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Norcold Refrigerator Replacement

Yahoo Message Number: 98398
Today I removed my Norcold 1200LRIM refrigerator. I must say, so far, the project has been mush easier than I anticipated. The hardest part was breaking the original factory seal due to all the silicone that was used.
I think the cube I constructed so the refrigerator could be slid out on the same level as its original install made it a relatively easy task.
Tuesday I will receive my new Samsung RF18HFENBSR refrigerator and begin the installation shortly thereafter.
RJ

2005 Inspire #51264

Re: Norcold Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 98399
Excellent to read, RJ. We felt the same about our installation, easier than expected, and it is sure great to have it.! Congratulations! Mike Frederick
06 Inspire 51784

Re: Norcold Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 98407
We are considering replacing our fridge in the same way...have a few questions. How did you compensate for the larger-sized refrigerator? Did you take out the two drawers that now sit below the refrigerator or open up the wood above the current refrigerator? What did you have to remove to get the fridges in/out of the coach? Any changes to the electrical system; i.e., upgraded inverter, etc? We are interested in your experience because you also have a newer model Inspire as is ours.

Thanks so much.

Barb McMaster
08 Inspire 52161

Re: Norcold Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 98408
Good for you. You have taken a giant step toward protecting yourself, traveling companions and pets.
It is incredible that some people still believe that if they only disconnect, or turn off, the propane to the refrigerator, they will be safe. That Norcold was on electricity when it destroyed our coach.

s/Terry Apple

2004 40-foot Allure 31001 junked in 2011

Re: Norcold Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 98409
I removed the wood panel above the Norcold refrigerator. It was easy because there is nothing in that space.
I had to remove the doors from both the Norcold & the Samsung as well as remove the passenger seat for entry into the coach. I moved the refrigerator feed to the inverter section at the bottom of the panel. I hHad to install a double breaker to do this. Also, make sure and move not only the hot line but also the neutral and ground to the inverter ground buss or the fridge will not work on the inverter! I have made no inverter or battery upgrades.
RJ

2005 Inspire #51264

Re: Norcold Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 98411
RJ,

Moving the electrical feed on the panel is not a universal need. My Samsung has been operating on inverter, when traveling, for several years and we made no breaker panel changes at all. I guess not all panels are made the same.
Lyle Wetherholt
04 Intrigue 11740

Re: Norcold Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 98413
Ire moved the drawers because the top shelf of the fridge would have been to high for the dw. Either way you will not be sorry. Did the conversion myself. Not difficult at all Tom

2005 Inspire 51177

Re: Norcold Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 98425
I'm also installing a RF18. Removing the original base to lower it was not easy but was made doable using my oscillating saw. It enabled me to flush-cut the plywood all around. I built plywood box supports for it placing them under where the wheels will roll. I left the facing attached to the front edge of the base and set it directly on the facing that was below the drawer openings. I cut out the center facing piece. I had to cut the ends of the top facing piece because they were glued to the facings of the main cabinet. I'd hoped they would just come loose after removing the screws. No such luck. A little sanding and touch up with stain stick will make it all better.

I decided to rip about 1 1/2" off the bottom of the board I removed above the Norcold. I'm going to attach hinges and struts and a handle. This will give me a nice storage area on top of the Samsung for wide cooking pans. I'll put them in shallow containers to prevent travel noise. I intend to leave space across the bottom of this board for air flow coming up and over the Samsung. It's not required; but I'm going to, anyway.

I moved the plug to the false, birch wall on the forward side. I cut a hole up at the top for a duplex box, dropped a fish rope down, and brought a Romex 120VAC line up. I had to attach the new wire to the existing Romex at the bottom of the compartment in a junction box ( for added safety since propane was near) and acorn wire nuts. Having the plug up front above and easy to get to will allow me to put my Kil-a-Watt on and see what amps the Samsung is costing my battery bank.

I'm having a certified propane plumber install fittings, hoses, and valves necessary for hooking up a Wave-8 move-around, ventless heater. I'm going to cut out and make some sort of little door in the bottom kick plate to access all that and hide it, too.

I cut the nylon ties to all that gaggle of wires dropping down the back of the cabinet. I secured a single roll against the corner and took the rest below the now-lowered platform where I coiled them up off to one side. I also cut out about a foot square opening in the middle of the back of the platform. I attached little cleats so the cutout will sit in the opening. This will allow me access under the platform from the outside vent opening if ever that is needed. Of, course, I'll have to find something to roll the refrigerator out on while that work, is done.

I'm going to remove the roof vent and seal it up. I haven't decided whether to glue and screw a metal cover or a fiberglass one. Before doing that, however, I have to figure out how I'm going to run the wires down from my solar panels to the solar controller.

