Installing a Residential Refrigerator in a RV
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- Опубликовано: 26 сен 2022
- This is not click bait by any means. I struggled to even make this video because I am ashamed of my mistake. But I figured it might help at least one other person out there and well the damage was already done. On this 2005 Jayco Greyhawk, the owner asked me to fix the Norcold model N841 or replace it with a 120vac only residential unit. As the repair, new cooling unit, was the much more expensive option, they opted for a 120vac "mini" frig, Haier model ha10tg21ss. The swap was very easy, but I destroyed it when I put a lock on the front of the unit by running a screw through a hidden refrigerant line. So I made this video to explain what happened and what not to do.
Also, I do know a stick on child-safety strap can work, I still think they look bad and can fail.
Thanks for watching! 
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Not just another duchebag mechanic!! He kept it honest 1000% And he didn't even blame the fridge and explained the design... I like that!!
Thank you, it was very humbling to "almost" finish the job the first time
You're not judged by how well you do your job. You're judged by how well you handle your mistakes while on the job
Your transparency is why your viewers love your content and when I purchase my RV If I am anywhere close to you, I am utilizing your services for the inspection.
I always respect a person that admits their mistakes and great job on the install.
You are correct! The line around the door is a high pressure "hi side" line used to keep the door frame warm to stop condensation or "sweat" around the doors. Common on a lot of newer commercial reach in units. It eliminates the added cost of an electric element and control.
I dont remember how many post loop electric heater kits I installed in my 38 years as an HVAC and refrigeration tech. Those factory condenser loops have a real issue leaking. I used to use my vacum pump to pull a electric string heater through the loop and connect to defrost timer so it would turn on the heater when compressor ran.
I’m proud of you James. It takes a lot for an RV expert to not only admit a mistake but it’s just brilliant that you have used this to help others not repeat your error.
If the owners like both finishes just add it to the invoice as they certainly got the job done well eventually 😉 Your honesty serves you credit and I feel more confidence in your style of business than ever. Now go and enjoy an ice cold beer 🍺 or something 💕💫
I agree. Thank you for your sharing. YOU ARE THE ULTIMATE PRORFESSION
Thanks Lorrie
James - I think you are an expert and a professional. There’s no tech I’d rather have working on my RV than you. Keep the great content coming sir.
Thanks, will do!
I feel your pain. Having been a mechanic on everything from autos to airplanes, sometimes things go sideways. Always remember that every 15 min. job is just one broken bolt from becoming a 3 day ordeal. Newby RV owner here, bought an 85 Winnebago Chieftain 22RC last fall and put about 3000 miles on it this summer. Love your channel and the information that you share, just keep bringing your hard earned wisdom. At least I find it valuable.
How did the old theme song go: you take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have the facts of life. I prefer a person whom admits their mistakes to all rather than those that claim they have never made a mistake. MUCH Respect to you Sir!
Girls...GIRLS!!! Now that song is going to be stuck in my head lol
I personally think it proves you are an expert. Thank you for sharing. You stood behind your work on top. Nothing but respect from this armchair mechanic.
Thanks Eric
👍 I did the same fridge upgrade years ago and we absolutely love it! Only thing is I left the upper and lower vents open so there could be some air circulation 🤷♂️.
I was wondering about that myself I just bought the same model and will install it next week. The manufacturer claims that the fridge is not designed for RV or garage use because it is designed to operate at temps between 40-85 degrees F. Also they recommended 5 inches of clearance on each side. So I was thinking that it while operating it might get too hot inside an enclosed area and not function properly.
I agree or at least keep the bottom vent open, heat needs to escape. Every professional makes mistakes even the manufactures don’t do anything better. Solar panel and life lithium batteries are a must on this option.
Can you tell me once stocked with goods and down to temps how often does the fridge run and amps drawn? Hoping that my 1100 watts of solar and 400AH of battery will keep up.
@@AZDodgeViper on an average day mine uses around 0.850kWh. Running is around 125watts.
That would mean it is running for 7hrs out of every 24h or 17m in every 60m.
According to the Haier Specification Guide for this specific model refrigerator, it only requires 2" of clearance on the back, and only 1" of clearance on the sides and top! I was amazed since many models require much more than that!
