Want to go back to original RV fridge

decodancer · 05-08-2011, 08:05 AM

Just picked up my new to me 17 foot Terry TT. There is a household type fridge sitting in the place where the former RV fridge was. It doesn't fit first of all and I plan on doing some dry camping so I want to go back to an RV unit. I checked online and the opening fits a standard 40H by 21W by 24D unit. $700 is probably reasonable for a new one but I'd rather use the money to travel or upgrade other things if possible. Is it possible to find a good used unit or would I be better off just biting the bullet and spending the cash? Is this something I can install myself? Thanks for your input

TXiceman · 05-08-2011, 08:20 AM

Google RV salvage and see which places would have a used RV frig.

Ken

BryanL · 05-08-2011, 08:48 AM

I've seen 2 of them recently on Craig's List here with asking prices around $200.

There is a lot of discussion in various places recently about using an EnergyStar rated household refrigerator in an RV. Often the cost is so much less you can add in the cost of a solar system to run it and still come out ahead.

The installation isn't that much trouble as long as you are comfortable with making a gas connection in an RV. There will probably also be a 12v DC connection and you'll need to be careful in refrigerator selection there. Some will operate off 12v DC and that means rather significant current capability. Others just run a control board off DC so they don't need so much attention to the DC circuit.

phxmtngirl · 05-08-2011, 09:01 AM

Just a thought here, but what about all the fridg recalls? A used one might not have all that recall work done.

PNWGirl · 05-08-2011, 09:15 AM

On Craig's List you will find the rebuilt ones for FAR less than new and they will offer a one year warranty on them. That's as good as the new ones for a fraction of the cost. That is how I got my A/C unit on my 18' TT and the guy came to my house and installed.

He worked for a company who did all the appliances, for RV's for 20 years and then got laid off so opened his own place.

When I am surfing Craig's List and see ads for stuff I don't need now but may, I save the ad (you can copy and paste it in Word, or in my case I convert it to PDF).

Obviously, you only save the ads that have a personal e-mail or the telephone numbers. However, if you are a full timer, this option may not be an option for you as you would need to be local to get the repair under warrenty (if needed).

Sheila

Kurmudgeon · 05-09-2011, 01:19 AM

Absolutely consider buying a used RV fridge. There are a lot of them out there, some at a very reasonable price. I have picked up a couple over the last few years. One I got free from a friend who was scrapping a camper. The other is a large two door refrigerator I bought for $25 from a guy who was remodeling a motorhome. Both work great. The secret is having the patience to wait for the right fridge at the right price.

JP

coburncliff · 05-28-2011, 08:21 PM

I had the same issue in a used 5ther, a Four Winds unit. The previous owners never moved it so put in a household 'fridge. We found a used RV 'fridge at Five Star RVs in Henderson, CO. It was easy to install as all the old hookups were still in the space. I had to cut a filler board to cover the empty space above the new one though. It was about 10" shorter than the Household one that was there previously. I only needed help lifting it into the opening. Now we can run the 'fridge off propane while on the road.