Author Topic: Residential Refrigerator Info Requested  (Read 12145 times)

Steve Huber Co-Admin

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Residential Refrigerator Info Requested
« on: August 08, 2016, 02:26:36 AM »
We're looking to replace our Dometic with a residential unit. I checked to see if I could locate a Samsung RF19 unit but no joy as they are discontinued. They have an estimated energy usage of 445 KWhrs/yr which is really attractive for RV usage.

Our coach has 4 house batteries.
Does anyone (w/ a 4 battery coach)  have a different model, and if so would you recommend it or recommend an alternative reefer that is "battery friendly"? DW would like a French Door model. Samsung's current 18-20 CF offerings are rated at 594 KW hrs/yr.
THX! Steve
Steve
2015-          07 Contessa Bayshore C9,  400 hp
2013-2015: 00 Marquis Tourmaline, C12, 425 hp
2005-2013: 01 Contessa Naples, 3126B, 330 hp

Bob Jae

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Re: Residential Refrigerator Info Requested
« Reply #1 on: August 08, 2016, 02:51:30 AM »
Steve
We put in a Samsung RF-18 last October.  We have 4 batteries but do not boondock and do not have it plugged into the inverter yet either.  The icemaker plug is on the inverter but the whole road side of the coach and the TV and electronics are on that same GFI breaker.  We normally drive only 6 or 7 hours a day.  The refrigerator is off and so far has stayed cool and the freezer has not gone above 5ยบ. 

Steve Huber Co-Admin

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Re: Residential Refrigerator Info Requested
« Reply #2 on: August 08, 2016, 03:12:27 AM »
Bob,
Thx for the info. I will need to run it on the inverter so am a bit concerned about the higher current draw. IF I did my math right the 594 kwh/yr units equate to a draw of about .76a/hr (AC) or 7.7a DC  while the 445 KWH/yr units draws about .57a/hr AC (assuming a .8 pwr factor) or 5.8a DC.
Steve
Steve
2015-          07 Contessa Bayshore C9,  400 hp
2013-2015: 00 Marquis Tourmaline, C12, 425 hp
2005-2013: 01 Contessa Naples, 3126B, 330 hp

Dick Simonis

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Re: Residential Refrigerator Info Requested
« Reply #3 on: August 08, 2016, 03:46:28 PM »
Steve, I'm going to have Fred install a Samsung 18 when we get home as a replacement for our Dometic.  I was told the current draw is 1.9 Amps AC so I had figured ~ 15 Amp DC at 12 VDC give or take.  I also figured a 60% duty cycle which would put me at only an extra 9 AH of discharge....not very significant.  I suspect if one wanted to really conserve juice the freezer temp could be raised to....say 15 or 20 and the the fridge to 40 ish and shut off the ice maker (optional) thereby extending the duty cycle.  Your Dometic probably doesn't even run that cold most of the time.

One other thing I might add is to measure carefully before you make the size decision.  The 20 is exactly the same size except the depth is 2" deeper.  When I spoke with Fred about the installation he said he needs 1 1/2" extra for access to the mounting brace and for the relocated electrical outlet.  With that info a 20 might fit in mine but there is a chance that the fridge may protrude a bit further into the living area and I want it recessed far enough so the cabinet frame is even with the door gasket.  Also, while the 20 might be nice in reality the 18 is so much larger than out 12 cu ft Dometic it's not worth potentially compromising the aesthetics.  I'm probably going to go with the black vs. SS as I think it will go better with our interior and existing black appliances.

« Last Edit: August 08, 2016, 05:20:36 PM by Dick Simonis »

George Morlan

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Re: Residential Refrigerator Info Requested
« Reply #4 on: August 08, 2016, 05:53:34 PM »
We installed an RF 18 late last year.  No extra batteries.  We do boondock some (for up to a week at a time), and have not noticed a significant increase in the need to run the generator.  We leave the inverter on while driving.  Very happy with it.  (Bev would underline "very".)

Steve Huber Co-Admin

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Re: Residential Refrigerator Info Requested
« Reply #5 on: August 08, 2016, 08:00:25 PM »
Thanks for the info. We decided on the 18 cf Samsung. I'm having Fred install mine also as I can't muscle it in myself and may have jury duty later this week.  :)
Steve
Steve
2015-          07 Contessa Bayshore C9,  400 hp
2013-2015: 00 Marquis Tourmaline, C12, 425 hp
2005-2013: 01 Contessa Naples, 3126B, 330 hp

Bob Jae

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Re: Residential Refrigerator Info Requested
« Reply #6 on: August 08, 2016, 10:38:49 PM »
Good choice we love ours.  Suggest you download the manual and see what temp range you can set.  We keep a wireless thermometer in the frig and freezer.  When the ice maker is on and catching up temp goes down to -15.  There is also a power freeze and power cool option.  Nice features.  You will enjoy it.  We bought ours on line from AJ Madison arrived as promised.  We also took the extended warranty.

Who is Fred?

Keith Moffett

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Re: Residential Refrigerator Info Requested
« Reply #7 on: September 24, 2016, 06:48:25 AM »
Sorry Jim.  No info on a shop but FYI to future readers of this post.
The 07 Thunder had an option for a residential fridge.  They added 4 batteries to the small compartment next to the main battery compartment and some vent holes.  They then installed a large side by side Jenn Air residential fridge.

Just thought this might help .
2007 Patriot Thunder
45' C-13
2006 Explorer Ltd.
DW is Carol
Safe travels and
May God bless!

Steve Huber Co-Admin

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Re: Residential Refrigerator Info Requested
« Reply #8 on: September 24, 2016, 01:29:11 PM »
Here is a location recommended by a BAC member.
Steve
http://beaveramb.org/forum/index.php/topic,1619.msg11255.html#msg11255
Steve
2015-          07 Contessa Bayshore C9,  400 hp
2013-2015: 00 Marquis Tourmaline, C12, 425 hp
2005-2013: 01 Contessa Naples, 3126B, 330 hp

Fred Brooks

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Re: Residential Refrigerator Info Requested
« Reply #9 on: September 25, 2016, 06:49:51 PM »
   Here are some photos of Steve's 18cu Samsung install in his drivers side slide-out for those who are wondering how it looks.
        Regards, Fred
Fred & Cindy Brooks
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