Community Forums

drfife · 08-09-2012, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDT

I have 2 6 volt Interstate batteries and a 1500 watt inverter to run my Samsung fridge. Should be able to get about 10 hours of full time running. Of course it won't run full time. We may drive 400 to 500 miles in a day and then stay at a park with hookups. We never dry camp so it should never be a problem for us.

The battery compartment was a little shallow for the taller 6 volts so the dealer had to do a little mod work.

They told me I can get four 6 volt batteries in the battery compartment.

Do you have any pictures of your fridge? Battery compartment?

Thanks for the info.

RickS · 08-09-2012, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drfife

Bryan informed me they don't ship or include a battery from the factory. The battery is the dealers part of the transaction.

I'd rather have two or four 6 volt batteries.

Hmmmm!

Here is a picture of the larger battery compartment.

drfife · 08-09-2012, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickS

Hmmmm!

Here is a picture of the larger battery compartment....

Thanks for the picture.

Is that compartment in the standard location?

RickS · 08-09-2012, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drfife

Thanks for the picture.

Is that compartment in the standard location?

Yeah it is just behind the propane compartment and in front of storage compartment.

Endeavor2BnC · 08-10-2012, 06:52 AM

It is my understanding that the battery compartment location has now changed to underneath the rig's basement. This allows for greater storage and larger access doors on the drivers side. They have also made separate entry door for the utility section.

I'd see if they can make the battery compartment large enough for 6 - 6 volt batteries. That will give you tons of AH and you'd really be a "happy camper".

drfife · 08-10-2012, 07:17 AM

I hope Bryan is reading this thread....

drfife · 08-10-2012, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDT

...my Samsung fridge.....

What model Samsung fridge did they install?

Does it have an ice maker?

Do you have pictures?

JDT · 08-10-2012, 11:59 PM

Drfife, you should get a Samsung RF197 19 cubic foot french door fridge. You should be able to find it on the Samsung website. It will be a stainless steel model but you probably already know that. It will have an ice maker which will give you all the ice you need. I understand they may not be making this model any more but some are still available and have the full warranty from Samsung. I think Bryan bought all he could find.

When the Norcold in our motorhome went out last year I replaced it with the RF197, except in black. After lots of research I went with this one because it is a counter depth model that is shallower than the standard size and fit very nicely in the hole left by the Norcold. Also, it does not mind running on a modified sine wave inverter, which is what you will get with your Winslow. Most others would require a pure sine wave inverter which costs quite a bit more. It will draw about 5 amps at start up and 2 when running. To convert amps to watts multiply the amps times 120. A 1500 watt inverter dedicated to the fridge is more than it needs. I felt 2 6 volt batteries would be more than adequate for the way we use the Winslow. About the only time the fridge will be running off the inverter is when we are going down the road. Our motorhome had a 2000 watt inverter with 4 6 volt batteries that would run most outlets, the tv's, the Samsung fridge, the microwave and 2 computers when needed. We never had any problems and in fact when I sold the motorhome in April it still had the original batteries in it working just fine.

The battery compartment is on the road side of the coach inside the bay storage area. The compartment is below the floor level of the storage bay and has a hinged flush mount hinge. Not sure if any changes have been made but the depth of the compartment was based on 12 volt batteries. 6 volt are a bit taller and my dealer had to put a lip around the lid to make it tall enough for the batteries. Hopefully this has been corrected.

We are currently on a month long trip to Colorado but will try to get some pics to you when I can.

drfife · 08-11-2012, 12:03 AM

Jim, thanks for the info.

drfife · 08-13-2012, 08:24 PM

We received the fabric and carpet samples last Friday. Over the weekend we made our selections and Janice called them today with our preferences.

Sofa and recliners: Hampton (dark brown) leather look vinyl
Valances in living room: Hampton vinyl with Sable fabric trim
Carpet: Pebble
Counter tops: Light speckled solid surface
Bedspread: Buff
Bedroom valances: Taupe fabric with Hampton vinyl trim
Glazed maple hardwood cabinets and laminate flooring

ExcelRVGuy · 08-13-2012, 10:18 PM

All "In Floor" battery compartments have been deepened and, with the exception of 2 models (The D28RKW & D37FLE), all will accomodate 4 group 27 12v or 4 6v golf cart batteries.

So far, we have found a good source for the Samsung 197 residential refrigerator and they say it has not been discontinued. It is an amazing refrigerator and we are putting it in more and more orders.

For those who are interested in this option, keep in mind that the waterline to the ice maker is NOT part of our exclusive TEN BELOW ZERO freeze guarentee as the 1/4" line must run through the ram into the slide-out room.

Bryan

drfife · 08-13-2012, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExcelRVGuy

...For those who are interested in this option, keep in mind that the waterline to the ice maker is NOT part of our exclusive TEN BELOW ZERO freeze guarentee as the 1/4" line must run through the ram into the slide-out room....

Bryan, the ten below zero guarantee is not too important for a guy from Texas.

I've never winterized any of my campers and never had a problem in 13+ years.

But, that's why I ordered two 15K AC's for our "chilly" Texas summers.

gdphillipsrv · 08-23-2012, 02:30 PM

Congrats on your new Excel Winslow! We were recently introduced to the Excel line and were truly impressed after spending the last several months looking at the "Indiana RVs". I like the the IKE floor plan, but my wife really likes the rear kitchen model. Looking forward to hearing more about the construction progress on your new coach.

v/r, Gordon

Gordon & Lisa Phillips (both retired USAF)
Albuquerque, NM
2012 Chevy 3500HD DM SRW

bigmichael · 08-24-2012, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gdphillipsrv

Congrats on your new Excel Winslow! We were recently introduced to the Excel line and were truly impressed after spending the last several months looking at the "Indiana RVs". I like the the IKE floor plan, but my wife really likes the rear kitchen model. Looking forward to hearing more about the construction progress on your new coach.

v/r, Gordon

Gordon & Lisa Phillips (both retired USAF)
Albuquerque, NM
2012 Chevy 3500HD DM SRW

Hi Gordon,
Just thought I should share a little info so you know what's in your future LOL.

We bought a new "08" Excel when we decided to go FTing back then. Last year we made the mistake of looking at a rear kitchen model while at the factory. My wife loved it! We now own a 2013 rear kitchen!!

In all seriousness though, we ordered it and ended up with the 22nd
2013 model year built. We took delivery about 9 or 10 weeks ago, have already put a few thousand miles on it, and are liking it very much. The rear kitchen seems to have given us a lot more kitchen storage space. I think its a combination of the depth of the rear cupboards, along with the optional portable island.

Good luck in your shopping.