HOW and WHEN TO REPLACE RV Fridge with RESIDENTIAL Fridge

[@bluerap04]

This video gave me the confidence to swap out my old Dometic RM2852 for a Magic Chef 10.1 cu. ft. Top Freezer Refrigerator in Black Model # HMDR1000BE today! It went smooth, just need to trim it up now. The wife and I love how much more room we have now.

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Awesome! Thanks for letting us know!

[@courtneymoberg1404]

We put the same one in ours this weekend! How did you secure it for travel? We live in ours full time, but do travel from time to time. Thanks so much!

[@glenncoon6639]

I did the same thing this past weekend and am so happy I did it. I watched some utube videos so removing the gas/electric one was a snap. I just ordered a power surge protector that will send an alert to my phone if there is a power outage at the campground and it will turn the power back on when it is restored. I am pleased with my decision so far and like you I have to finish trimming it in but it isn’t much to trim almost fit perfect

[@Jessecraft1954]

Love your refrigerator. I live in a camper and did the same thing. Very happy with my new fridge. Great video!

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Thankyou! Good for you!! We loved the upgrade too’

[@stevegordon5243]

Great job on the installation Nathan! The new fridge looks like it fits perfectly, will cool much better than the old absorption fridge and you have the bonus of more useable interior space

[@donaldflint1552]

I have a camper two years old. Stopped working well. I am planning on doing the same thing with the exception of putting a battery in where the burner access was and a 400 watt inverter to give me power to the fridge when traveling.

[@gannieshappylife6946]

VERY WELL done with delivery, content and quality!!

[@tdcrom]

Our RV fridge dies too, same yellow powder. In the process of replacing with residential. Thank you for the video.

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Thankyou! I hope it works well for you all!!

[@tdcrom]

@@nathanshiannetinsley5723 Don't you need a big battery bank to run this, or are you always connected to shore power, and what about when you travel?

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

@@tdcrom it depends on the length of travel. Fridges hold temp for quite a while. I do have a great generator. But yea I’m plugged in full time currently and do not need the batteries and inverter.

[@ggmoonpie6372]

I love the video you did a great job Pastor. And you just helped save my husband $20,000 because we were going to replace our whole unit just to get a residential fridge.

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Wow, Awesome!! Thankyou for the kind words as well! Glad to see this being a blessing and a help!

[@isaiahbangura4421]

I'm working on a tour bus skoolie soon and I'm going to get either a 12v or residential fridge

[@rnadey]

great video my RV frig cooling went bad to i to purchased a normal frig to thanks for the tips on insulation and vent to. I will update once i install mine.

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Thankyou! We hope it worked out well for you!

[@BeautifuLakesStreamsBiologists]

. For a large family I understand the huge fridge. I travel with one or two so I am looking at simply placing a 3.2 cubic foot fridge in place of one of the dining table chairs and getting a 2 cubic foot 12 volt travel fridge / freezer down in the cargo area. I can still seat 3 people and I gain counter space via the top of the short fridge. Then I get to transform the regular fridge space into extra closet that will be about the same size as the bedroom closet. Less, power, more storage! Thoughts? Also, managing the fridge space is important. A couple ice trays takes up much less space than a case of pop cans. Keep the apples on the counter and suddenly your little fridge lasts for a month.

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Sounds like a way to manage your storage and fridge needs in a reasonable way! Hopefully it works out well for you!

[@beaziegler8376]

It was so great watching your video thank you so much for sharing we really need a new refrigerator and you were the first video that popped up so thank you so much

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Wow thank you! I hope it worked out for you

[@glenncoon6639]

I have a Carriage Cameo fifth wheel and the refrigerator just went out. We replaced it this past weekend with an electric refrigerator this past weekend. We are permanents in a campground and the rv is not moving so it was the best bet because to purchase a new cooling unit would have cost a minimum $1,800.00 and to buy a new fridge was. Running $4,000.00+. If you could find any. We went to Home Depot and bought a magic chef 10 cubic foot refrigerator at a cost of $400.00. Clearly a no brainer. I still believe if I secure it in the cabinet and it remains closed I could travel for hours before the refrig gets warm and the contents spoils. I think it was the way to go since we are retired and on a fixed income

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Sounds like you made the right choice! Congratulations! It will be a big blessing to you all!

[@novembergrubbs8813]

Sam’s club has the perfect size for &250! That’s what I got if anyone is looking

[@johnnyhoward7337]

Pictures?

[@johnnyhoward7337]

Model number

[@stevereedatx]

Yeah, more info please!

[@Mike-ew9zn]

Spot on! Especially in the south with the heat...

[@Hamrik_Oswald]

I used this video as a guide. Thank you. Unfortunately your fridge was bigger than mine. Mine was/is 6.9 cubic square feet which significantly cut down my options. However at the end of the day, I found a fridge. A win overall. I have to wait a month, but I have gone without for about a year anyway that a month is nothing. Thank you for the video.

