Replacing the Norcold

[Marty and Suzie Schenck]

In 2012 I replaced the Nocold in our 2002 Thunder with a Samsung RF197. Loved that refrigerator but it is no longer made. It looks like I may need to replace the Nocold in our 2004 Thunder. Looking at previous posts, the latest seem to be from mid 2017, what is the latest model that fits that opening.
Thank you, Marty

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Marty,
According to Samsung's web page, they make 18 and 20 cu ft units (same price). I have the 18 in my 07 and we love it. We could have got the 19 at the time we installed it but chose to go with the 18 as the difference was in depth and I didn't want the unit sticking our into the living area or taking up all the space in the rear as I wanted good air circulation back there. The 18 cu ft handles all our needs with no problems. Only adaptation is that we transfer freezer stuff from boxes to freezer bags for better use of freezer space. If you are in the Tucson area, Fred Brooks (BAC/Forum member) does a great job on installing. We bought ours at Home Depot there and had it delivered to Fred's shop.
Steve

[Marty and Suzie Schenck]

Thank you Steve.

[Bill Sprague]

We've got one in the condo that I think is the same height and width, but maybe two inches deeper.  It is 8 years old.  We are selling the condo later this year and don't much care what goes with it.  You can have it if you find something to fit in the hole!

(As I type, BJ and Suzie are on the phone!!) 

[Marty and Suzie Schenck]

That's a real nice offer Bill and thank you. I think we should just leave yours there. With the kind of luck I've been having I would likely damage BJ's floor, counters and entry door. Don't want to lose you two as friends. Thanks again. Marty

[Greg Ross]

Fred installed at Samsung RF18 into our 2008 Contessa last year and did a great job.
Worth the trip to Tucson.

[Dwight Lakusta]

Fred installed at Samsung RF18 into our 2008 Contessa last year and did a great job.
Worth the trip to Tucson.

Who is this Fred fella, and how do you like the RF-18?

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Dwight,
From my earlier post on this thread;

According to Samsung's web page, they make 18 and 20 cu ft units (same price). I have the 18 in my 07 and we love it. We could have got the 19 at the time we installed it but chose to go with the 18 as the difference was in depth and I didn't want the unit sticking our into the living area or taking up all the space in the rear as I wanted good air circulation back there. The 18 cu ft handles all our needs with no problems. Only adaptation is that we transfer freezer stuff from boxes to freezer bags for better use of freezer space. If you are in the Tucson area, Fred Brooks (BAC/Forum member) does a great job on installing. We bought ours at Home Depot there and had it delivered to Fred's shop.

[Dwight Lakusta]

Thank you Steve! I will be in contact!

[Keith Moffett]

We were at Costco a few days ago and there was a Whirlpool fridge that sure looked right for the motorhome.   

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Don't use dimensions as the key for replacing an absorption reefer with an electric unit. Power consumption is also critical as you'll be expecting your battery bank/inverter to supply needed AC for extended periods e.g overnight. The Samsung units had among the lowest power needs when I had mine installed a few years ago and ran fine on 4 house batteries.
Steve

[Keith Moffett]

Our 07 came with the WhirlPool side by side of that year.  Not really efficient power wise.  When the compressor kicks on its primary draw is about 13 amps.
Even considering that and normal lights etc., we operate on 4x D4 batteries.  We generally run the generator 1 hr. Or so in the AM and 2 hr in the PM.  This keeps everything charged pretty well.
I did notice a Whirlpool fridge in Costco recently that looks like it would fit nicely in our spot so I know they are available.  As Steve says the main question is batteries and power!
I think it was Jerry who went all electric and removed the propane tank.  He replaced the tank with more batteries.

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Keith,
I also added 2 more batteries (total 6) after I installed induction cook tops, but the reefer rand fine on 4 in any case. Ran geni about same as you.
Steve

[Marty and Suzie Schenck]

Thanks for all the replies. I am leaning towards the Samsung RF18. It is basically the same size as the RF197 I installed in my 2002 Thunder and I was able to install it myself. It ran just fine on 4 batteries so I hope the RF18 will also.
Thanks again, Marty

[Fred Brooks]

Greetings Marty,
    I am the "Fred" guy. I have installed over 30 of these RF-18 refers and here are some considerations. The latest electronics in the current RF-18 require a "pure sine wave" configuration from your inverter. They will run on a modified sine wave for a while, but eventually fail. Proper ventilation is another issue. Samsung uses a U-Shaped configuration on the bottom of the refer. This pulls air in on one side of the front, circulates it thru the condenser fins, uses that heat to evaporate the condensation accumulated from the defrost cycle drip pan and then exits thru the front on the other side. Some installers install a face frame around the refer and end up blocking this venting. Now the refer is forced to cool with only the room behind it and the coach wall. This will work if you have not sealed the back of the original refer vent, however the refer will cycle more frequently trying to dissipate the heat, Last, take time to vacuum the dust bunnies and pet hair caught under the refer bottom at the front.

Blessings & Joy to all, Fred Brooks