After I make the new refrigerator happy, I'm going below to install my new Magnum 3012 hybrid inverter, BMK battery minder, and ARC control panel that will actually tell me how many amp hours I have left in the bank. My Xantrex 3000 and its control panel will soon be up for sale; but that's for another thread.

Jerry Lewis

2008 Allure 470 38' tag 31611
McKinney TX

Re: Norcold Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 98426
FYI: Thanks to the sale alert posted this month by a member of this forum, I bought my Samsung RF18 from Home Depot for $998 plus tax. I also paid $150 for 5 additional years' warranty underwritten by Home Depot itself.

Jerry Lewis

Re: Norcold Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 98432
Jerry,

I'm just South of you in Plano.

I'm in the process of changing out my Norcold with the Samsung. My Norcold is out of the cavity, the Samsung is scheduled for delivery on Tuesday. I'm not planning on doing any cabinet modifications if I don't need to.
We may want to exchange ideas.
RJ

2005 Inspire #5164

Re: Norcold Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 98438
We didn't do any cabinet modifications on the two drawers underneath, but on top we had to cut about 4 inches out to fit the new Samsung in, maybe 3 inches. We LOVE the Samsung!!

Mary Frederick
06 Inspire 51784

Re: Norcold Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 98439
Any chance of a photo or two?
T&V 02 Allure #30685

Re: Norcold Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 98440
Wish we did. The coach is stored in a heated aircraft hangar all winter about an hour away. If we get over there in the next couple of weeks, I'll take some. Thanks for asking. Mary

Re: Norcold Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 98441
Ron,

I'll have my base cut out and removed by this evening (I hope). You are welcome to come see what all this looks like, including the components under the drawers. My RF18 is sitting, peaceably, in the middle of my Living Room; and you could check it out, as well.

I don't see how the Fredericks' were able to put in the new, taller model wo doing the cabinet lowering. After I removed the overhead board, I was still shy ~1/2"; and that would have made it too tall to reach.

Call me and we'll exchange numbers and my location: [cryptic] too Juan fore-five sevun ate-six nyne, six thuree.

Jerry

2008 Allure 470 38' tag
31611

Re: Norcold Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 98451
Thanks to everyone for your information. The installation does not seem like such a daunting task now!! Not only is the replacement a great idea safety-wise...it looks beautiful and much more functional. Thanks again.

Dave and Barb McMaster
2008 Inspire 72161

Norcold Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 98485
Jerry,

Do you still have the couch you took out of your coach.
Ron Jacobs

2005 Inspire #51264

Re: Norcold Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 98519
Good info sharing on the Samsung. Thanks to all of you!

Now that we feel comfortable that our new battery bank and solar panel have plenty of capacity, we're planning on adding the Samsung to our coach. Primary reason is to gain more space, as we feel our Norcold is safe - if I did not, I would have replaced years ago.

-----For those that have Norcold, and plan to retain them. ---- (We did the Amish cooling unit, SS-30 Extinguisher, extra exterior cooling fans, and a smoke detector in the rear cabinet. I have the ARB board, but have not installed it. I felt our setup is safe, after all of these modifications, so it is not for fear of fire that we'll make this update. HOWEVER, for anyone with the stock Norcold, I do feel that the Norcold recall/repair route is not enough to keep you safe. If you are going to retain the Norcold, I recommend at minimum the Amish Cooling Unit and ARB board. And for the small extra cost, and extra safety edge, the SS-30 extinguisher too. It amazes me that Norcold has gotten away with having a defective built product, dangerous to life, still out rolling around in thousands and thousand of RV's.)

Sorry for the sidebar on the Norcold 1200, but hope it helps others that are planning to retain the Norcold.

----Back to Samsung:)!----

I was also wondering about the water feed to the ice maker. Most of our CC's have at least one whole coach filter. But I was wondering for Ice Cube making, what extra water filters are you adding? Is there room behind the fridge for an additional water filter? Possibly accessible for maintenance thru the access panel? For freeze protection, have any of you come up with ways to better protect the water line?

We're still trying to decide if we are going to do the install ourselves, or have it done when we have other interior cabinet work done early next year. (We have to have the side window removed for some of the other work we're doing, so figured that would simplify the removal of the Norcold, and getting the Samsung in the door.)

I replace our inverter when we did the new house battery bank and solar panels, went with the MS2800 PSW at that time. (Missed the new hybrid models by about 5 months! Would have really liked to have had this for those times when we are 'on the meter'.). But I'm pretty sure we're going to add a smaller dedicated inverter. (Good quality 600W unit with a fan for cooling.) This way when boondocking, we can turn off our main inverter for energy conservations. The smaller inverter at idle draw is much lower than the MS2800 at idle. And as mentioned in this thread, the Samsung does not draw much power.

As I understand it from earlier research, we will lose out lower drawers in our 04 Allure model. Not enough room at the top to install it and save the drawers. I liked the idea of adding some shallow top storage access at the top of the fridge. Lucky the DW and I are both tall!

