Norcold Swap

[Rocky B]

Doing my research on swapping my Norcold 1200 to a Samsung RF197 residential refrigerator. I have a 2000 Monaco diplomat 40 PBD. Trace 1500 inverter with 4 6volt golf size battery. My question is will this set up be able to support the Samsung during travel time. How long will it take to deplete the battery pack. Has anyone done the swap and has the same set up?

[paz]

Originally Posted by Rocky B

Doing my research on swapping my Norcold 1200 to a Samsung RF197 residential refrigerator. I have a 2000 Monaco diplomat 40 PBD. Trace 1500 inverter with 4 6volt golf size battery. My question is will this set up be able to support the Samsung during travel time. How long will it take to deplete the battery pack. Has anyone done the swap and has the same set up?

I'm running a Samsung RF197 on a 1000 watt inverter and two 6-volt golf cart batteries. There's no way we can boondock, but the 160-amp motorhome alternator has no problem keeping the batteries charged while on the road. We haven't had to run the refer any longer than about 30 minutes without the vehicle engine running, but I am confident we could go a couple of hours with the engine off and not go below 50% charge. With 4 batteries, you could go a lot longer, especially if there isn't anything else running on the inverter.

BTW, word has it the RF197 is no longer available. There may still be some in stock somewhere, but it is no longer listed on the Lowe's web site, and several people have said they were told by Lowe's they could no longer order it. The RF217, which is the same height and width and a couple of inches deeper, is still available.

[Drifter]

We have a 2000 watt inverter with four batteries and can last 8 to 10 hours boondocking without any problems.

[docj]

Samsung states here: Samsung samsung 18 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator: questions, answers, how to, FAQs, tips, advice, answers, buying guide that the refrigerator is rated for 11.6 A and that any inverter should have that capability. Your 1500 watt inverter should be Ok. We have a 2.5kW inverter, 4 6-volt batteries and a 100W solar panel and have no trouble keeping the fridge going while we travel. In fact, at the end of a driving day our batteries hardly seem to have discharged.

[Rocky B]

Was able to visit my coach this afternoon and found out that the Samsung is to tall for the 2000 Monaco Diplomat. The only way is to take out the furnace and it's the only furnace I have. I have an electric fire place but the only way that would work is if I have the generator running. Best Buy have the Samsung in stock here in Chicago and found another one by Sears. I still would want to swap the norcold. Has anyone done it and what brand/model refrigerator was used. Again thanks for the insight.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by docj

Samsung states here: Samsung samsung 18 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator: questions, answers, how to, FAQs, tips, advice, answers, buying guide that the refrigerator is rated for 11.6 A and that any inverter should have that capability. Your 1500 watt inverter should be Ok. We have a 2.5kW inverter, 4 6-volt batteries and a 100W solar panel and have no trouble keeping the fridge going while we travel. In fact, at the end of a driving day our batteries hardly seem to have discharged.

11.6 amps is 1392 watts (11.6 X 120), pulling that much will take quite a bite out of the batteries BUT it only needs to run for short periods.

[Drifter]

Samsung takes 11.5 amps on start up then runs on 3 amps, so it's not so bad.

[86 Cavalcade]

Rocky, I have a 2001 Diplomat 40' PBD and I installed a GE mfd fridge I bought at Home Depot. We have had it for 2 years and it works great. It is a 15.5 cubic foot with the freezer on top and I still have my furnace. I did install a Xantrex Prowatt 2000 watt PSW and it works great also. This is not an inverter/charger it is only an inverter. I have 2 seperate battery chargers that I use to keep my battery banks charged. When I bought the coach it did not have an inverter/charger at all, just the empty spot where it had been installed. George R. 2001 Diplomat PBD

[Rocky B]

Thanks George.... nice to know that options are available. Planning on doing it this weekend but now the kids want to go to the caves in Iowa. Im gonna hold off on the work and have fun first. Will go to Home Depot cause looking on a computer screen does not do it any justice.

[paz]

Originally Posted by Rocky B

...Has anyone done it and what brand/model refrigerator was used. Again thanks for the insight.

Another brand I see mentioned a lot to replace the Norcold is Whirlpool. It is 19.7 cu ft (I think) side-by-side with through the door ice and water. The height is similar to the Norcold (much less than the Samsung). Width (36") is a tight fit in the Norcold opening, but most people say it works. However, it is deeper than either the Norcold or the Samsung and will require you to remove a window to get it in.

Just be aware that most, if not all, other brands of RR will require a PSW inverter. Samsung is the only brand of RR I am aware of that will run on a MSW inverter, which is what most coaches originally come equipped with (unless the coach also originally came with a RR). You may need to replace your inverter with PSW. Alternatively, you can install a second, smaller, dedicated PSW inverter just for the refer.

[Dr4Film]

Here is one that will drop into the Norcold opening without any modifications. 14.8 cu. ft. capacity so you are gaining almost 3 cu. ft. of capacity over the Norcold.

http://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajm...FHT1513LW.html

I love my newly installed Samsung RF197ACBP. http://www.irv2.com/forums/f115/sams...bt-122116.html

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[vito.a]

Originally Posted by Dr4Film

Here is one that will drop into the Norcold opening without any modifications. 14.8 cu. ft. capacity so you are gaining almost 3 cu. ft. of capacity over the Norcold.

Frigidaire FFHT1513LW 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: White

I love my newly installed Samsung RF197ACBP. http://www.irv2.com/forums/f115/sams...bt-122116.html

Dr4Film ----- Richard

Wow, that Frigidaire is a bargain! $449

Specs
Width:28"
Cabinet Width:28"
Cabinet Depth (including Handle):31 3/8"
Cabinet Depth (including Door):29 3/8"
Cabinet Depth:26 5/8"
Depth (Door Open 90 Degrees):56"
Cabinet Height:59 3/8"
Cabinet Height (including Hinge Covers):60 1/8"
Shipping Weight (approx.):175 lbs.
Total Capacity:14.8 cu. ft.
Refrigerator Capacity:11.01 cu. ft.
Freezer Capacity:3.74 cu. ft.

[Dr4Film]

For those that may be interested in purchasing one of these units, they are Energy Star rated which you want for minimum inverter usage, and come in four different colors, white, bisque, black and stainless with different prices.

ffht1513

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[Rocky B]

I'm hitting thr ref. section of Sears, Home depot, Menards, Lowes ang Best Buy today. I'm so thankful to everyone for the insight. Now I know what to look for.