Samsung RF197 Alternative

[Lars99]

This post was mainly for an alternative to the Samsung. The F&P is for those who have height limitations. Sometimes you don't have a choice.

[Lars99]

Fisher Paykel install is complete in my 2003 Camelot. It took myself and a friend about a full day to do the complete install, removal of Norcold, disassembly and fabrication of box where new fridge goes. Both old and new fridge fit through entry door without an issue. The furnace posed a huge problem as far as height, that is why I couldn't use the Samsung. I had to build a subfloor the same height as the furnace so that the fridge could sit approx 1/2" off the top of the furnace. I then ripped a piece of cherry to make up the space on the sides as the Norcold was wider. I still have the issue of the right door slightly touching the ceiling light as the Norcold did. I sealed up the roof vent and will seal the side access door with a piece of foam board that I can easily remove for access when I need it. It seems that the F&P uses the same compressor technology as the Samsung so the MSW inverter should be fine. I tend to be a little anal so I will be adding a PSW inverter in the near future. I will submit a second post with pictures. Any questions, please ask away. Thanks

[Lars99]

Here are the pics of the finished project.


Larry

[Lars99]

Here are the pics of the finished project.



Larry

[DMM2]

Originally Posted by nodine

Deb and Mike,

Our friend Rick Pasetto installed the Samsung RF197 in his 2003 Dynasty and did a fabulous job. You can follow his work here:
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f115/yet-...nt-170536.html

Bob

Thanks for info, Nodine. In my research, missed that thread. Very helpful. Have taken step one and ordered our Samsung RF197. Supposed to be here on the 21st. Guess what we will be doing for fun Memorial day weekend. Already run into small snag and have a post on Monaco site asking about a pipe in the space under the refrigerator.
Could be a very interesting and long weekend next week. Glad I know there are so many people out there that can help us and hold our hands thru this

[StevenNSteph]

Originally Posted by Lars99

Any questions, please ask away. Thanks

Thanks for the pics.

I have received mixed claims on this unit. Does it fit into the Norcold 4 door frig spot without ANY modifications or is it slightly taller than the Norcold? If it is taller - how much?

So far 2 people have claimed it was the exact same size and fit into their Norcold 4 door space with no modifications necessar. However, two others have said it was taller and they needed to modify the cabinet. To make things worse Fisher Paykel refuses to give me the dimensions without the wheels/casters/levelers on it - arghhhh.

From your post you said that you had to build a subfloor so I am assuming that it is taller than the Norcold, Is this correct?

[docj]

The cut-out dimensions for the Norcold 1200 series give a height of 63-1/4 which would still make the F&P taller but only ~4 inches rather than the ~6 inches the Samsung is.

[StevenNSteph]

Originally Posted by docj

The cut-out dimensions for the Norcold 1200 series give a height of 63-1/4 which would still make the F&P taller but only ~4 inches rather than the ~6 inches the Samsung is.

Thanks for trying but the 67.53" measure you are looking at is from the bottom of the caster's to the top of the door hinge. You don't put the door hinge inside the cabinet so that is not the figure that is important. If you dig a little deeper you will find measurements on the web that show the top of the cabinet to the bottom of the casters (which you don't use in the RV) and that measurement is 65.03".

My actual Norcold Cabinet is 63.63 so my question is if you remove the casters from the F&P will that reduce the height from 65.03 to 63.5 ?

So far two people I have contacted have said they removed their Norcold and the F&P just slid right in. One of the claimed their original Norcold opening was measured to 63.75, the other did not measure. However two others have said that the F&P was anywhere from .5 to just over 1" taller than their Norcold opening. So it's not as simple as looking up the specs on line, but thanks for trying.

Steven

[Lars99]

Here are the measurements of the F&P.
Box height without casters and levelers (actual box) 65 1/4"
To the top of the hinges (overall height without casters and levelers 66 1/2",
that is the most important measurement!
Depth 27.25" w/o handles and 29" w/ handles
Width 31"
Depth w/ door open 40.5"

[Lars99]

The F&P does not slide right in, you do have to modify the cabinet, lower the subfloor and build up the sides slightly.

[StevenNSteph]

Thank you for that, now the real mystery is how did two people get it slide right in with no modification????

[PushedAround]

I have no idea about that. I had to cut my header in order to install the F&P refrigerator and take the rollers and adjusting screws off of the bottom. The top hinges extend about 5" back, so you do have to include that height in your cut-out.

As far as the difference in cost, the Samsung would not have fit, so it is a non-issue, plus for that money I have chilled water in the door.

[adonh]

Originally Posted by Lars99

Fisher Paykel install is complete in my 2003 Camelot. It took myself and a friend about a full day to do the complete install, removal of Norcold, disassembly and fabrication of box where new fridge goes. Both old and new fridge fit through entry door without an issue. The furnace posed a huge problem as far as height, that is why I couldn't use the Samsung. I had to build a subfloor the same height as the furnace so that the fridge could sit approx 1/2" off the top of the furnace. I then ripped a piece of cherry to make up the space on the sides as the Norcold was wider. I still have the issue of the right door slightly touching the ceiling light as the Norcold did. I sealed up the roof vent and will seal the side access door with a piece of foam board that I can easily remove for access when I need it. It seems that the F&P uses the same compressor technology as the Samsung so the MSW inverter should be fine. I tend to be a little anal so I will be adding a PSW inverter in the near future. I will submit a second post with pictures. Any questions, please ask away. Thanks

What is the model number of the Fisher Paykel thanks

[StevenNSteph]

Originally Posted by adonh

What is the model number of the Fisher Paykel thanks

http://www.fisherpaykel.com/us/kitch...s/RF170ADUSX4/

RF170ADUSX4