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Thankyou for letting me know! We’ve since sold that Rv so your comment reminds me of old times and old projects! I did finally devise a plan to hold it in place but if I were to do it again I’d come up with a better option, hopefully. I never posted my idea on that I don’t think. My Rv fridge that we own now has screws directly in the fridge going into the cabinet work from the factory, sorta hidden, so that could be an option? Thanks again and good luck!

[@leslieajensen]

For those of us who are not stationary, how would you secure it?

[@Hamrik_Oswald]

@@leslieajensen I am still trying to figure that one myself. My model didn't come with bracket attachments or even designed to have that capability.

[@DrWinkles]

Amen brother. I’m docked 24/7… 2010 cameo 35’.. and already spent $2.3k on a cooling unit last summer. A residential fridge is the way to go if the rv is constantly docked. I have no need for a Propane/ac fridge. Make sure that propane line is 💯 sealed!

[@DrWinkles]

Also, I recommend pads on the footing and metal braces on top of the fridge if you do go mobile! Rv fridges are so “voodoo”… even to someone living with a professional process engineer, electrician and overall 40+ years of carpentry and home repairs. We decided, residential fridge in a full time rv…is it! 🙌 especially if you travel and keep it on ac or solar. They are a nightmare. Don’t drain your $ in an rv two-way if you use it 1% or less of the year. It is NOT worth it.

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

We loved our residential Fridge upgrade!

[@courtneymoberg1404]

Great video!!! We have been full time.inours for 13 years. Just replaced our side by side RV fridge with a residential freezer on top and we are now trimming it out. The new one was a bit smaller. Lots of people told us not to add insulation because the new fridge needs to breathe, but the access panel on the exterior for the old fridge just seems to be like a hole for air to come in...and we live in Louisiana so it feels like a sauna. Ha! Is yours venting well the way you did it? Thanks so much. Great video!!!

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

We never ended up having an issue with our venting so I guess the answer is yes! Thankyou! As for yours, we live in Maine which is a world away from Louisiana! To make sure you did it right, you could always call a Rv service center and ask. I couldn’t say for your location. Anyways, good luck!

[@dannidaymitchell613]

So does this take away from your power? I’m also permanently parked and plugged into 50 as well but I’m worried about blowing breakers even more than I already do.

[@traceen887]

Was there already a plug in behind the fridge from before. I was trying to see it in the video.

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Yes there is a plug in, and probably one on most rv’s!

[@fireflymary9269]

Size of opening? How did you find a new fridge?

[@kabrahamsgarage5613]

I have done the same conversion to mine, but have issues with the doors opening during travel. Thinking of using magnets to hold shut. You have this issue with the home style?

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

It’s a great point to bring up! Unfortunately, I can’t say what I’d do or if ours would give us trouble as our Rv is stationary most of the time! It does run great but we just don’t move it.. but there several ideas you could explore! Hope you find something that works!

[@angelrvbajacenter5047]

Thank you for sharing, I'm changing my to , because is ready Dies hehe.

[@donnarichardson2888]

Hi i have a 2007 forest river cedar creek fifth wheel & almost died due to ammonia leak inside my home from rv fridge. I took it out & put in a 10 cu ft majic chef. Only had it 6 month & it started not cooling well & food spoiled, so home depot replaced it with a vessani. NOW have had it for 2 days & its not cooling right either. I DID not put insulation board in cabinet nor on vent door or roof vent as so many comnents said the res fridge needs ventilation. Is this why im not getting colder temps, also i live in florida & its get between 90-94 right now. Im full time living by myself in a fish camp on a lake and had a stroke in april & havent gone back to work just yet so i cannot afford to keep throwing food out. Im so very exhausted from watching so many videos to get an answer. I pray YOU can answer this & help solve my problem. Thank you in advance, & have a Blessed Night

[@donnarichardson2888]

Also I have huge gaps on both sides of fridge, top & bottom not so much bit here in Florida it's very hot right now & heat was coming in through back vent & top vent really bad & I could feel cold air escaping put back vent grate

[@dwaynerodeffer]

Question. I didn’t see how you powered the fridge. How did you do that. Love that you mentioned the Lord too!

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Amen! So we had a regular plug-in at the back of the fridge. I’m pretty sure the other fridge used the outlet for it’s electrical uses. So any Rv is likely to have that plug-in outlet. God bless

[@shelleysimpson8570]

What did you plug it into

[@jeffmill6683]

So you had a 3 way fridge which most are 2 way fridges

[@markpate4295]

2400? My Norcold to replace is 5500... why is it so much? 1000 just to replace the absorption still.

[@beckylacroix653]

what a great video on how to? what was the length of your hole where the old fridge was? mine measures 53 1/4 will this fit?