James, I learned many years ago, the only people that make no mistakes, do not do anything. Life will continue! Best wishes, Kevin
Thanks for watching! :)
A friend of mine did something similar when installing a door lock on his refrigerator. He hit the water line to the water dispenser/ice maker. We still laugh about his misfortune and I just sent him a link to your video is hopes it helps him feel better. James you are the best!
Everyone gets joy from my shame :)
I've been watching for a while now. I really like watching your videos and it surprises the heck out of me how you do a bunch of stuff with one hand and holding the camera.
LOL Thanks for watching! :)
@@AZExpert Oh, forgot to mention. I live in the valley as well, so it's interesting to see the places you go and do stuff. The high end stuff just gets me green with envy.
You're not the only one to do that. There are other videos of guys who've drilled there trying to put a door look on and hit that line 😳😳
First off I would consider you and I've been in the business 25 years a lot of the guys around the shop think I'm the expert but little do they know the tips and tricks that I show them a lot of them I've learned from you so you have no reason to even respond to these people! So take a bow my friend you are definitely the expert
It's what makes you a decent person emitting to your mistakes.
Being a man is when you decide to teach and train others not to make those same mistakes.
Cheers to you, bro.
That's the exact brand and model I plan to install to replace my gas absorption Dometic as soon as I go fulltime (mostly because of the fire hazard but bigger interior and colder food is a plus).
I appreciate you showing me where the refrigerant lines are so I can avoid hitting them. Your humbled mistake and sharing it is very much appreciated.
Thanks for watching! :)
Expertise is earned through doing things over and over. Doesn't mean it's right every time.
Or most times LOL
@@AZExpert I understand. Been working in IT and Accounting for 21 years. Made more than my share.
As a fellow tech. I've made my share of mistakes. Being honest about mistakes makes you exceptional technician! James.Though it might cost us financially,to repair,it we learned something new, and thats what builds our knowledge to be a even better at what we do as a technician. Thanks for a great video . Jeff
Thanks Jeff!
That’s a great idea we have a residential refrigerator in our class A motorhome and always having problems keeping door closed as we go down the road . The food falls out and the wife cusses up a storm .. I Thank you and my wife thanks you . Lol
BE CAREFUL lol
Takes a real tech to admit there mistakes! You’re a stand up guy. God Bless.
I appreciate that!
The possessive is "their". The pronoun referring to a place is "there". English is only as good as you make it.
Great job James! Residential definitely the way to go. It was the biggest upgrade I’ve made to my motorhome. Love the door holder. I’ll give that a try.
Thanks for watching! :)
James, an "expert" is someone who does what you do, knows what you know, but is brought in from out of town!
In training for machine tool repair. We were told its not that you make mistakes but how well you cover the ones you do make.
HA!
Your integrity is the mark of a honest man
Thanks Terry
No matter what, you're still my go to rv tech guy . I don't have an rv yet , but I'll be ready to tackle anything that comes way. 👍💯😎
Thanks for watching! :)
People like you are hard to come by more people should be like you !
Thanks for watching! :)
Great teacher learning a lot from you very honest and humble man…thank you!!!
Total respect for someone that admits their faults, kudo's Sir. I would have never guessed there were lines that close either and would have likely done the same thing.
Thank you, that's why I made the video to warn people. :)
Shame sharing helps others and is to be commended! Thank you! You make this world a better place and help others in the process. You should be proud of yourself!
Thanks for watching! :)
James, you know the old saying, if you are not messing up, your not working. I know that sucks it happened, but I'm sure who watched this will now know. Thanks for sharing this, it takes a real man to admit he is wrong, let alone showing his mistakes on camera. Great job. Keep up the honest work.
Thanks for watching! :)
You are truly a master craftsman. Your intellectual honesty and teaching demeanor can only be greatly respected. Thanks so much for this education. I have a failing Norcord 512, and your teaching gives me an option I had not considered. THANKS SO MUCH!!!
Wow, thank you
Thanks James for posting the video, I had no idea when I asked the question of how you got it in that you had a second video thank you.
No worries! Thanks for watching! :)
You're a good man! Way to take care of people.
Well, I always learn more from my mistakes. Somehow, they just go "in" and stay in. Forever.
Thank for sharing!
You're welcome
It takes a good person to show their failures as well as their successes. Anyone would be lucky to have you working on their RV.
Thanks! I appreciate that
James this is why we love to watch your videos, your not afraid to show us when you make mistakes which we all do from time to time. I would like to change out our frig as well so this was very helpful.
