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RonD1 · 07-10-2015, 03:44 PM

Let me start with we are 3000 miles from home with our Norcold 1200 acting up, I was planning on replacing the cooling unit after we get back, but the fans are not working, and I am beginning to think I will rip it out and go with a residential refer, the popular one that we like the is the Samsung RF 197, but my understanding that unit is not built any longer, so I have reviewed all the past refer posts here and the ones from a few years ago don't apply any longer, my question what would be the current Samsung that would work in the coach?. Our Dynasty has the 3000 watt inverter, I have solar and 8, 6 volt batteries, so that part is covered, the fit should work, there is a drawer under the Norcold that can be removed and a small filler installed, thanks in advance, Ron

Scarab0088 · 07-10-2015, 04:11 PM

Can't comment about Samsung, but several RV makers have already moved to using the Whirlpool WRT111:
See: http://www.whirlpool.com/-[WRT111SFD...94/WRT111SFDM/
Available in 3 colors, 11 Cu ft and very nice looking. The RV makers are adding a "T" shaped latch to keep the doors locked during travel.

At about $500 retail vs, the $1,400 retail to replace our Dometic, that will be probably be our recourse some day...hopefully not soon (knock wood).

Best luck

Drifter · 07-10-2015, 04:38 PM

Take a look at the Samsung.

http://www.samsung.com/us/appliances...RF18HFENBSR/AA

Scarab0088 · 07-10-2015, 06:02 PM

Oops, sorry, didn't realize the Norcold 1200 was a side-by-side.

Best luck

BVThunder · 07-10-2015, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drifter

Take a look at the Samsung.

33"-Wide, 18 cu. ft. Capacity Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator (Stainless Steel)

That is the unit we put in our '07 Endeavor last February. With the drawer underneath, it should be a slam dunk. Just move the passenger seat out of the way. Take the doors off the outgoing and incoming units and take it in the door. You have about 1/2" to spare. Lay a blanket over the dash to protect it and get a couple of strong backs.

Love the Samsung... Consistent -2 in the freezer and 38 in the frig. More ice cubes than we can use.

Stretch · 07-10-2015, 11:36 PM

You won't be sorry.buy a home refrigerator. We got rid of our Nocold about 5 years ago.

Sent from my iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum

patmsp · 07-11-2015, 04:37 AM

I had a similar configuration. Brought Samsung in through emergency exit window in bedroom on to bed (after removing doors). Took out the bottom drawers and mounted the fridge on the floor then cut the drawers off, and mounted the drawer fronts as a swing up door front on top of the refrigerator so I could store cookie sheets, muffin tins, etc. on top of the refrigerator.

RustyTools · 07-11-2015, 05:05 AM

The main thing is to look for a "Counter-Depth" frig. They're several inches shallower than a standard frig.

JAW · 07-11-2015, 07:00 AM

RF197 was replaced by the RF 18 which we installed last Winter and are enjoying it. We removed the drawers underneath so it could roll into place. I installed flip cabinet up cabinet doors as suggested by patmsp and everything is good.

RonD1 · 07-12-2015, 05:40 AM

Thanks for the info, the new Samsung 18 cf will be our pick, from prior posts I have the install planned out, I still have the question of mounting it so it stays in place, I may design something to address that, my goal is a clean factory look, and a solid mounting

mocauttx50 · 11-02-2015, 09:14 AM

Thanks for this post. I'm going to install the RF-18 this month in my 06 Revolution. Thanks to Akeyzoo I know I can get it through the front door. If anyone has any tips on mounting I would appreciate hearing them. Our rear furnace is mounted below the Norcold so I have to install the Samsung above it. I read the Atwood specs that calls for 1/2 inch clearance over the top so I'll take advantage of that.

DGBPokes · 11-02-2015, 09:21 AM

My furnace was below the Norcold, was quite a project to get it too fit. Height was the major factor. I wrapped the furnace with aluminum coated bubble insulation. Lowered the shelf, added slotted angle on the sides, and back and built a 1/2.." Plywood deck with cutout for the furnace.

Bob&AnnaMari · 11-02-2015, 11:47 AM

I would strongly suggest you go to the RV Systems & Appliances forum and search for posts by rnodine. He did a great job of documenting how he installed his RF197. You can get a lot of good ideas from his documentation and comments by others who followed his example.

The dimensions for the RF18 are basically the same as the RF197. What has changed is the compressor technology, and it is a big change. Samsung gave written documentation to some that the RF197 would operate just fine on a Modified Sine Wave inverter. They have been reluctant to extend that same guarantee to the RF18 technology. But, these things sip electricity so you could easily get a Pure Sine Wave unit to supply the refrigerator if you need it. (This latter point will depend on you are basically a post to post traveler like we are or do a lot of dry camping.)

But, I must warn you that there is a serious cultural difference you have to accept when you convert to the Samsung unit. Ice cubes freeze in about 20 to 30 minutes. Milk stays really cold and tastes refreshing. You can stop throwing away about half your food because you fear it got too warm. And ice cream stays really frozen. You need to be prepared for these dramatic differences.

Scottybdivin · 11-02-2015, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob&AnnaMari

But, I must warn you that there is a serious cultural difference you have to accept when you convert to the Samsung unit. Ice cubes freeze in about 20 to 30 minutes. Milk stays really cold and tastes refreshing. You can stop throwing away about half your food because you fear it got too warm. And ice cream stays really frozen. You need to be prepared for these dramatic differences.

+1

I will add that we have had ours running on the factory installed Magnum MSW inverter for nearly a year now. We have done over a dozen days of dry camping during that time. It seems to do well. I do intend to upgrade my inverter to a ME-2812 in the near future.

Last winter, I conducted an experiment, running the fridge on inverted power, just to see how long it could sustain. I cut off everything 12V except the inverter and fridge and ran it for 48 hours before the voltage dropped to 12.0V. I have 6 - 6V batteries. It does pretty well on power consumption.