How to Remove an RV Fridge - Detailed Walkthrough - Airstream, Dometic Refrigerator Removal - Vent
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- Опубліковано 14 вер 2019
- This video covers how to remove your RV fridge, which is useful if you're doing an antenna installation, a solar install, or if you're installing anything else you might mount to the roof of your RV. I'm removing a Dometic fridge from an Airstream, but there's a lot in here that will apply to all RVs and all models too. For me, the fridge removal is an essential step in the process of installing a WeBoost Drive X RV cell phone booster, since I will route my wiring down the fridge vent to access the interior, but if you need to replace or repair your fridge--or if you want to use the fridge vent for some other purpose-like routing cables for a solar panel installation-then this video is for you.
I've tried to cover every step, including:
-- Disconnecting Fridge power and gas
-- Removing the screws at back and front that hold the fridge in place
-- Creating a "table" inside the RV to slide the fridge onto
Plenty of details and tidbits along the way. Enjoy... and feel free to drop a comment if you have questions or feedback.
Thanks! - Навчання та стиль
Glad I found your video. Our fridge went out and now about to use a small residential fridge. I was intimated to remove it to put the new one in the hole to free up floor space. Now I'm confident! TY!
"These go to 11." I wonder how many people recognize this reference. Thanks for the great videos!
There's a similar type of reference in the RV fan video... check it out!
Subscribed because you're going over EVERY detail and that's so appreciated.
Glad I could help!
Agreed! People who make videos and state “I didn’t record the removal of the old ---, but it was just 2 screws and a glob of silly putty” (lol) have no business making a video in the first place
I love that you are so thorough in this video! I also love that your “cooler” (Rtic) is MY daily lunchbox for work 🤣🤣🤣
Thanks!
Removed my fridge today. Thanks for making this video!
Only just noticed this.... Thanks so much!
Thank you for the video, I have been looking for this exact thing and could not find a more clear and cut video. This has been very very helpful.
Love your sense of humor! Crank it to 11 baby!
I am very impressed with your attention to detail in the process of removing the unit in addition to filming all the pieces.
Thank you for your time and helping others to do it the right way.
Thanks! I hope it was helpful. This stuff can be pretty intimidating until you break it down into small bites!
X
Love the way he e xplains things
One small comment: if the someone is only looking at your vid to remove the fridge and not hook up a similar one (like me, going to a home-style fridge because it's less than a third of the cost BEFORE you get to the installation cost and my trailer is a park model), you might mention that the 12V wires MUST be insulated so as not to short when the fuse is plugged back in. Otherwise you got a big zappy problem. Thumbs up on the vid, tho. Very clear.
I was also very intimidated by the fridge removal, but after watching your video I knew I could do it. And you’re right-it’s very easy! Thank you so much for your leadership!
Thanks Sara!
Thank you .. your video made my job so much easier .. I started out not knowing what I was doing, to removing the frigerator fast and easy .. thanks for the help .. Linda
Glad to have found this video. Clear, concise and good hints to get your Dometic out. Got this as a weekend (or more) project to fix my fridge and rebuild the rotted floor.
I like your “show and tell” method of explaining procedures. Well done!
Thanks Bruce! This was a long one, so part of that was keeping it all straight for myself!
I need to pause this video at the half way mark to tell you that you are a gem in the rough. When I seen you had a well structured intro followed by all the details needed to disconnect the power but what got me to hit your subscribe button was the important disclaimer about shutting the burner valves back off right away once there is no more propane.
I'm always trying to do these jobs well but also safely and you've honestly taught me something today about propane safety I wasn't even aware was a thing. I'm a red seal diesel technician and that's not really an issue I've ever needed to deal with.
Thank you!
~A new fan
LOL I have forwarded your comment directly to my spouse. :).
Congrats on the great presentation. The last guy basically said something to effect that all you was a screwdriver and I think he ended with a call to have someone do it.
I open the refrigerator and the light was off. I look up and the temp screen is black. Huh, no power? I took out my two lower drawers because I thought I saw the AC plug there when I installed my watertight disconnect for the Starlink, but NOoooo. No plug there. So I ask Doctor UA-cam and found you. I Love You!
My connections are just like yours. Using a multimeter, I was able to determine I have power to the plug.
I’ll search for powerless videos to assistance to fix my refrigerator but wanted to thank you so much for a great video. I’ll check your content first, just in case you have the answer I am looking for.
I am a fan and subscribed.
Thank you so much for this video!!!
You are so calm & confident~
Which makes me feel confident as well!
I'll be back if I have any question!
I'll be attacking this task tomorrow!!!
Wish me luck!!!
Well... I had the benefit of "movie magic" to make the whole process seem super smooth. I started out by removing all the wrong screws... but I just didn't show you that part! I hope your project went smoothly!
Excellent video, Journeyman! I was headed straight for the hinges and right off the bat you saved me some headache time. Just remember to keep all of your knobs at "11".
Glad I could help. (Off camera I wasted a whole ton of time doing "research" on those hinges!)
Great video with clear step by steps. I’m ready to do this!!
