2004 Discovery Fridge swap

[ardbark]

I know, I know, this thread will probably be moved over to Appliances, but I'm looking for info from someone who has made the swap from the crappy NOcold 1200 to a residential unit in a Discovery of about the same year as mine.

Before I tear this POS out of the coach I would like to know what I'm getting into. I've searched and there's lots of threads on residential swap outs, but they're on a Dutch Star or a Windsor or a Monico or or or... I haven't found anything specific to a 2003/4/5 39' Disco.

If there is a thread out there someone knows about please point me to it. If someone has gone through the upgrade, and I'm sure there are plenty, please share. We can go off line if you like.

Also, since the Samsung 197's are no more, what's the go-to fridge these days? I measured and if I take the door off I have right at 26" so I'm not necessarily locked into a cabinet depth fridge. GE makes a 15.5cf Energy Star model that is only 25.5 deep w/o the doors, I think I could sneak something like that in without taking out a windshield.

Any help would be most appreciated!

cheers...

[Skip426]

Since they discontinued, that Samsung model , I've seen Whirlpool ; WRT-111 mentioned here in the forums. I haven't pulled up the specs yet, but that's another possibility. I'll see if I can find that post.


EDIT: If you haven't found this one already , it may provide some useful info.


http://www.irv2.com/forums/f54/never...nt-250077.html

[LouieL]

I just completed a Samsung RF 18 install on my 2006 Discovery.

Samsung 33 in. W 17.5 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator in Stainless Platinum, Counter Depth-RF18HFENBSP - The Home Depot

I removed the cooling unit and doors off the Nevercold and was able to take it out the door.
The new fridge went in the door but several things had to be taken off and lots of patience was used. The door RV hinge pin was removed to allow the door to open past 90 deg, the left side long grab handle inside was removed as was the passenger side seat. The door striker on the door frame was also removed.

Doors must be removed from the Samsung, control box on top of the new fridge was unbolted and allowed to hang. Lifting...This will take at least 3 men to do. Not because is heavy , but because of the angle it had to go in.

The factory fridge opening width was perfect only the height had to be adjusted. We lowered the floor to the correct measurement loosing the lower drawer in the process. You could possibly go up and save the drawer, but i did not want the fridge that high.You will have to device a way to secure the fridge to the new location. I fabricated "L"shaped brackets bolted to the bottom of the fridge and floor.

And last, I relocated the electrical outlets to the floor beneath the new floor. I left a cut out on the floor to allow for the wires to be plugged in.

The water line from the Norcold easily attached to the Samsung line.Dont forget to cap the propane line and tuck safely out of the way.