Thanks for watching! :)
Love the honesty. Mistakes happen, "experts" just make less over them over time ( from learning from their previous ones ), and more specifically knowing what to do and how to handle the situation the next time they make a mistake. A lot of people in this industry claim to be perfect and have never had any issues. That's literally impossible. I've made mine, and being honest and doing the right thing will solve all of your problems.
Thanks for watching! :)
Nice Lesson, nothing that you learn from is a mistake. Thank you for teaching us this important lesson. 👍👍
Thanks for watching! :)
Sincere "Thanks !" for the heads-up. Im about to install a 120v into our trailer, and I wouldnt have imagined refrigerant lines in that area either.
I think you're one of the greatest . I wish there was a Florida R.V. expert like You ..
Thanks! That's very kind
Beautiful!!!! This was both funny and informative... I know to be careful for this. I never considered hitting the lines when I put my screws in.
I didnt either lol
Lol, I made this exact mistake. Except I drilled on top of the fridge and though a refrigient line. There have been lots of swearing on myself, and almost in tears. I even tried to solder the line, obviously that didn't work. On the second one, I avoided drilling any holes, rather used VHB taped a bar then secured to the frame.
Thanks for sharing the failed content too, it is actually as important as the seccussfully ones.
I don't know of any technician that isnt full of swears
I used to work for a guy that always said if you don’t screw up once in a while you must not be doing anything. You’re good!!!
Thanks for watching! :)
I almost couldn't watch when you drilled that new new refrigerator. I've noticed our Magic Chef 10 cu ft(currently in our garage waiting to see service in our '03 Dutch Star DP to replace our Dometic), gets quite warm on the sides of the frig.. I think I'll use VHB tape to hold that bracket on. Years ago a friend of mine hit a refrigerate line in his frig in his apartment while trying to defrost the freezer. Thanks for sharing, I'm sure you have saved some people some big heart ache.
Yeah, Tape doesn't work so well here with the extreme heat
Wish I had this info before - I spent over $800 getting a RV fridge fixed 2 years ago on a travel trailer - could have put in a fridge like the one you had for $500, and it would have worked better. Traded that trailer in for a larger one with slides. Now we are repairing the slide floor because of an improperly installed seal on the front bottom corner of the slide. Once that's done we are going to rent it out until Summer and trade it in on a class A Diesel pusher. Looking for a used Beaver, Monaco, or Tiffen 40 - 45' coach for later next year. I have watched all the videos and feel more informed then before. We had a motorhome rental business in Michigan years ago renting 21 - 30' class C motorhomes. It seems that the 2002 - 2007 class A coaches are better built then some of the newer ones. we are planning on going full time when we get the Class A.
Full time sounds like fun
an expert is someone who knows more and more about less and less, until eventually they know everything about nothing.
another great video; thanks!
lol
Good on you for sharing your shame! We have all done something like this. The fact that you didn't try to hide it just shows the kind of integrity that you put into your work
Thanks for watching! :)
I still think you are a frickin genius. Think about it, no one else would have thought about that design or why or how to use it. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for watching! :)
It's a real pro that admits his mistakes and shares it with others so they don't make the same one! Man, you have a lot of integrity! Absolutely love your posts!
Thanks for watching!! :)
Thank you for letting us walk down the shame isle with you.
Thanks for watching! :)
Why on earth would they run a refrigrant line in the front corner? Thats crazy!!!!! Keep up the good video. Good explanation of why the line was there and taking it all aprt to inspect.
What a heartbreaker. I live full-time in a 2014 sprinter wide body 299RET. It is and has been stationary for 6 years. In 2020, I ditched the Dometic and installed the exact same fridge you have there, the 9.8 cf. Haire. Since I'm stationary, there's no need to install the travel door lock so, I did not puncture the new fridge. I did however do something similar to a brand new 10k btu winow a/c. I had to remove and re-install the sheet metal case for fitment issues and punctured a refrigerant line with a case screw doing so. Expensive lesson. I no longer use battery impacts or screw guns on brand new expensive appliances. Cheers!
James, I knew that area carried freon because one day that area on my home fridge was hot to the touch. When I asked someone about that he instantly said my cooling fan was out and he was right causing the freon not to cool and getting the face area hot.
