Yahoo Message Number: 95706 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/95706)
I'm going to R&R my 4-dr Norcold with a counter-depth RR. The "drug of choice" among RV'ers seems to be the Samsung 197 17.8 cf. In searching the web, I find lots of purchasers who think the thing is almost junk after about a year. I found a 20.6 cf LG counter-depth that costs more but has rave reviews.
So, those of you who have done the RR upgrade, particularly if you chose the Samsung 197, what are your thoughts? Jerry L
2008 Allure 470 37' (just purchased)
Yahoo Message Number: 95709 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/95709)
For what it's worth when we had our Norcold replaced back in 2010, Ed Reid at OMC told us to definitely not go with LG. Didn't ask why. We had room for a larger Samsung and opted for that one. Love it. Works very well. I have heard there are some Whirlpool and Maytag units out there that will work.
S. Brandt, '06 Intrigue, 11964
Yahoo Message Number: 95710 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/95710)
What is it that makes a certain make of Refer "WORK" Barrie Boas 94 Concept 5111
Yahoo Message Number: 95712 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/95712)
For us, it fits, keeps the food cold, even going down the road and running off the inverter, and, we are able to carry the perishable foods we enjoy. Also, if there are seasonal foods available that are fresh, we can stock up.
Sharon
Yahoo Message Number: 95713 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/95713)
We have had our Samsung for about three years now and are very happy with it. We leave it in operation 24/7/365 while on the road or parked at our home.
While parked at home my wife uses it for extra storage of cheese and other dairy products especially ice cream in the freezer.
Walt
2004 Inspire
Yahoo Message Number: 95714 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/95714)
We have a Samsung 197...LOVE IT!
D Jean
CC 91072
Yahoo Message Number: 95715 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/95715)
We have had the Samsung 197 for 2 years, and we love it. The other day we bought quite a few groceries, and when my husband was going to put stuff in the refrigerator, as we would need to do with our Norcold, I asked him to please go really fast and only put a few things in at a time so we didn't warm up the refrigerator too much. We both laughed! No need to think like that nor to wonder when we go to get something out of this refrigerator if it'll be cold or not! There were several folks on this blog who helped us decide to make this move and then how to do it. Thank you again!
Mary and Mike Frederick
06 Inspire 51784
Yahoo Message Number: 95719 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/95719)
We have had the Samsung 197 for over a year and love it. Only ask why we did not change it out long before we did. Not only the frig great performance but the peace of mind that the coach is not going to burn up.
Ned herrmann
06 Inspire 51677
Yahoo Message Number: 95721 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/95721)
Jerry, I installed the Samsulng RF197 over three years ago and over 35,000 miles ago. Am I please? You bet. No problems, works flawlessly. Getting rid of the Norcold was arguably the best thing I ever did to our coach.
Lyle Wetherholt
04 Intrigue 11740
Yahoo Message Number: 95726 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/95726)
We just installed the RF 197 about one month ago. We are very happy with it so far. It does however use about 30% more energy than the yellow tag on the door says. After looking at a consumer report article I am left with thinking 30% is not too bad. The article mentioned that some of the refrigerators they tested used 50% more energy than the yellow tag said.
We had an LG in our stick house and the compressor was really noisy. I don't remember the model but it was about 4 years ago.
Norm
2004 Intrigue #11773
Yahoo Message Number: 95729 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/95729)
I don''t know anything about Samsung 197 being almost junk after about a year. I know a lot of Country Coachers have replaced their Norcolds with them... I think they are a good fit size wise which may explain its popularity. Our New Tiffin came with a Maytag residential MFC 2061 double door with freezer on the bottom. It is a perfect fridge. I would never want to have to go back to Norcold. Tiffin equipped the coach with a 2800 Magnum pure sine wave inverter and 6 coach batteries which is what you need to make the switch. It's a pretty expensive conversion, I believe. Good luck with whatever you choose Joseph Burkle
2010 Tiffin Allegro Bus 43QRP
43' quad slide tag axle ISL 425 HP pusher formerly:
2008 Country Coach Inspire 360 Founders Edition
Yahoo Message Number: 95731 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/95731)
Jerry, we installed the 197 in April so don't have a lot of experience with it yet but I don't think all those "junk" reviews are warranted. I read three rv boards and have yet to see any negative comments about it. The refer will make more ice in a day than any Dometic or Nocold refer out there. The only downside that I see is that the ice cream is so hard you have to let it sit on the counter for awhile so you can scoop it out. Best mod I have done.
