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  1. #1
    Site Sponsor Terrytruett's Avatar
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    Residential Fridge into a 303 - Install Pictures

    Finally took the time to swap the fridge in a 2018 303 from a Dometic 4 door fridge with a new Haier 15 CF residential fridge. I have tried EVERYTHING to get the OEM fridge to work during hot weather, with no luck. Our last beach trip we had some sandwich meat spoil so I ordered the fridge while on the trip.

    Removal of fridge was straight forward. 2 screws in back, 4 in front. Turned off gas, removed gas line, capped the cross with a plug, removed 12v power. Removed all the doors. The top valance came out with ease and a couple of screws. The bottom valance and old support was a bit tougher. They did not spare the caulk which made it a PITA. Once the base was sawed out, the rest was easy.

    There is NO WAY to get this thing out without removing the bottom step, toward bedroom. The bedroom step came out easy after finding the 2 screws that hold it down.

    We laid fiber board down all over the floor. Taped all corners, which was a disaster when tape was removed. Dark mahogany stain to fixed the lifted simulated wood grain.

    Slid the fridge upright into door opening, tilted out. Viola! Of course this was after 3 other attempts then, removed the step.

    Slide opening measures 71 5/8 in front and 71 in rear. This was scary as I could not get measurements until fridge was removed. New fridge dimensions shown.

    We lifted new fridge into door way, which was a struggle. I'm a big guy, my helper (wife) is 5 foot and 100 pounds. Did some tiny damage to the corner molding, but! in back of the fridge, at the seam, there is a strip of sticky wallpaper that fixed damage.

    The fridge cooled down in less than 3 hours. It is a tight fit vertical but still room to make adjustments. I screwed the 2 front feet down and also on the top. I installed a 800 watt inverter which is plenty to handle the 2.6 amps to keep it running and only 12 amps surge to start the compressor.

    Plans are to add new trim to close gap on both sides. I am short 2.5 inches both side.

    Thank you to all the other guys that have done this and shared their info about the same mod!

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    I used a car window shade and 1/8 inch panels on the inside to fill openings.

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    Plenty of clearance between island and fridge


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    I had to use the fiber board to slide up and over the floor trim.
    Last edited by Terrytruett; 06-23-2020 at 02:16 AM.
    Thank you!

    2021 310GKR Solitude
    2022 GMC Denali - Duramax

  2. #2
    Site Sponsor Terrytruett's Avatar
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    Part 2

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    Attachment 27481

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    Lowes had this fridge on sale for $998.00

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    I screwed the feet down making sure the screws did not go completely though the slide floor.

    FWIW, the new fridge weighs 32 pounds less.
    Last edited by Terrytruett; 06-23-2020 at 02:24 AM.
    Thank you!

    2021 310GKR Solitude
    2022 GMC Denali - Duramax

  3. #3
    Site Team WhittleBurner's Avatar
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    @Terrytruett
    This is a great change you made to your 303. If dometic had not replaced our old Atwood helium fridge under warranty this would have been our next mod to our vintage 303.

    I copied this thread over to the mod section because more than Reflection owners might benefit from it. If you want to track both I will leave this one open otherwise let me know and I can close this one.
    Marcy & Gary
    2014 Grand Design - Reflection 303RLS
    2022 GMC 3500 Denali Duramax Longbed SRW
    2015 GMC Denali 3500 - Retired
    2003 F350 - retired
    Michigan
    We're in trouble now, the dog are bloggin'!
    https://3dogsandatrailer.wordpress.com/


  4. #4
    Site Sponsor
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    Nice job! Looks great
    Jim and Belinda H. Pa.

    2018 337RLS- 2nd ac, dual pane windows, table and chairs, Kodiak disc brakes 12-28-17 (Thanks Ed!)
    720w solar, 100/50 Victron scc


  5. #5
    Long Hauler Canyonlight's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jims94vmx View Post
    Nice job! Looks great
    X2 - thanks, for sharing the details and pictures @Terrytruett ! Well done !

    Dan
    Dan & Carol
    2014 303RLS Reflection #185 (10/2013 build)
    2012 Silverado LTZ Crew Duramax 2500HD
    2700/16K Pullrite Superglide

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