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lcstanfield · 10-05-2014, 04:13 PM

wanting to install a res. frig in a 2002 monaco windsor. wiil it work

Craig_R · 10-05-2014, 05:00 PM

I can't speak to the 2002 Windsor, but we did have a Samsung RF197 installed into our 2005 Beaver Monterey and we love it. Here is a link to the owner's manual which may give you some guidance as to how big an opening you'll need to accommodate it.

Support - French Door RF197ABRS | Samsung Refrigerators

BFlinn181 · 10-05-2014, 05:13 PM

I suggest you measure the space your present fridge is in. Add inches you could handle if you modify the opening width or height. If there's a cabinet underneath, look and see if you have something else tucked in that space. Also measure the width of your door, if it's not wide enough you might have to remove/re-install a window. Do you have room for more batteries to power an inverter to keep the 120 v refrigerator running longer? Remember, costs will include all of the mentioned items, reefer, inverter, batteries, etc.

Craig_R · 10-05-2014, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

Do you have room for more batteries to power an inverter to keep the 120 v refrigerator running longer? Remember, costs will include all of the mentioned items, reefer, inverter, batteries, etc.

Just as an FYI the Samsung RF197 is more than 100% more electrically efficient as the Norcold LRIM 12XX that it will replace. My old Norcold used to draw 6-7 amps while the Samsung only draws 1 amp most of the time and on a rare occasion I've caught drawing 3 (Making Ice?). We've boondocked overnight without shore power for as long as 11-12 hours without hardly putting a dent in the batteries. Just fire up the generator in the morning long enough to make breakfast and everything is fine. Haven't had to add batteries, solar panels or change out the inverter. However, you will not be able to plug into the same outlet as the Norcold was plugged into. That outlet is not controlled be the inverter and when not plugged into shore power it is a dead outlet because the Norcold would be expected to switch over to LPG operation. Therefore, if your Norcold had an ice maker you should be able to plug into the ice maker outlet and everything will be fine. Otherwise, you'll need to rewire the reefer outlet so it operates off the inverter.

lcstanfield · 10-06-2014, 05:41 PM

thanks for the info.

zzjea · 10-07-2014, 07:45 AM

I put an RF197 in last year and love it. Different MH but check out my thread Residential Refrigerators in a RV. Pics are here:

http://flickr.com/photos/zzjea/sets

Did all the work myself. Mine runs on MSW if there is no shore power (travelling, boondocking, etc.) You will need to do cabinet mods I'm sure. Mine went thru the door of my DP.

John

Gary RVRoamer · 10-07-2014, 11:11 AM

The RF197 is no longer in production, but Samsung has a new 17.5 cu ft model, the RF18HFENB, that is very close in size.

For your specific coach, you need to measure very carefully to be sure any given fridge will work. Depth, height, width, door swing depth, space for freezer drawer to pull out, etc. Also make sure you have room to slide the new fridge into the cabinet opening - sometimes a cabinet opposite gets in the way when trying to slide it in.

An example: A friend bought a Whirlpool for his coach and discovered that he could not get it into the hole without first removing the door and bottom freezer drawer. Then he found he couldn't get the freezer drawer back in once the fridge was in place. It would have fit fine if only he could get it into place. Instead, he had to return that one and get a slightly smaller model.

lburson · 10-07-2014, 02:10 PM

Just finished installing the Samsung 197 in a 2000 Discovery,

Real happy with the results. Width was fine, just fit the opening. Height, had to allow for 10", lowered the floor 4" and raised the height opening 6". As you can see from the photos, the Dometic Ref. was working when pulled out, but the leaking and corrosion were about to put an end to the Dometic. The floor was completely rotted out. I don't know what was holding it up. I bought this Samsung from US Appliance for $1,230 delivered to the front door. I have heard that production for this model has stopped, but I am sure they have a replacement. I chose the Samsung because of the dimensions and what I had heard here on the forums.

jcthorne · 10-08-2014, 12:55 PM

The Samsung 197 will not fit where our Dometic NDR1062 is located. Most all of the conversions folks show on the forums are for replacing side by side units. Ours is a 10cu ft single door. Its getting long on the tooth and would like to go with a residential as a replacement. Suggestions?

Mr_D · 10-08-2014, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcthorne

The Samsung 197 will not fit where our Dometic NDR1062 is located. Most all of the conversions folks show on the forums are for replacing side by side units. Ours is a 10cu ft single door. Its getting long on the tooth and would like to go with a residential as a replacement. Suggestions?

Look at Lowes or Home Depot online. I found a Haier unit that looks like it'll fit in our rig. One thing is, it's not Energy Star rated.

BFlinn181 · 10-08-2014, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcthorne

The Samsung 197 will not fit where our Dometic NDR1062 is located. Most all of the conversions folks show on the forums are for replacing side by side units. Ours is a 10cu ft single door. Its getting long on the tooth and would like to go with a residential as a replacement. Suggestions?

I suggest you measure maximum space allowances (height/width/depth) then go shopping with a tape measure. Look at apartment sized refrigerator/freezers.

Sky_Boss · 10-08-2014, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lburson

Just finished installing the Samsung 197 in a 2000 Discovery,

Real happy with the results. ...

We have a few inches more between the right side door and the wall. Even with that, if we needed to reorganized the shelves we will have to remove the right side door to do it. Otherwise...WE LOVE IT!