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Thankyou!! So our fridge is linked in the description and if you follow the link it should give you the exact measurements for the fridge. You don’t have to buy it online, just see the specs!

[@stevereedatx]

My fridge is having issues and I rent my RV out so it is constantly on the road for trips from 4-14 days with maybe 2-4 days in between when it is stationary. Would a fridge like yours still be a better choice in my situation?

[@solebrth]

Why didn't you show the power hook up and how the wires were placed ?

[@jamespalmieri7235]

Nathan great job. By the way I have the same motorhome as you 35RQ Vectra fridge still working fine but if and when it dies I will definitely put in a residential fridge.

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Way cool! Thankyou! It’s been a great upgrade for us!

[@steelshotproductions]

Does the residential unit simply plug into the outlet that the RV refrigerator used to be plugged into???

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Yes it does! It’s quite simple!

[@bhandy87]

How did you anker it into the space?

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Great question, I haven’t yet. The motorhome is stationary so I haven’t needed to but I have looked into it and there’s options! I’m thinking of metal brackets of sort to screw into the wood trim, it’s a tight fit to start with and brackets would do the job, but we’ll see..

[@josefinaescribano6214]

How are you going to boondocks?

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

We had a generator but ideally those aren’t used for boondocking. We actually made a conscious decision based on our setup with full hook ups.

[@pysceansun5818]

the RV that my bf and I purchased for fulltime RVing due to the virus... We are a family of 3. we had our son in April of this year so he is still bottle fed with formula, but I digress. Our RV did not come with a refrigerator, or working stove. the previous owner removed and kept both of those. My question is this...we can not afford a standard RV fridge and he has decided not use propane with the RV being small and having a kid. i agreed. knowing all this is it still a good idea to use a small residential fridge in a very late model RV? Does age of RV even matter when it comes to upgrades??

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

I would say, absolutely - you can use a residential fridge! Not a bad idea to drop the propane and just go to an electric stove either. I can’t think of any issues you would have.. so good luck! Let us know how it works!

[@pysceansun5818]

@@nathanshiannetinsley5723 thanks❤❤

[@gasjetruss04]

What was the size of the new fridge? As an appliance tech, I would of left air flow open behind the unit. It need to remove heat. Probably why it froze drinks.

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

The fridge has an air gap all the way around it as well as a whole cut in the side-rear of the unit’s enclosure. I turned the unit temp down and it’s been flawless! Hope that helps!

[@cojomo2512]

What about the weight? Was there a big difference?

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Great question, to be honest, I don’t know the specifics but the residential fridge must have been about the same weight. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were within 20lbs.

[@lisahawkins1430]

We just swapped out for a similar 10.1 cu foot Magic chef. The weight is 117lbs. The RV fridge was smaller @ 6.4 cu ft, yet much heavier. We did have to remove some top trim due to the height difference. Loving having an actual fridge.

[@Hamrik_Oswald]

Did you find a way to bolt it down/in place?

[@jchiar]

I’ve seen people screw the rear down and use L brackets

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Great question and yes And no! I found a way to hold it in the cabinet but not bolt it down. So there’s ways to do that, I’ve since leaned. My new rig has screws right through the fridge’s outer points of contact, so it’s just a matter of finding a way to secure it that doesn’t look botched or rigged!

[@rodrigomoradojr339]

How and where did you plug in the electricity? PS great job 👍🏽👍🏽.

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Thankyou! So our Rv had a factory installed plug in, I suppose every Rv has it, even propane fridges use electricity? Otherwise a discreet chord would work!

[@stevereedatx]

Most RVs seem to be electic/gas hybrids and if electric will definitely have a plug

[@petesautos1847]

How long do you think it would run on your battery bank?

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

A very adequate question, however the answer is probably not what you are looking for... I don’t have the fridge running through an inverter and into the battery bank. This is very doable and many have, But bc I’m stationary for now, and have no need, I haven’t.. it would be a GREAT upgrade for the motorhome though!

[@patrickhastings6421]

How did you get rid of the old fridge?

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

We ended up dropping it off at a junk yard!

[@48SolarAndRoofing]

In your video you said you bought this fridge at Lowe’s but in your description you have a link to amazon ?

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Yes, you can get the details such as the product number and exact measurements from the Amazon link and purchase from Lowe’s if they continue to stock it.

[@jdmcsm8937]

What is the dimensions of the fridge

[@BC5391]

The RV fridge on my Lance (would) freeze drinks, but it also just died.

[@DeborahDeBoer]

How did you plug it in? Does it use a lot of electricity?

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Hmm, probably should have included that information.. There’s a plug in at the back of the machine already in place from the motor home manufacture, so it was a real “plug and play”. And I’ve been told they are more energy efficient.. it seems to be light on electricity!

[@DeborahDeBoer]

Ah, thank you :) we are having issues with our fridge, I want to be ready if I have to switch it out.

