Residential fridge in RV

[gjkids]

I bought a Haier 9.8 cubic foot refrigerator for our Greyhawk 30x. The Norcold N8X was working but was tired of the slow recovery times of temperatures.

My question… do I need to do anything “special” to protect the compressor during travel. The reason I ask, I was wondering about the “klanking” you hear sometimes when you move a fridge. Not sure if that is hard on the compressor or just an annoying noise. I provided some protection to prevent the tubes from rubbing on each other.

I appreciate your input.

[2naEagle]

I put that same refrigerator in my 08 Eagle. Used it for 5 years or so before trading for a 17 North Point.
Put that same refrigerator in my sister's Eagle about 3 years ago with no problems so far.
I just screwed it down from the back and put some trim on the front to make it look good.

[Florida Ranger]

I put the same size Refrigerator in my 2018 Greyhawk 31fs,,, approx 6 months ago best thing we have ever done supper pleased with it. Mine stays plugged in at home and I run the generator while traveling because I run the roof A/C ‘s while traveling. I do not travel hot even Skinny guys sweat….

[gjkids]

Did you provide any insulation on the sides of fridge cabinet?

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by gjkids

Did you provide any insulation on the sides of fridge cabinet?

Buddy installed one in his SOB. The instructions stated not to put any insulation within about 2" of the frig walls.

[norty1]

I am lookin at that same unit for my fiver. It looks like a good replacement.

[gjkids]

I can tell you since I replaced the Norcold with residential fridge, I have exploded soda cans because the temperature was too cold.

I don’t think that was ever a concern with the Norcold:-)

I have to adjust the temp setting to find the sweet spot.

[foglght]

So normally for the propane fridges you need to have the vent on the back. With the residential, that panel could be removed. Did everyone who installed a residential close up that panel or leave it vented?

Most of the newer RVs that have resi fridges don't even have an outside panel.

[norty1]

I am looking at this also. I believe it would be beneficial to have some ventilation back there but I have not talked with any who has done the mod yet.

[gjkids]

I placed tape over the back vent, more to prevent any insects entering.

I did not completely block the access because it is handy to access the ac plug and the anchor bolt.

[Florida Ranger]

I left my vent there when We removed the Norcold and installed the Residental Fridge. Manufacture said it would help on getting rid of heat produced by the fridge. Also DO NOT a put any insulation between the fridge side walls and the inside RV walls the fridge will Not cool properly according to the manufacture. Ask me how I know…….

[gjkids]

I removed the side insulation as well, based on feedback I received on this forum.

Another tip… anchor the unit through the back frame to the floor. That’s a bit obvious. The bigger question was how to anchor the front. I used the bolt insert from hinge mount. The hinge was mounted on the right so I used the left mount to anchor a L bracket to the cabinet front. I then notched wood trim to cover it up. It worked out great. It looks like it came from the factory that way and it is very stable.

If interested, I can post some pictures.

[norty1]

Originally Posted by gjkids

If interested, I can post some pictures.

Please do post some pictures and also I am interested in how you secure the doors to help keep them closed when in motion?

I usually don't jump out of perfectly good airplanes or replace working equipment but this mod is looking better and better mainly because the fridge has almost 2 cf more storage.

[gjkids]

The latch I used to keep the doors closed

https://www.recpro.com/rv-refrigerator-door-latch/

I actually bought mine from etrailer but the same product. A bit pricey but works very well and it is simple.

I bought my fridge from Lowes, they had it in stock.

I would still like to wire a new receptacle from the inverter, a future mod.

[pconroy]

Originally Posted by norty1

the fridge has almost 2 cf more storage.

For beer, right?

[jasum]

Originally Posted by norty1

I am looking at this also. I believe it would be beneficial to have some ventilation back there but I have not talked with any who has done the mod yet.

I left the vent there when I installed a residential. I agree maybe good to be vented.

I know you can buy panels that are not vented, but now you are spending more $$

[jasum]

You can anchor refrigerator on lower front with a screw on each side.

Top of refrigerator use a piece of aluminum angle and drill holes in top of refrigerator and install screws.

This is exactly how Jayco installs residential refrigerators.