The more you know
Experience is the ability to recognize you are about to make the same mistake you made in the past! Thanks for the video!!!
Thanks for watching! :)
Hey, if you’re not messing up every now and then you’re not working. It’s kind of like, if your not using both hands you’re not working. We ALL screw up every now and then. The important thing is you learn from your mistakes, and you have enough dignity and humbleness to pass that information along to others so they can avoid making the same mistake.
Thank you for that.
More importantly, you were HONEST enough to not pass the extra cost on to your customer. And you easily could have as it was their decision to install an appliance you and your company were not familiar with.
I’ve dealt with companies who will say up front they will not take responsibility for any mistakes made while dealing with items they are not familiar with or don’t normally deal with on a day to day basis. Which is somewhat understandable but not necessarily fair.
And top all of that off with I think you just saved me a ton of cash as i will be needing to replace my old absorption refrigerator sooner than later and I’ve been considering doing the cooling unit myself, but now I know that a residential refrigerator will fit my travel trailer and what model.
We NEVER boondock, and are always plugged in when we camp so this fridge will be on the list. And like you said, a solar panel or two and a converter, and you’re in business if we do boondock.
Great video. Sorry it cost you money out of pocket.
“You’re only human, your SUPPOSED to make mistakes”
Billy Joel
Hopefully not the same one!
Nice work. I apprenticed with an "expert" technician, and he struggled every day with things that always don't go right, but what made him an expert was not giving up, and pushing through the problems. I learned a lot from him, as now I'm on my own doing RV repair.
Awesome!
This definatley helps to make an informaed decision. I have a 3 month old Norcold DC10SS 12 Volt which failed. Norcold said to replace it. Not for $1500. Norcold knows they are junk and still installs them. Can be purchased direct from China for $200 plus shipping. Since I do not use the microwave I think I can get this fridge that you used and plug into the microwaves outlet which is a 15 amp location and let her eat. Thanks!
Master your honesty is exemplary, and guidance appreciated...
It's COOL to see ...😉
That is a great design, and I would not have expected anything to be in there. Love how you don’t hide when things don’t go right. One of the ways that Julia Child earned love and respect. If she burned a dish or it didn’t turn out, she’d just start over. Made those following along at home not feel like poo when the dish didn’t turn out perfect the first time.
Thanks! I appreciate it
I feel your pain , did the same thing to a Samsung fridge, cost me another $900.00 at a scratch and dent outlet, nothing more demoralizing than hearing the hissing sound!
Ooof!
What an honest guy! I hope your available to help me when I buy my next RV James! We need more people like you in this world!
That's very kind of you to share. Great job and keep teaching. Ted in Colorado
Thanks for watching! :)
The best and most experience engineer/technicians are the ones that are not afraid to admit there mistakes and learn from it. As a Converged Infrastructure Architect you sir have the utmost of my respect. Bravo sir you are amazing
Issue aside..... THAT Sir, is an awesome wotk-around for locking the fridge and freezer with the same lock
When we replace our duel, original fridge/freezer I WILL remember this video .... oh, and the refrigerant line.
Thanks
This is why we like you James your a honest man. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Joe!
This was very informative and enjoyable, Thank You for your honesty!
Glad you enjoyed it!
This Guy Explains EVERYTHING...Even the cap Screw Cover...!! I Like the Bloopers at the End.
My hat off to you sir for being man enough to admit the mistake and if it serves you as consolation, I once experienced the same situation with another unit.
You are an honest and humble gentleman. We have all done it. Only a few have the confidence to admit it. Great videos!
I did something similar to a window ac unit. I wanted to drill a weep hole in the bottom…went right thru the compressor with the drill bit. I knew the compressor was there, but I thought I was going to miss it…once I heard the hiss, I just walked to my truck, drove to lowes and got a new one. Lol lesson learned.
Forgot to add. Crazy James you hauled that fridge in and out on your own. Nice work
Thanks for watching! :)
who would've thunk it? Live and learn. All do it yourselfers live and learn. I for one, respect your video's and lear from them. Thank you!
Thanks for watching! :) I appreciate it
I really enjoy your videos your expertise, knowledge on inspections and repair on RV's. You explain things and why you are doing that in a no nonsense way.keep up the good work.
Thanks Scott! Glad you enjoy them
Watching you drive those two final screws was as suspenseful as a scene in a Quentin Tarantino film!