[@rebeccahearon1897]

Did you have to change you plug, fuses, or breaker to accommodate the residential fridge? We are looking to replace since we are full time and have read you have to do different electrical... :/ Did you run into that problem at all?

[@DeborahDeBoer]

@@rebeccahearon1897 there was a plug right by the back of the old fridge. We just used that to plug in the new small fridge from BJ's and everything has been fine :)

[@Leon9000130]

I think the biggest issue with residential fridges is the durability. Good motor-homes with plush suspension is fine but on less expensive 5th wheels and trailers I've heard they are not robust enough to handle the vibration, especially those with rear kitchens. I would like to know if anyone has experience with 10 cf 12/24 volt compressor fridges like Furrion . I believe they are built tougher and have a forced air exchange at bottom of fridge so no need to cut a vent hole. They are more expensive ($1,110) for 10 cf so not sure if it,s worth it.

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Very interesting.. would love to hear from the public on your question. I do know many 5th wheels are going residential so maybe they are discovering this problem or maybe they’ve solved it? Either way, I could buy approximately 4 residential fridges for the price of one Rv fridge, and the space, quality and ease of use is much better.. if you live in your Rv, residential is the best way to go, at least for us!

[@Leon9000130]

@@nathanshiannetinsley5723 Yes good point! I believe I have already made up my mind on opting for 12v fridge especially because of the heat here in Texas, but I always like to be prepared. I'm just in the process of finding the right rv but it will definitely be a lite. Also all the ones we seem to like are rear kitchen, That means a-lot of bouncing around.

[@ronaldbertin9455]

Did you add any retainer brackets???

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

No sir, we are stationary at this time, but you can be assured I would before moving our RV. It’s operating we just don’t move it! Many ideas for holding it down in Lowe’s or Home Depot or Amazon!

[@daleb5696]

I didn't see where you actually fastened the "new" Refrigerator to the opening? The Video basically shows removing the old , cut and cap two wires and a gas line and install "New" Refrigerator was that what you did?

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Lol that’s about all there is, we will come up with a solution to screw it down for safety if we ever move the RV.. it’s drivable but we are stationary for now. There’s a lot of ideas at Lowe’s to screw it into place, it’s just a matter of picking one that works for your situation.

[@23thebull]

just subscribed awesome job

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Wow! Thankyou!!

[@butterflygypsy956]

I'm a full-time boondocker. My fridge just went. Is this an option to use with solar? If so, anyone know what the minimum amount of batteries, Inverter & solar I would need to run this?

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Great question, I suppose the answer would be in the amount of amp hours the Fridge draws.. my guess is it’s doable but you probably need a very good set of batteries..

[@butterflygypsy956]

@@nathanshiannetinsley5723 Well I currently have 2 lithium battle born batteries, 1000 watt pure sine Inverter & 250 watts of solar, that's what my new rig came with. However when I get closer to SanTan solar, I plan to add 2 more 250 watt panels to total 750 watts. Was considering upgrading to a 2000 watt Inverter as well. Do you think that would be enough with the upgrades?

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

@@butterflygypsy956 I’d have to find out what the wattage load for the fridge is to give you an answer. Check the fridge you plan to purchase!

[@butterflygypsy956]

@@nathanshiannetinsley5723 Got it, thanks again! 😊 You have a new sub!

[@danielmart9997]

Did u screw it back in ?

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Eventually, I screwed a couple of brace plates to secure it in place.

[@Command37]

Withholding information you are. Need to show and explain how to seal trim around fridge.

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

No trim, you need the air gap. I plan to fasten/secure soon but that’s just some hardware and screws from a box store

[@tman1129]

It's funny, we weekend 5 or six times a year, the rv fridge died in the 2nd year. Fixing it will cost 350.00, and the part is on a 6 month back order... so residential it is!

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Great choice and I hope it works out for you all!

[@melissarogers9657]

Wish I could see closer when your disconnecting stuff

[@JedCraft69]

Thank you so much for posting this!! My 2 way just died and I want to replace it with a residential.

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Well Thankyou for letting us know! I hope it works out for you!

[@JamieTransNyc]

Next step.... pull the refrigerator back out, and swap the compressor for a 12v one purchased from marine or amish supply houses..... same thing with the air circulation fans.

[@hcrffi]

Haier is an Chinese company. I hate to admit, but they make real good small appliances. You won't go wrong with them.

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Interesting!

[@TheHonestFoodTeller]

Cold air is good for your fridge, my nice and amazing noob friend!

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

Haha!

[@EverydayIsSaturday2]

You didn’t address how you connected to electrical. 😐

[@nathanshiannetinsley5723]

There’s an electrical outlet in the back of the fridge compartment, from the factory, we plugged in there.

[@briansadler5502]

That’s funny.. the good lord! Which one!!