Don
'02 Intrigue 11427
Yahoo Message Number: 95732 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/95732)
Do you have a modified sine wave inverter?
Yahoo Message Number: 95733 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/95733)
We have a Magnum 2000 watt pure sine wave inverter.
The reason I mentioned the energy usage is because we dry camp a lot. We have 800 watts of solar and 6 golf cart batteries. I have a "kilowatt" meter and I have been monitoring the energy use of the refer since it was installed. According to the yellow tag it should use 1.24 KW per 24 hour period. We have been using on average 1.6 KW per 24 hour period. Not a big deal if you are plugged in but for dry camping it is another 35 amp hours a day I had not counted on.
Norm
2004 Intrigue #11773
Yahoo Message Number: 95736 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/95736)
I didn't see that anyone answered Richard. I had the Samsung 197 installed in my then, 05 Inspire, with a modified sign wave inverter and it worked very well.
John
08 Intrigue
10 Ford Escape
Yahoo Message Number: 95740 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/95740)
Hi John,
I think I answered Richard in my previous post. I took his question about a MSW inverter to be directed to me because of my statement about energy use. I would think a MSW inverter would use more energy than a PSW inverter. We have a PSW inverter.
Norm
2004 Intrigue #11773
Yahoo Message Number: 95742 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/95742)
Might other way around Norm as the pure sine wave smooths out thecwave vs just switching on and off which gives the modified squarewave.
Yahoo Message Number: 95744 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/95744)
Installed the Samsung 197 2 years ago. We are fulltimers and so far this is the best improvement we have done.
Tom
2005 Inspire 51177
Yahoo Message Number: 95750 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/95750)
That s all? a propane refrigerator is definitely the way to go for boondocking, but that's a only a little over a dc amp per hour. I think that's pretty damn efficient. I thought it would be more.
Rich 2002 Magna
Yahoo Message Number: 95752 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/95752)
Rich,
It uses 1.6KW for a 24 hour period. That would be about 160 amp hours. The 35 amp hour figure was just the difference between what the yellow energy star sticker says it will use and what it actually is using.
I might add that the 1.6 KW average is with the ice machine on about have the time and the night time weather in the low 50s and daytime weather in the mid 70s. I am sure the power use will go up as the summer goes on. I have the original roof opening still open and I also have the side access open to the back of the refrigerator. In the winter I will block off the side access.
Norm
2004 Intrigue #11773
Yahoo Message Number: 95755 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/95755)
I was a bit off in my math for the energy use of our Samsung. It uses 1.6 KW per 24 hour period. That works out to be about 134 amp hours +/-.
Norm
2004 Intrigue #11773
Yahoo Message Number: 95757 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/95757)
We did not hook up the ice maker, and as you mentioned in a previous email, that might save some electrical usage.
Mary F.
06 Inspire 51784
Yahoo Message Number: 95763 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/95763)
Norm,
160 AH is more around what I had expected. What until it gets hot outside. That is a deal breaker for boondocking unless you have massive solar or like to buy diesel. Luckily my Dometic 1492 is still working very well after 12 years now that I have that little fan in there. I have a little 3 cu ft. Energy Star rated Chinese freezer that I uses sometimes even boondocking, but it does not draw anywhere near what the Samsung does, it is very well insulated and the door is not opened even on a daily basis. In fact I turn my inverter off for at least 5 hours a day and the temps barely drop.
Rich 2002 Magna
Yahoo Message Number: 96124 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96124)
A while ago I read about door latches for the Samsung 197 I install my own 197 and took out this weekend and on a sharp corner the doors came open what is the best fix Thanks
Yahoo Message Number: 96125 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96125)
Wesley:
Velcro straps around the door handles work great.