HAHAHAHAHAH!
We learn from our mistakes
Thank you for the lesson 🙂
Thanks for watching! :)
That is just bad luck James! At least you noticed it and it wasn't a call back!
Yes I am VERY glad
Try this again, put a 110 v refer in trailer a couple years ago ,had a feeling about cooling system ,got my son's heat sensing meter found ALL OF THE COOLING SYSTEMS PARTS ,glad I did 😀 way to much to talk about, retired RV mechanic my self 47 years
Thanks for sharing
@@AZExpert I catch some of your videos, wish had better experience with this electronic world I would of tried my hand at this blog stuff ,my knowledge is getting old with me ,seen some weird things in RVS
Mistakes are the learning tool for skills and experience!! Transparency is the conduit for building trust and reputation. Great fix James!!
Thanks for watching! :)
Why I love your channel. You call out your own screw ups. Being a HVAC tech for many years Inhave done this before also. THANK YOU!
Glad it's not just me
Well, you’re not the first. I was adding a latch to my Mother-in-law’s garage refrigerator, and I drilled right through a refrigerant line. Who knew there would be a line at the front?! Thanks for the flashback.
That does make me feel better. I did not expect lines there at all
Oh wow! I’d NEVER have thought the refrigerant would run through so close to the edge. Am fixing to get a residential unit put in our rv myself so watched to avoid any potential pitfalls.
Don't feel bad. Once i was drilling a small hole in some bodywork on my 675R race motorcycle... and went right through a coolant line!
It happens. Ya don't feel too good about yourself when it happens though!!!
Yikes!
Loved the black doors. I like using magnetics on the face. I'm happy now!
Glad you liked them
I recently replaced the refrigerator with the exact same residential model in my 05 Jayco Granite Ridge, but could not come up with an acceptable door locking method. Thank you for posting this video, as I will now be trying the quick release pin / screen door bracket, and I know now not where to put in the screws!!! 😊
U -Rock Andrew. You got to love that sense of humor..Thanks for all the great ideas
My name is James but I do have a friend named Andrew, also with an RV channel LOL
I work on jet aircraft and mistakes are just part of being a tech, what I like that you showed is the tear down to gain knowledge👍as usual great video James!
Thanks Mark!
Your a good man. I would come to you for help than many other techs. Great job and video.
That's so sad.... Thank you for the information James! We all get a free mentorship program and it's absolutely amazing!
Thanks for watching! :)
I installed a similar refrigerator. Instead of using a big bracket for the door lock, I simply purchased a 5mm treaded rod (the hinge screws are 5mm, as I recall, but would need to double check if anyone is interested), put a knob and nylon washer on one end, and simply screw that rod into one of the two hinge PEM nuts imbedded on the frame where you added your bracket. Just screw it in and the doors are secured for travel. Unscrew it and you’re ready to open/close the doors normally.
I was playing with that idea too, but thought a push pin is faster and less prone to issues :) I should have just used a bolt
I like this, and will probably do similar when we install our 120v fridge shortly.
THANK YOU! We have installed the exact fridge in our 2006 Keystone Raptor 5th wheel. Fits like a glove, I Love the Safety latch/Pin!
Very cool!
I'm getting the same fridge in a week to replace my Norcold fridge that doesn't work real well here in Florida. Thanks for the video, reinforces my thinking that I'm doing the right thing.
We all make mistakes, at least you are a good man and fixed it for free.
well it wasn't their fault
Greatly appreciate your lesson-learned video for us less experienced techs
Glad it was helpful!
Takes a Proud Man to admit to his mistakes!! Thanks for the video!
Thanks Frank!
James, you are amazing. Sadly, I kinda did the same thing… I drilled a hole in my new garage refrigerator for a Keg Spout.. I nicked the line and BAM!!
Needless to say, Expensive Paper-Weight!
Oooof, time for a Kegerator
No one was injured well filming this installation.
Reality is sometimes rather difficult to watch.
Let this be a lesson to all of you DIY'ers.
If you don't know what you're doing, hire someone who doesn't know ether.
At least it's coming out of there pocket not yours.
Great recovery James.
You could have just said, it's the last guys fault. 🤪
Oh it came out of my pocket
You are a man of integrity. I love this! And thank you for the important tip 😊👍🏼
I really enjoy learning from your videos.
Glad you like them!