? Thanks Chino

[gtwitch]

3 years ago I found an Avanti to replace my dometic and width was correct and height was 1.5 shorter so put 2x2 pieeces in and small grill from ACE and trim and on the back side I just blocked off the vents in the rear panel and left the roof vent in place and filter with fiberglass furnace filter to keep critteers out and it works out fine and my Yamaha 1kw gen will run it going down the road from the pickup box on about a cup of fuel a day. I drilled a couple of 3/32 holes in the top /inside of the handles and use small bungies to a cup hook on the left side cabinet to hold the doors. Works great and no issues in 3 years or so!!
gtwitch in wyoming

[CJW8]

How do you secure the residential Refer doors while traveling?

[Kayteg1]

I read lot of members did the swap, but nobody mention different heat exchange principals.
That should be investigated before making the final design.
All RV fridges have heat exchanging coil on the back.
Residential fridges have the coils under the fridge, what require good clearance at the bottom as well at the top. Garage type fridges will have coils on the back while some dorm type refrigerators have heat exchanger molded into sides and require air flow on the sides.
Also don't forget to seal and insulate original vents on the floor and roof in fridge compartment.

[jpmihalk]

We replaced our Norcold 8cf RV fridge with a Haier 10.11cf residential fridge and it was almost an exact fit (in our previous Class A.) The only insulation we needed to add was underneath as there was a gap at the floor level.

[Halmfamily]

Just swapped out our Dometic for a Magic Chef 9.9 cu ft residential fridge. Width wise fit like a glove, height wise Magic Chef is 3 1/2" shorter. I filled that in with a 1x4 painted black and trimmed that and the fridge out. Added two vents to the bottom front to promote air circulation.

On the rear vents I covered the inside with Gorilla tape and left one inch open at the top so the fridge can breath. I added to "L" brackets to the top rear and two to the bottom rear to secure it.

It works great, I just have it plugged into the 110 where the Dometic was plugged in. Takes less than hour to reach temp. And best of all I sold my Dometic for $675 and only paid $298 for the Magic Chef at Home Depot.

Sorry, I can't add pictures as I only have a smart phone.