Salute to you with the great installs of your Samsung's!

Best to all,

Smitty

04 Allure 31017
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Norcold Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 98643
I'm almost finished with my mods to the "basement" under the lowered fridge base. I used the 12V lines and put in side-by-side receptacles next to the 120VAC's. This will allow my using 12VAC fans, O2 equipment, and snore machines in the bedroom--all off the battery bank without using the inverter.

The Samsung RF18 needs no propane; yet it was right there for me to repurpose. So, I removed all the black pipe back to the elbow that goes "down under". I bought new black pipe fittings, a 1/2" gas-type valve, and a 1/2" to 3/8" brass male flare. Using a plumbers' dope stick, I should have all that together and tight tomorrow. I basically created a U to get the line back from the hatch enough to reach easily the valve.

I cut out a 8"W piece of the "kick board" that formerly was the bottom style of the framing around the drawers. To this, I'll add a 4" piano hinge and a cabinet catch and knob. When it gets cold enough to care and I'm boondocking, I'll open the hatch, pull out the 3/8" hose, connect it to the supply valve and Wave 8.

I ran the Norcold's old 120VAC line into a blind cover junction box and connected a length of Romex 14-2 w/G. This was necessary because I want the plug receptacle to be above the refer. I want this so I can use My Kill-o-Watt meter to show me how many watts the res refer is costing me, when during the day, and what changes occur with weather.

I also have to finish putting in the Polyisocyanruate foam paneling and installing some 1/2" plywood along the bottom on each side to cover what lowering the base revealed. I'm going to paint all wood surfaces with a Behr product that is supposed to stop mildew. It's low odor and no VOL.

I will plumb the water line behind the refer with the appropriate brass parts so I'll have them if I change my mind. However, currently I'm not going to run water to the freezer. All it does is make ice; there's no water dispenser. I have decided I can make ice myself using cube trays and with cleaners water that comes from my UV filtered water dispenser I added to my sink. This means I have one fewer filter to change and one less line to have to worry with during winterization.

I have a plan to make custom dolly that goes together in less than 2 mins. It will live in pieces above the refer. Even with it, I'm really sure I'll still have storage space of ~4"H x 31"W--much more than the drawers held.

Having a custom dolly ready at hand may be more necessary than just to move the refer in and out of the cabinet. Reason: the service panels on the lower back of the refer are now mostly below the hatch in the coach's DS. If work must be done inside the refer, I hope that putting the dolly in front may allow ooching the refer out the needed inches for the refer tech to get to the needed area.

Last before putting the refer in place, I'll locate and drill the holes in the coach's bottom floor--as well as in the base above--to run the cables from my solar array's combiner box down from the hole where my refer roof vent used to be (before I sealed it to provide a place for my combiner box) down to my solar charge controllers in the power compartment. Once poked through the coach's primary floor, these cables will go across the ceiling of the wet bay, through its bulkhead with the propane bay, and inward through the bulkhead for the power compartment. Putting those holes in now will make installing my solar stuff much easier.

After all the cabinetry and other work, I still believe the RF18 was my best choice for a res refer. Once it gets put to work, I'll have a bigger and better refer/fzr that uses less power and provides a larger storage above for the really wide stuff from my kitchen. I can provide more details to you or your carpenter regarding demolition that should prevent your having to reinvent wheels, per your request.

I don't know when CC started putting in the wider front doors; but for my 2008, both the old and new went in and out relatively without hitch. The pass seat does have to be removed but that's an easy job for a 1/2" ratchet and proper socket.

Jerry Lewis

2008 Allure 470 38' tag 31611
McKinney TX

Re: Norcold Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 98648
Wow Jerry you've been busy!

Perhaps after the holidays I''ll drop back by to see all that you have done.
My RF18 install is going quite nicely. I have lowered the refrig floor by 11/2", water proofed the area and installed a drain in case the frig were to leak. I still need to anchor the FR18 to the floor and trim it out.

Good luck with your mods.
RJ

2005 Inspire #51264
 

Re: Norcold Refrigerator Replacement

Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 98828
This spring we removed and replaced the Not So Cold with the Samsung 197. We also removed the bottom drawers. Additionally we reconfigured the electrical in the power panel in the bedroom to allow the fridge to work on the inverter. We did not change out anything on the inverter. We kept the wood off the doors and reconnected the water. We lined the wall vent with insulation for winter. We reconfigured the NorCold roof vents by closing 2 and leaving 2 for additional ventilation. We added some removable blocking at the top of fridge so it cannot tip out and over. After 15 years of struggling with poor refrigerators that only partially worked this is undoubtedly the best change we have ever made. We should have done this years ago on the previous units.
Glen Burgess  #11772 CC Intrigue 42' tag