Residential Fridge Install in a 381M

[Aharper26]

Has anyone removed there Norcold 2118 and installed a residential fridge? I'm wondering about the island will it need to be removed?

[Overtaxed]

You can get a "kit" to convert the 2118 to a "normal" fridge, that might be easier than trying to find something that will fit.

[offtohavasu]

^^^^ X2. When (not if) my Norcold dies, I'm going to take a serious look at the 12v compressor.

[DarylB]

^^^^ X2. When (not if) my Norcold dies, I'm going to take a serious look at the 12v compressor.

^^^^X3

https://jc-refrigeration.com/product...dc-conversion/

[Txfivver]

You can buy the Samsung for what that kit costs and be done with the Norcold. It will be the same Samsung that your trailer could have been ordered with. Not sure about the island needing removed, mine did not require it to make the swap.

[offtohavasu]

You can buy the Samsung for what that kit costs and be done with the Norcold. It will be the same Samsung that your trailer could have been ordered with. Not sure about the island needing removed, mine did not require it to make the swap.

Depends on additional mods you want to do. The 12V DC compressor will not require an inverter to be installed.

[Txfivver]

Depends on additional mods you want to do. The 12V DC compressor will not require an inverter to be installed.

This is very true but he didn't state if he boondocks a lot or is always plugged in. Being a toyhauler I'm betting he has the Onan as well. The DC compressor may be a great idea but I'm just done with Norcold fridges of any type.
I've had 3 of them in 3 different trailers and none of them worked well at all.

[Second Chance]

I've not heard of a Solitude or Momentum where the Norcold refrigerator could not be removed (with the doors off) past the island and through the main door. The counter depth 18 cu. ft. Samsung that GD installs OEM is the same depth (with the doors off) as the Norcold. There are several write-ups on this and other forums where people have made the switch. The battery/inverter/generator situation would still have to be addressed.

Rob

Edit: a piano dolly is a must (I've seen it done).

[FirstAscent]

I ordered my 381 with the residential fridge and I would agree there should be enough room to remove/re-install without any island adjustments.


p.s. I think the fridge is actually pretty dang decent too!

[FT4NOW]

I've not heard of a Solitude or Momentum where the Norcold refrigerator could not be removed (with the doors off) past the island and through the main door. The counter depth 18 cu. ft. Samsung that GD installs OEM is the same depth (with the doors off) as the Norcold. There are several write-ups on this and other forums where people have made the switch. The battery/inverter/generator situation would still have to be addressed.

Rob

Edit: a piano dolly is a must (I've seen it done).

I agree. It's funny though. When I bought my Momentum the finance guy, or last chance sales pitch guy, whatever his title is, insisted that I should get the extended warranty because if the fridge failed, they would need to remove the slide to get the fridge out of the camper. When I reminded him I'm buying a toy hauler he stopped talking.

I've seen plenty of write ups on here that discuss removing the fridge for a residential version, and I cant recall anyone having to remove the island.

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