Which Residential Fridge Did You Get

[Greengas]

This is for those who put in a residential fridge.

1. Which make and model did you choose

2. Why

3. How did the install go

4. Best and worse of the fridge

5. If you have an inverter, which one and why

6. Any lessons learned I should know about

7. What unexpected issues popped up

Thanks so much, in advance.

 

[Greengas]

So maybe what I asked was a bit difficult to follow (based on the zero responses I've gotten). So let me ask again, If you have installed a residential fridge in your rig, what make and model did you pick and why?

Sarah and I are about to take the plunge and so far the only make and model I've been able to find is the Samsung RF18 and right now it is on sale at Lowes. I have no problem getting it I just want to make sure I am looking at all my options first.


Thanks in advance for the guidance and recommendations I hope are about to come my way.

(Oh sorry if I sorry a bit snarky, its been a rough couple of weeks, I hate spending time in ICU but I guess breathing is important and then it takes a while to recover.)

 

[danemayer]

Ronn,

The Samsung RF18 and RF197 are the 2 that I've noted people using over the past few years.

 

[asherwin]

I replaced my Nevercold with the Samsung RF18. Removed the drawer below the old unit, added a piece of plywood on the bottom and the new one slid right in. The small gap left at the top was covered with a wood vent grill for ventilation. I added a Samlex 2000 invertor and additional batteries (now 4 12V). The invertor is tied into a circuit via a dedicated transfer switch which powers the fridge and other 120V plugs on the kitchen slide. This allows me to charge phones, watch TV etc. when not "plugged" in.

 

[lynndiwagoner]

I installed the Samsung RF18 also. I'm very pleased with performance plus it runs on a MSW inverter. I lost the bottom drawer under the nocold but that was no great loss. It came through the front door of the rig after I removed the doors from the fridge with no problem. Minor carpentry work.

 

[Greengas]

Re: Which Residential Fridge Did You Get - Update

So, I've purchased the Samsung RF18 and put my current fridge up for sale. Now, I am in the market for an inverter and I was already going to buy 2 new Group 31 AGM batteries and I'm wondering if I should be 3 (would provide over 300 amp hours). Sarah and I don't boondock much at all, 1 night here and there at the most and from what I've read 3 Group 31 AGMS should be more than enough to not only keep the fridge going but also let us watch a little TV (we plan on having the inverter wired to a new outlet in the bedroom).

Does this make sense? Are 3 enough, overkill, or not enough?

Thanks as always in advance for my pending education.

 

[asherwin]

Three may well be enough. I went with four Group 29's as I had the room. What I discovered during our many one or two night boondocks is you may be using more battery power than you think. If you want to put two or all six of your hydraulic feet down that will use capacity. If you want to put out a slide or two that will use capacity. If you use lights, water pump or the furnace (during chilly nights) you will use capacity. Then there is your must have - the residential fridge, and the nice to have - a little TV. If you plan to boondock consecutive nights in different locations as you travel (eg Walmart one night, then a Casino or rest area the next) you need to consider time to recharge the batteries. Running down the road and relying on your truck's alternator to do it will result in disappointment. The charge rate is not sufficient to fully recharge three or four batteries. I added a bit of solar to help recharging during the day while sitting or driving. Also have genie to fall back on if necessary. You may or may not. Hope this helps.