Kevin Waite
541-953-6162
Yahoo Message Number: 96127 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96127)
Here is my method of keeping the door shut on our 197
Don
'02 Intrigue 11427
Yahoo Message Number: 96129 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96129)
It's what we have too. Mike made it out of plywood with some padding on the back side so the refer doesn't get scratched. What is the product your is made out of, Don? Thank you
Mary
06 Inspire 51784
Yahoo Message Number: 96131 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96131)
Velcro strap works great for the Samsung residential fridge door; however, we are still looking for the best option for the freezer door/drawer. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Mike 05 inspire #51202
Yahoo Message Number: 96132 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96132)
Mike:
I use the attached latch system to hold the freezer drawer closed. It not only works, but looks good.
John Beach
06 Allure 31309
Yahoo Message Number: 96145 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96145)
Very nice freezer latch. Please find another option here: Picasa Web Albums - Robert Nodine - Travel Straps (https://picasaweb.google.com/102818402720431077518/TravelStraps)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jxW_pfg52WU/TmNQ3ihQVTE/AAAAAAAABjQ/edeRIrpEeV8/s144-c/TravelStraps.jpg) (https://picasaweb.google.com/102818402720431077518/TravelStraps)
Picasa Web Albums - Robert Nodine - Travel Straps (https://picasaweb.google.com/102818402720431077518/TravelStraps) Photos by Robert Nodine, Sep 4, 2011
View on picasaweb.google.com (https://picasaweb.google.com/102818402720431077518/TravelStraps)
D Vogel
Yahoo Message Number: 96149 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96149)
my brother-in-law has a Foretravel and replaced his Norcold with a Frigidaire 9.9 cu ft black refrigerator and put these latches on. He did put a piece of velcro between the door and refrigerator to prevent rattling. Looks and works great! Wish we had done that when we replaced our piece of crap Dometic!! Lowes Item #: 480689 | Model #: FFHT10F2LB
Lonny & Diane Livingston '04 Allure #31065
Yahoo Message Number: 96157 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96157)
I don't remember what plywood was used, either a 1/2" or 3/4" piece. Then some felt material glued on to cover it.
Don
'02 Intrigue 11427
Yahoo Message Number: 96159 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96159)
Nice option for the Allure 33 ft like we have. Did you make any electrical modifications to your coach to accommodate the 110 V refer?
George Harper
04 Allure 31093
Yahoo Message Number: 96526 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96526)
My Norcold is no longer cooling adequately so I ordered a Samsung RF197 arcs from Best Buy for $999 + tax and hope to install it next week. All of the messages about the install say to seal and insulate the back access panel and the top vent. That puts the fridge in a sealed box without much if any air circulation. How then is the heat removed? I would appreciate any comments on this.
Bob Cole
2005 Inspire 51394
Yahoo Message Number: 96527 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96527)
HI Bob,
Good price for the refir.
We left top vent as-is, and back access panel with loose piece of 1" styrofoam.
Yes, I too would be concerned with air movement, as the Samsung is a tight fit, and very little space is left in the cabinet.
So far, so good. We love the Samsung.
We also upgraded to the 2800 PSW Magnum, 6 x 6 volt Lifelines, and 560 watt solar with Outback MPPT charge controler.
All good , solar and Lifelines more than enough juice to run Samsung without generator support.
This was done by Kevin Waite and friends.
Good luck,
Kent 05 Allure #31281
Yahoo Message Number: 96528 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96528)
I have always wondered that too when people have stated seal up the old vents as most firdges have spacing requirements to properly cool.
Ray
They say wine improves with age! As I enter my golden years, I say age improves with wine! The Born Loser
Yahoo Message Number: 96529 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96529)
Ray
This reply is for you:( Wine improves with age. The Older I get the better I like it )So I guess we will improve even more with wine.
Larry
2003 Magna 6279
Yahoo Message Number: 96531 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96531)
IF you don't seal up the upper & lower vents then you'll need to seal the face frame (like how the norcold does with the flange that seals the front cabinet edge) or you'll have a wind storm driving down the road.
I've never seen a household refer vented to the outside in a house.......
Jim
Yahoo Message Number: 96532 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96532)
No but it does require 1" on each side and a couple inches open on top along with gap behind so air flow is sufficient.
Yahoo Message Number: 96533 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96533)
LOL I like!!!
