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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!

    Attachment 27474

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

    Attachment 27475

    Attachment 27476

    Attachment 27477

    Plenty of clearance between island and fridge


    Attachment 27478

    I had to use the fiber board to slide up and over the floor trim.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails frudge upright.jpg   vents.jpg   specs.jpg   space.jpg   protecting trim.jpg  

    Thank you!

    2021 310GKR Solitude
    2022 GMC Denali - Duramax

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

    Attachment 27479

    Attachment 27481

    Attachment 27483

    Attachment 27482


    Lowes had this fridge on sale for $998.00

    Attachment 27480

    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.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails cost.jpg   feet.jpg   spec 3.jpg   measure.jpg  
    Thank you!

    2021 310GKR Solitude
    2022 GMC Denali - Duramax

  3. #3
    Seasoned Camper
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    This is awesome! Did you pick this model because it doesn't have handles to interfere with the island? And what are you going to use to keep it closed while traveling.

  4. #4
    Site Sponsor Terrytruett's Avatar
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    Yes, clearance around the island is an issue. BIG issue. Handles would cause a problem, width, and depth too. This is one of the few that would fit. An LG and a Samsung will also fit, but cost a lot more. This unit got great reviews. It is a GE unit with the HAIER Brand on it. Plans are to use a soft bungee cord to hold doors closed. Until I can come up with a bracket.

    I finished closing the 2.5 inch gaps on sides. I used Fir with dark walnut stain, and looks pretty dog gone close.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails 20200701_123034.jpg  
    Thank you!

    2021 310GKR Solitude
    2022 GMC Denali - Duramax

  5. #5
    Setting Up Camp
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    Did you have a false floor under the NeverCold? I think that's what I'm going to tear out instead of upper.
    2019 Solitude 2930RL S-Class
    2018 GMC Sierra 3500 Denali, LB Crew, SRW

  6. #6
    Site Sponsor gbkims's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bikeman View Post
    Did you have a false floor under the NeverCold? I think that's what I'm going to tear out instead of upper.
    Terry's measurements are pretty close to mine:

    My frig enclosure height, slide floor to enclosure ceiling:
    Rear 70-3/4"
    Front 71-3/4"
    That's with the 5" false floor removed and the top 3" trim board off.
    - Gene

    Kim & Gene
    2015 Reflection 317RST
    2017 Ram 3500 CC LB 4x2 6.7 CTD AISIN 3.73 DRW Auto Level Rear Air, BD3, Prodigy P3, Aux Tank

  7. #7
    Site Sponsor Terrytruett's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bikeman View Post
    Did you have a false floor under the NeverCold? I think that's what I'm going to tear out instead of upper.
    Yes, there was a false bottom and a valance up top. I removed both without much effort.
    Thank you!

    2021 310GKR Solitude
    2022 GMC Denali - Duramax

  8. #8
    Setting Up Camp
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    Terry, what did you do with the removed 1350?
    How did you secure the top on the new unit?
    I'm definitely doing this mod.

  9. #9
    Site Sponsor Terrytruett's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ensignsailor View Post
    Terry, what did you do with the removed 1350?
    How did you secure the top on the new unit?
    I'm definitely doing this mod.
    I can not find anyone that needs nor wants the 1350, and I cant blame them. Probably pull control board and take to landfill. If I dry camped I would still at this point use a new fridge and supplement with batteries and solar!

    I screwed the front feet down to floor, taking care as to not go to deep and through the slide floor. On top i used some angle cut to size that screws into the slide upper support/face piece. THis part is strong and thick. I screwed a 2.5 inch deck screw here. Letting the other side of the angle rest against the front of the fridge. I cut this side of angle as to clear the magnetic seal and not interfere with sealing part. If you know what is under this area I would screw into top of fridge to hold, but my luck, I would go right into a $500 part. I have been worried about this thing fitting into the slide, not knowing true measurements for the 303. The fridge was a 6 week delivery. It fit and all is well. Best thing I have done to the 303 interior so far.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Thank you!

    2021 310GKR Solitude
    2022 GMC Denali - Duramax

  10. #10
    Setting Up Camp
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    Did you run a water line for the ice maker?
    2019 Solitude 2930RL S-Class
    2018 GMC Sierra 3500 Denali, LB Crew, SRW

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