Community Forums

zzjea · 09-27-2013, 02:33 PM

Looks like my Dometic NDR 1292 refrig has an ammonia leak and at least $1300+ to replace with something like an Amish cooling unit, even if I do the work myself. Some have just switched over to a residential unit when this kind of thing happens and some even sooner. I would be interested in what those who now have a residential unit chose and what sizes worked for their space.

1. What brand and model?
2. Width, depth and height?
3. Side by side or 2/4 door?
4. Did it fit thru the door?

My biggest concern is getting one thru the front door. I Have 26" max with the screen door off. I should be able to remove the doors to a res. fridge and gain some wiggle room. I looked at the "counter depth" units on the net and they were extremely expensive. Is this a new rage for in-home use or why are they so high ($2K-3K +)?

I will have to go with a side by side as the doors open into a hallway and they would not open all the way otherwise. My space is 32" wide by about 62" tall. I do have room below to extend down for a taller unit. The biggest issue with depth is just getting it thru the door. I don't want to remove a window etc.

Your replies will be appreciated as I am now removing the flooring in the MH and would rather put a new unit in while the place is torn up and front pas. seat is removed etc.

Thanks
John

Arizona · 09-27-2013, 02:55 PM

If you have to replace the Rv type fridge every 10 years for $1300 that's cheap. To run off propane when needed is a nice option. Very light and quiet is great.
I don't get people wanting to put in home units.

Lincolnboy2 · 09-27-2013, 02:57 PM

RV Ice Box Appliance Parts Cooling Unit Price List

Just found this on the Web.......might be worth checking into... 3 year warranty and 5 year warranty against leaks in the cooling system.

This is a replacement of the cooling system. I'd do this before anything else when mine goes out.....

docj · 09-27-2013, 03:06 PM

The Samsung RF197 has become the favorite of many RVers because it is the only affordable counter-depth refrigerator that anyone is aware of. Counter depth units have, for the most part, always been very expensive mostly, I think, because they are considered to be "gourmet" appliances. IMHO it makes no sense why a smaller refrigerator box should cost so much more.

Anyway, many RVers have used this Samsung because it can fit through most RV doors, at least with its doors removed and because it doesn't stick out any further than the RV refrigerators it replaces. We've had our Samsung for 2-1/2 years and are very satisfied with it.

slemnah · 09-27-2013, 03:09 PM

I love my residential fridge. My last motorhome had a Dometic side by side and I would have to plug it in the night before to use it and hope it was cool enough the next day. I had to worry about leveling the MH and the constant fear of a fire. My residential cools in a couple of hours, has tons more room, runs off the generator or the extra batteries that my MH came with (8 instead of 4). I will take my residential any day of the week over the the ability to use propane but I don't do a lot of dry camping so it isn't a worry for me.
Thanks for listening.....

sgtjoe · 09-27-2013, 03:34 PM

John, I'm going to watch this and see what you end up with. I'm thinking that there isn't much difference from your Marlin and my Tradewinds. Is your fridge on the pass. side with the front furnace under it??

az bound · 09-27-2013, 03:36 PM

There are many of us that have been using residentials, some for many years.
You may get a better response in the National forum, from those that have already done so in your same coach.

Dr4Film · 09-27-2013, 03:39 PM

First off stay FAR away from any RV Cooling Unit Company that sells re-manufactured cooling units even if they are guaranteed for 3 years.

If you end up going the cooling unit route definitely BUY NEW and buy AMISH from the RV Cooling Unit Warehouse.

http://www.rvcoolingunit.net/servlet/StoreFront

For a residential your Dometic NDR1292 is very similar in size to the Norcold 1200. The height is the only major difference.

I removed a Norcold 1200 and installed a Samsung RF197ACBP (Black) model into the same opening EXCEPT the height had to be changed by 7 inches. Luckily I had a storage cabinet under the Norcold and I now have a smaller storage cabinet under the Samsung fridge.

Samsung RF197AC 17.8 cu. ft. Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator with 3 Adjustable Glass Shelves, Humidity Controlled Crispers, Ice Maker, LED Lighting and Internal Digital Display

Samsung fridges are approved for running on MSW inverters too whereas some other manufactures are not.

The Samsung width without the doors is 24 3/8 inches so it sounds like you have plenty of room using the door to get it inside. Mine came in through a window which was easier than using the door and removing the seats.

The only issue I see is the height. You need about 69 7/8 inches minimum or 70 inches would be great.

I have attached the documentary of my installation.

If you feel that the Samsung will not work for you there is a Frigidaire 2 door with top freezer that will fit with less modifications.

Frigidaire FFHT1513L 14.8 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator with 2 Sliding Wire Shelves, Store-More Gallon Door Bins, Full-Width Freezer Rack and Ready-Select Controls

Whatever you do don't let people talk you out of a residential if that is the way you want to go. Our Samsung has been in for 18 months and it has been the BEST modification to our home EVER. It has improved the quality of our RV lifestyle 1000%.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

**CLIFFTALL** · 09-27-2013, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr4Film

First off stay FAR away from any RV Cooling Unit Company that sells re-manufactured cooling units even if they are guaranteed for 3 years. If you end up going the cooling unit route definitely BUY NEW and buy AMISH. Dr4Film ----- Richard

Confused ?? I thought they sold NEW Amish cooling units.

Dr4Film · 09-27-2013, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clifftall

Confused ?? I thought they sold NEW Amish cooling units.

Cliff,

No confusion. See link in post #3.

Dr4Ffilm ----- Richard

Mr_D · 09-27-2013, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clifftall

Confused ?? I thought they sold NEW Amish cooling units.

Looks to me like they only have the rebuilt units.
This isn't David Force at RV Cooling Unit Warehouse.

bailiff · 09-27-2013, 05:10 PM

I am almost in the same boat. Our NDR 1292 continues to function and cools great, I know it is only a matter of time before a replacement will come. Ours is flush to the ceiling set on top of the furnace cabinet. I have lined up a cabinet maker to cut down the furnace cabinet so we can install a modern Dometic Elite in its place.

gatorcq · 09-27-2013, 05:19 PM

I will let the photos speak for themselves:

https://picasaweb.google.com/1031785...eat=directlink

I spent more time preparing then installing.

zzjea · 09-27-2013, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgtjoe

John, I'm going to watch this and see what you end up with. I'm thinking that there isn't much difference from your Marlin and my Tradewinds. Is your fridge on the pass. side with the front furnace under it??

Yes. They only made the Marlin in 2001 and merged it into the Tradewinds from then on. My Marlin looks almost like a Tradewinds and I think the floorplan is almost the same.