Propane or Residential refrig

[Migkiller]

Originally Posted by Doo Woper

I learned a lot from you all about residential Refrigerators. When my 10 year old Norcold goes I’m getting a residential. Thanks.

[Taarnac]

I wanted to add my $0.02 worth of experience with RV refers, just for laughs and a FWIW. My 2003 Expedition came with the Norcold 1200 LRIM. Roomy with 2 freezers and ample fridge area. It lasted 7 years and then blew it's pungent ammonia mixture, due apparently to a corrosion hole. I had it replaced under an insurance policy at the dealer. The new unit failed within a month. I insisted that they come replace it on-site and they did. It subsequently failed in the same manner a few years later and I ordered a replacement Amish brand cooling unit which arrived with stains on the packaging because it was damaged in transit. They sent another replacement which I installed myself (I had the same issue mentioned in another post with the foam). One odd thing was that the Amish unit instructions indicated that the temp sensor for the fan should be moved to another location and ever since, the fans have never activated, but I don't know for sure if this is related, or another issue. Since then, the control board failed and I replaced it with a board from Dinosaur Electronics. It worked well, but later was destroyed by a leak from the icemaker fill line that cracked. I know, I know, ridiculous, huh? Anyway, I'm done with these things, and am looking for a good way to forcefully eject it out the side wall of my RV when it fails next

[RustyTools]

Have it ejected straight up, instead of out the side. The greater fall-distance will make for a more-satisfying impact when it hits the ground.

[KTM251ss]

Originally Posted by Shawn143

I gotta say I’ve had a lot of problems with my Samsung residential fridge. Twice now the temperature wouldn’t go below 58 degrees. We were on the road. Apparently moisture got inside the freezer and frosted over not allowing cool air to the top portion refrigerator. Never had any problems with my old RV fridge. It was smaller but kept my beer icy cold. Anyone else ever have that happen?

This is a common complaint with the Samsung RF 18 which is why I opted for the GE GWE19J, less negative reviews and exactly the same dimensions except 1/4 inch shorter. We took off the doors of both refrigerators and got through the side door. It fits like a glove in the same spot and all we had to do is remove trim from above and below the Norcold to add 6 inches. Side to side trim is exactly the same.

[kovalsmt]

We have a Norcold and love it. If you got 20 years out of your last one that's tuff to beat. The residential types are cheaper but most don't last 20 years in an RV according to people I talk to in RV parks and a couple of full timer friends. Tuff decision.
Mike
2009, 42' Monaco Camelot, 425 isl
Ford crew cab towed

[Harrysait]

All depends on your RV, may not be necessary to tear up your rig. Removing the doors, our old Norcold when out thru the door, new Whirlpool came in thru the door, in fact Lowe’s driver took care of both.
To install in same opening, this 25% more capacity refer need the cabinet sides trimmed by 3/8” and it slid right in. Plugged into inverter socket, hour later it was 40* colder. No tearing apart of RV!

[Marshalone]

We had a residential in our first RV and it was great. This one has a propane/electric and it has taken us 5 years to maybe get the hang of travelling with it and keeping it cold. One dealer said keep it on electric and when the tow vehicle is plugged in, the invertor will keep the fridge running.....wrong. Another dealer said we couldn't run it down the road on LP because the 'road wind' would blow the pilot out......hasn't happened yet thank goodness. The fridge cools down much faster on LP.....takes 8-10 hours on electric. Just another confusing live and learn issue with RV ownership.

[loranimal]

I used to love my Norcold..... until Thanksgiving morning.

[studesrus]

Originally Posted by KTM251ss

This is a common complaint with the Samsung RF 18 which is why I opted for the GE GWE19J, less negative reviews and exactly the same dimensions except 1/4 inch shorter. We took off the doors of both refrigerators and got through the side door. It fits like a glove in the same spot and all we had to do is remove trim from above and below the Norcold to add 6 inches. Side to side trim is exactly the same.

:something I learned from the FGRV folks with refrigerators either kind, install 2 computer fans in back to help cool them when hot out works to keep cooler.
Peter

[Brian Lee]

Im new to all this got our first class c motorhome in march. What caused the fire? I know fridge but what specifically

[loranimal]

Originally Posted by Brian Lee

Im new to all this got our first class c motorhome in march. What caused the fire? I know fridge but what specifically

I have no idea..

[Migkiller]

Originally Posted by loranimal

I used to love my Norcold..... until Thanksgiving morning.

So sorry to see the damage from the fire !! Glad no one was injured !!

[Migkiller]

Originally Posted by kovalsmt

We have a Norcold and love it. If you got 20 years out of your last one that's tuff to beat. The residential types are cheaper but most don't last 20 years in an RV according to people I talk to in RV parks and a couple of full timer friends. Tuff decision.
Mike
2009, 42' Monaco Camelot, 425 isl
Ford crew cab towed

Probably won't have our coach for maybe more than 5 yrs. Its cheaper to get the RR.

[barmcd]

Originally Posted by Brian Lee

Im new to all this got our first class c motorhome in march. What caused the fire? I know fridge but what specifically

Here's a little info for you on the fire potential.

"Background:

The refrigerators contain flammable gases - including Hydrogen Gas - under high pressure. The gases are heated by electricity or propane to circulate and provide the refrigeration effect.

Fires are caused when defects in the refrigerator design release the flammable gases, which can then Explosively Ignite and spread quickly through the refrigerator compartment and into the passenger area of the RV.

In 2000, the company issued a series of limited product safety recalls for their Norcold RV refrigerator - and that if retrofitted with a thermal sensor, the refrigerators would be safe to use. This so-called fix not only permanently disabled the electronic controls at times, there were several other defects that went unaddressed.

More than 2,000 fires resulting in millions of dollars in property damage, personal injury, and death have been reported since 1999."