How to install a new Frig? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Mike and Gloria · RV-Dreams Family Member

How to install a new Frig?

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm sure if you post to one of the larger forums like RV.Net or Escapees in the Technical area, you will get some advice from people who have done this successfully.

Cindy T · RV-Dreams Family Member

With a sticks n bricks type of refrigerator, there's also the issue of not being able to run it on propane. If you're not a boondocker, might not be any big deal or if you're set up w/a generator or solar, also not a big deal.

You've probably already considered the boondocking/not boondocking factor, but I thought I'd throw it out there just in case.

I do really like the idea of a "normal" sized frig!

Cindy T

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

Even if you find some info on the subject, your install will have different conditions specific to your unit that you will need to address. It's difficult to know how handy you are, but, if you are willing to go for it, read read read, look things over, plan on and don't be surprised by the unexpected, and give it a go.....G

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

Here's one article I found...

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f54/out-goes-the-norcold-in-with-the-maytag-81685.html

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

Use brackets on the back of the refrigerator (thru the access panel) to hold itt in place. Also use a ratchet strap - if you have the room to access the sides. Put eyebolts into the floor, use the ratchet strap over the fridge to hold it down. The biggest issue for most people is the cabinet work.

RVRon · RV-Dreams Family Member

Don't forget too that you need some kind of secure latch to keep the door(s) closed during travel. The magnetic strip on the door isn't intended to keep the door closed when you're moving! A friend installed a Samsung refrigerator in his motorhome and first used a velcro strap, then converted to a latch that Monaco uses when they install residental fridges in their newer motorhomes.

Mike and Gloria · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks for all the replies. Lots of good information. Since Mike posted, we found out that there's a recall on our Dometic - which is supposed to be taken care of this coming week. However, after it's done, we are still planning to replace it with a Whirlpool that will be delivered this coming Friday. Turns out the Dometic is only 8 cu ft; the Whirlpool is 10. We eat LOTS of fresh fruits and veggies and need something more reliable and larger than this Dometic. Actually, it's a win/win situation; our son in BC lives 3000 ft up a mountain and is off-grid. They need a fridge that will run on propane. Right now they're using one that's about 5 cu ft - but a year ago they had twins so are needing more fridge space. This one will be going to them next time we go up.

The cabinet work isn't going to be a problem; Mike has some experience with woodworking.

We have considered the need to secure the unit for travel and keeping those doors shut. Will be researching that latch that Monaco uses. I've already been looking at fridge door locks but haven't been real impressed with what I've seen so far. We'll be at this campground until the end of December, we think. Before we leave, we plan to have an invertor installed and connected to the batteries of this rig so that when we're on the road, the fridge can be plugged into that. No generator or solar panels yet but we're working on it. In the meantime, we've read that when traveling and boondocking overnight, to just be sure the turn the fridge off when parked and don't open the doors. Turn it back on in the morning before you take off. Works for me.

Gloria