Residential refrigerator in 37B

[osgoor]

Thinking of replacing the Norcold refrigerator with a residential unit. Has anyone done this in a Suncruiser 37B and if so, what brand/model did you go with? Also, any issues with the install?

Thanks very much.

[Sky_Boss]

What model Norcold? If it is a 1201 the Samsung 197 is a good replacement.

[becks]

As said , the Samsung 197 is the best all around fit. However, there are others that will work. I installed one in my coach over Labor Day weekend. It was a good bit of work, but well worth it, as we absolutely love it.

[osgoor]

Originally Posted by becks

As said , the Samsung 197 is the best all around fit. However, there are others that will work. I installed one in my coach over Labor Day weekend. It was a good bit of work, but well worth it, as we absolutely love it.

I would love to hear more of the details on the effort involved. Also, do you feel this change is a plus or minus for resale? On one hand, the ability to go with LP is a feature but the fire risk to me is too high.

Thanks again

[Stevegd007]

Does the 197 fit the same "footprint" as Norcold 1200? Not haveing LP...are you adding a different "inverter" to handle the power load? Or adding "extra" batteries? to run the unit dry camping or traveling? What is "switching" the 120 v load between shore power and "unhooking" to travel?
I have seen "new" off the shelf replacement Norcold 1200 costing 3 grand. This Samsung is floating around 1500 plus all the install and modification costs. Savings are obvious.
New Winnebago's are now offering "options" to drive off with residential units!

[Sky_Boss]

Originally Posted by Stevegd007

Does the 197 fit the same "footprint" as Norcold 1200? Not haveing LP...are you adding a different "inverter" to handle the power load? Or adding "extra" batteries? to run the unit dry camping or traveling? What is "switching" the 120 v load between shore power and "unhooking" to travel?
...!

A few answers:

1. The depth and width are pretty darn close while the height is a few inches taller. The roof of the MH will be something to consider in that m DSDP is pretty square but some roofs are a bit more curved. As an example, I could have increased the height of the refer enclosure without any problems but if the back side of the enclosure was rounded significantly, it might cause a little problem.

2. With regards to #1. Our furnace is below the refer's platform. We chose to have the platform lowered about 3" for convenience. That makes the top shelf an easier reach for my wife. If you had a problem with a rounded roof, that could be your option to get enough height room. You might also just decide to do that for convenience.

3. I already had a 2500W PSW inverter so it was easy for me to move the refer power from the main breaker to the inverter breaker. BTW...the 197 will run on a modified sine wave inverter just fine. You could consider adding a separate, small inverter for it. There are lots of opinions on whether you will need to add batteries and that would be dependent on how much dry camping you plan to do.

4. Whether you add it to an existing inverter circuit or put it on its own inverter should not affect on how you deal with use of shore power.

I'm not a wood worker so I had it installed. Total cost of refer & labor was a tad over $3,000. That included removing the Norcold, lowering the platform it sat in, capping off the propane, adding a new breaker to my inverter panel along with moving the power to it, installing the Samsung and anchoring it in and trim work.

Taking the doors off of both the Norcold and the Samsung they both went through the main door. We didn't even have to remove the passenger door.

I have absolutely no regret about doing this. Not a singe one.

[pdq_bc]

hi osgoor
while we do not have a suncruiser 37B, we have a suncruiser 35P

we replaced the rv fridge with a fisher & paykel - model that's counter depth, with french doors, freezer on the bottom, and water in the door
BEST THING WE EVER DID!
the residential fridge we choose we an exact fit into the space. we had the old fridge removed and new one installed by an rv repair business (it was more than a one person job).
pdq