Ray
They say wine improves with age! As I enter my golden years, I say age improves with wine! The Born Loser
Yahoo Message Number: 96534 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96534)
I did see a mesh vent at the top of the coach, as Kevin and Bob installed it. Wife and I both love, the Samsung 197 and they Bob and Kevin did a outstanding job. Norcold had sent a recall a few days before the installation and wanted to know if we still had the refrigerator and why did we want to replace it? I was truthful, told them I was afraid I would burn to death in the middle of the night.
Wally & Elta Mae
2007Allure 470 #31535
Yahoo Message Number: 96545 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96545)
WHAT BEST BUY DID YOU USED? I CAN NOT FINE IT @ THAT $$$$$ AMOUNT! DMG 2000 ALLURE 30498
Yahoo Message Number: 96546 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96546)
I bought it in Auburn, CA.
Sears had it for sale at $1,350 in the store and $1,250 on the internet. The clerk said he would match the internet price and the store had a 2 day sale with an extra 15% off and offered an additional 5% off for using the Sears Credit card. That brought it down to about $1,020 + tax. He said it would be ready for pickup on August 18 so I said I would take it but would check with Best Buy and he rang it up. Best Buy matched the price and offered an additional $20 off if I used their credit card and they offered free home delivery and could have it to me by Friday this week. They also said I would get a $100 credit for a future purchase. What a deal!
Bob Cole
2005 Inspire 51394
Yahoo Message Number: 96547 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96547)
Kent,
It sounds like your Samsung fridge is sealed to the cabinet face so no air can leak into the coach from the back or top vents. This is like the Norcold is installed at the factory.
Jim Lewis said to seal the back and top vents and to leave a 1"? space on each side and 2"? on the top to get air circulation.
I have never seen these vent gaps and spacings on any of the installations I have seen on this site or in any new coaches with residential fridges. They all look to be tight with the cabinetry.
I guess I will install it like the Norcold with no gaps.
Bob Cole
2005 Inspire 51394
Yahoo Message Number: 96560 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96560)
Hi Bob,
Their could be "100 ways to skin a cat". All I know is the refir works great and we don't have any draft issues going down the freeway.
I suppose if I had cooling issues, I could create space inside by carefully cutting into the cabinet, or, installing a fan in the "flue" space.
If you camp in very cold weather, then it might make sense to seal the outside and create air space inside.
I was not present for the install, as I trusted the installers. I live in Novato, Ca. and Kevin and friends are in Junction City.
- Kent
05 Allure 31281
Yahoo Message Number: 96566 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96566)
Nearly all family size modern refrigerator/freezer combo units, like the Samsung, use a "forced air" condenser so need nor more than 1" between cabinet wall and refer cabinet. That is the reason for the vented grill at the bottom of nearly all new refers. I would recommend blocking off all existing exterior vents. The units are not dependent on air circulation around the exterior of the cabinet for proper operation. 50+ years in the home appliance service and sales business. Brent Rufenacht 2005
Yahoo Message Number: 96573 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96573)
Bob,
I installed a Samsung in my '06 Inspire last year. Simply removed the 'Notcold' and the panel directly above the Notcold (between the Notcold and the ceiling), cleaned the RTV off the sides of the opening, installed a cover plate made from 1/4" luan plywood over the top vent opening, and taped over the vents on the exterior cover. The Samsung slides in with no changes to the bottom drawers or the opening width (does put the top shelf a little high in the refrigerator portion but I could live with that). It leaves a miminum of 1/4" to 1/2" on each side, about an inch on the top, and almost 2 inches on the bottom. I have not had any problem with the walls of the unit feeling warm or any indication that the cooling was not adequate, nor have I noticed any heat radiating from around the unit when it was operating.
The owner of '07 Inspire 52059 (cannot find the name or the original messages I had with him right now) did a Samsung install and documented the changes with photos. I think if you search this forum for the coach number, you can probably find them (done in mid-to-late 2012). If you cannot find them, contact me and I will forward you the pictures.
John
'06 Inspire 51905
Yahoo Message Number: 96598 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/96598)
John,
I found the link = http://moenracing.com/samsung/ (http://moenracing.com/samsung/) Thanks a million for the help.
Bob Cole
2005 Inspire 51394