replace Norcold

[the2mooks]

We have a 2004 Alegro Bus and would like to get rid of the Norcold for a standard fridge. Has any one done this? Is there a specific fridge to buy to fit the space. and, if you don't mind me asking, approximate cost.

[nightriderrv]

Yes it can be done and when finished you will very pleased with the performance, just measure the rough opening then locate a size that will fit. is there anything under the unit, drawer or heater if so then a platform will be needed to handle the weight it's not much heavier then what you got now but the one there now is screwed in different places which helps hold it. Don't know on the cost but there is many post here that go in detail on the swap out

[docj]

There are many threads about doing this. Search for "residential refrigerator". Many people, including us, have used the Samsung RF197 model but it is in very short supply these days. The cost will depend on whether you do any of the work yourself and how much electrical rewiring may be needed. Plan on the cost of the fridge plus another $500-1000.

["007"]

In this forum you will find change to residential fridge and change of Norcold messed up cooling unit with the Amish cooling unit.

[Ocletti]

Originally Posted by the2mooks

We have a 2004 Alegro Bus and would like to get rid of the Norcold for a standard fridge. Has any one done this? Is there a specific fridge to buy to fit the space. and, if you don't mind me asking, approximate cost.

I also have a 04 Bus. Three weeks ago when we were up north, we started smelling ammonia. Seemed like we could smell it at night. A couple days later I got an alarm on the fridge. Oddly enough, we had just received another recall on the fridge, Norcold 1200. This is our third MH, and had to replace the box on our previous RV, a Discovery. I checked the alarm code on the web. Considering the smell of ammonia, we decided to replace the fridge with an electric/ home model. We drove home to St. Louis, Mo.. Again, combing the web, I found some good sites on the subject. First you need to examine how you use your MH. The big question is do you do a lot of camping with no power, like on a beach. Personally, we go from resort to resort, and never go without power, unless we stop for the night somewhere. The fridge will run off the 4 battery bank inverter for short times. Some people add 2 additional batteries, or install a true wave inverter. We looked around a lot to find the best fridge. We bought a fridge at sears, made by whirlpool, 21.7cf., 2 door side by side. Lots of fridge space. It fit through the side window in the front passenger side. I had to modify the icebox enclosure. Lowered, and re-enforced the floor over the breaker box, widen the opening 1", and removing the top crossover wood. Also removed the wood box against the back wall. That gave me an extra 2 inches of depth. It came out very nice. Just like home. Ice, and water in door. Hard ice cream. I'm not sorry. I would do it again. Don't have to worry about recalls or fire hazards. Cost $768. for the box on sale. There were four models. Mine was a 106.5716*701. The three others were a little fancier, and cost more.