Community Forums

bdickson · 02-09-2017, 01:32 PM

I'm looking for anyone with a Challenger 37GT with a factory installed residential refrigerator. I believe the change from the Dometic 4 door was made in 2014. Could someone with a residential fridge please give me the dimensions of the opening and also the make/model of the refrigerator. My Dometic is showing signs of age and I'm trying to figure if there is a residential that would fit the opening, or did Thor change the cabinetry?

tedgard01 · 02-09-2017, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdickson

I'm looking for anyone with a Challenger 37GT with a factory installed residential refrigerator. ... Could someone ... give me the dimensions of the opening and also the make/model of the refrigerator.

I have a 2014.5 37GT. It has a residential refrigerator. As it is in the shop, I can not get that for you, but will be happy to do so in a week or two, if someone else does not provide....

daverubino · 02-10-2017, 02:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tedgard01

I have a 2014.5 37GT. It has a residential refrigerator. As it is in the shop, I can not get that for you, but will be happy to do so in a week or two, if someone else does not provide....

Same here. I should be back to mine maybe Monday.

IrihRed · 02-10-2017, 06:04 AM

The original res refrig was a top freezer two door model with a pantry next to it. Late 2015 and with the 2016 it went to a side by side and the end of the island had to be changed to accommodate the opening of the doors. They were both Whirlpools. That being said a bigger concern is possibly the coach door opening and ability to bring the refer in. I know this doesn't help with dimensions but the size of the coach entry door will be an issue. I would use the opening dimensions from the Dometic including depth, look at refers that are simple (not a lot of computerized functions, more mechanical functions) that will fit the space and then check the depth of fridge with doors off to see if it will fit thru door. Hopefully then you will not have to modify cabinetry. Measure to see if the island will be an issue opening fridge doors with the slide in. Just my two cents!

ctpres · 02-10-2017, 06:49 AM

#100 Continued: Replace sleeper sofa with double recliners. Window side valances under a bit of stress from chair back in full upright. Decided to shorten them. Scary project but turns out to be easy. Once decision made how much to cut off top, about 1.5 inch in my case - just mark all the way around on both sides with a Sharpie. Cut away all fabric except that between panels with razor blade and cut wood/fiber board with fine tooth blade. I used saber saw with metal cutting blade. Probably not necessary but I used a hot glue gun on fabric ends to keep them in place. If you have a stapler - that would be faster. Tap old screw holes with hammer and smooth fabric around hole as much as possible. Re-install using brackets in same place on the wall. Old holes in fabric not noticeable. The problem I mentioned earlier in getting chairs to lock into slots resolved. Raised console and good end up and studs just dropped into place and slid back into locking position. Secured outlet strip to top of TV enclosure with double stick Velcro. Plugged in a phone charger and ran cord between console back and base - between hinges and left end in console storage. Next and final step - staple 1/8"x3" neoprene strips to 1x3's cut to fit cutouts on the ends. Neoprene will seal sides just like front and hopefully reduce drafts from the outside. Very noticeable on cold days in bare feet. 1x3 will also be cut to trim front and all pieces painted flat black. Chair frames will be screwed to floor, a double rum and coke prepared and recliners enjoyed for many days and hopefully years to come. Pics of final results should be posted later tomorrow. Questions? Ask quick before I forget.

ctpres · 02-10-2017, 06:59 AM

#100 more pics. Trim boards in place. Fit and finish not that great. Woodworking as a full timer leaves a lot to be desired. But since this is all at floor level and almost covered - few will notice - I hope.

tedgard01 · 02-10-2017, 12:57 PM

Looks good!

ctpres · 02-10-2017, 03:20 PM

#100 Finished AND DONE! Ready for many hours of doing nothing, napping, reading, TV and conversation. Project summary: Chairs are comfortable, will stay in partial recline position (not true for many others we tested,) armrest and center console not at same height, feet in air when sitting (that is due to slide floor being 4 inches higher than coach floor,) cup holders only big enough for cans and water bottles, no holes in cup holders - that is good - any condensation will stay in cup holder. D-ring recline release handle a bit hard to pull but release works reliably, effort needed to return recliner to upright and lock is very modest, no visable defects in chairs - construction seems solid for price. There was a recline problem in one chair as a result of being dropped in shipping easy DIY fix. Seller responded promptly to two emails. Considering fact that we saved $1,200 over what we had planned to buy - we are Happy Campers. Would we buy them again - YES! I am going to take a nap.

tedgard01 · 02-10-2017, 09:32 PM

Very nice!

PattyP · 02-15-2017, 12:35 PM

Hi Chuck! We met you at RV show in Tampa, Fl a couple weeks ago. Can you give us a call? 813-629-0373. Want to talk to you about the theater seating. Patty

ctpres · 02-18-2017, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PattyP

Hi Chuck! We met you at RV show in Tampa, Fl a couple weeks ago. Can you give us a call? 813-629-0373. Want to talk to you about the theater seating. Patty

Will do later today or tomorrow

daverubino · 02-19-2017, 07:20 AM

We're getting theater seating also. We bought the camping world set for a little over 1K at the show. Haven't gotten them yet as the mh has been at CW since 1/27. More on that later.

Rascal55 · 02-26-2017, 12:48 PM

My wife wants open shelving in the Kitchen. She doesn't like cupboards. Has anyone seen examples or have ideas?

sbleiweiss · 02-27-2017, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rascal55

My wife wants open shelving in the Kitchen. She doesn't like cupboards. Has anyone seen examples or have ideas?

The woodwork Thor uses is easy to rework. I am not a woodworker, but TotalValue RV has made many woodwork changes/additions for us that look just like they came from the factory. We have added an open shelf in the bathroom. But I would be concerned with driving with stuff on the shelves. Our bathroom shelf is empty when we move.