I'm an electrician... I heard you say linesman pliers and I about started cursing... (shaking my fist) then you corrected it!! 😂 🤣
Thanks so much for posting this in detail with good lighting and explanations. All of that, and some humor, made for a great tutorial!
Thanks!
Man this video save me from a huge investment. Thank you!
Thanks for the video! Exactly what I needed to watch!
Glad I could help!
Great video. We had a leaking ice maker pump behind the fridge and ended up not needing to remove the unit but id we ever do now we know it is nothing to fear.
Fantastic video, thank you so much. If I had a second person, I would have that person gently push the fridge from the rear.
Glad to help. Yes, a second person makes things quite a bit easier in some cases (particularly for routing wires through the shell and/or working both the front and back. Still, a very doable job for one person...
Thanks, very helpful! Glad I found your video. Dave
Outstanding video. Thank you so much!
awesome video I was going to climb on the roof and break the seal for the vent to install fans to help cool the condenser for hot temps in FL and now I would say it will be easier just to pull fridge out and install fans thanks
Glad I could help. Honestly I think could probably install fans just inside the rear (external) cover of the fridge and point them skyward.... but they'd probably more effective if placed right at the top near the roofline. That would also help prevent warm air from the AC from accumulating around the fridge vent. Let me know how it works out!
Great video! So clearly explained, thanks!
Thanks! Glad it helped!
Very helpful! Thanks for making this video, especially with all the different camera positions. I have a similar fridge and need access to the cabinet to install my battery monitor in our Lance trailer.
Thanks! And good luck with the project...
I was also intimidated to tackle. Glad to have found this extremely concise video. Thank you very much. Here goes nothing...
You've got this. Definitely feels more difficult than it is! (Heck, even the fridge itself is a lot lighter than I imagined it would be!)
well done video!! I also am intimidated as we have a pest situation in the control panel which is under our fridge - so THANK YOU!!! this information is priceless to us!
Happy to help. Pests are a pain! Good luck!
Excellent presentation....thanks for taking the time to do it.
Glad I could help!
I've been looking for a video on fridge removal and yours was the best so far. We've been full time for a year and 4 months now and our just went out. Thanks for the video.
Glad I could help! Once you know the steps it's actually super easy. I wish I'd tried it sooner!
@@JustaJourneyman installed 2 days ago. Super easy. I'll have a video on it this Wednesday lol
@@MountainTopHomestead316 Nice! Feel free to drop a link here when you get things uploaded! (And make sure to fill that fridge with the good stuff!)
@@JustaJourneyman Dude that is so nice of you. Thanks man. And we definitely will!
@@MountainTopHomestead316 Anytime!
Great info. Thank you !!
I like that instant replay!
What a great detailed video! Thanks.
"these go to 11" brilliant
Thank you very much for your video it was very helpful
Super helpful. Thank you so much.
Glad I could help!
This video deserves more views. Very informative
James Fell I agree! :-)
Very concise, thank you for sharing this experience and can't wait for the next episode! If you need a suggestion for a small mod, I'd love to see the door latch pin release! 👍
Thanks... you mean the front door of the trailer? I think I could do a little video about fixing that issue...
@@JustaJourneyman Yep, in case the door locks you in. I understand the newer airstream models now has that hole in their door, go figure. I'm sure they do monitor sites like airforum enough to make changes like that. Keep up the great work and wish I had wood working mad skills like you heh.
@@i2oadi2unnei2 Wow... so instead of fixing the lock itself, they give you a bailout option instead? That's crazy! I'll take a look though!
Very, VERY good video. I figured this is what I would have to do but I watched your whole video just because it's damn good.
Glad I could help!
You are BRILLIANT!!! Grateful you are extremely handy and can do everything yourself!!! I was trying to figure out the depth between the cabinet and your refrigerator. I’m researching before installing a TV mount on my Class C MH. As a newbie, I’m intimidated drilling holes to begin with. I’ve seen several videos where others installed their mount on their bedroom wall which is adjacent to the fridge. I have a 2015 Coachmen Freelander 21qb. If you happen to see my post, I would be GRATEFUL if you would let me know how much space you think I have to work with. I’m guessing 2” based on your video. Also, noticing your TV is installed on the outside wall was reassuring. It may sound crazy but I was also wondering if I could use pop rivets for the mount installation. May sound silly but it feels like a safe choice. Thanks for the video❣️
Awesome video. Very detailed. Just what I needed
Thanks!
Dude!! Y'all just saved me about $800. Thx so much!!
Glad I could help!
When you disconnect power, I would double-check with a tester to make sure you pulled the right fuse
Nice job....thankyou .
I have an older RV 1975 and I want to fix it up and I want to remove the gas lines the furnace the stove and the refrigerator I do not want to use it like that I want to make it a she shack I love this thing and I hope that I can do it your video is so good you really spend a lot of time but you don't talk too much you show how to do it and that's what I really like in your video thank you so much and if you have any other groups that I could join I would be glad to join them because I need all the help I can get! HAC I wish you could just come over and do it for me I'd be glad to pay you lol
My norcold died, 5th one in the same rig, I'm just totally pulling out that 3 way powered mess and going with an all electric fridge. Apartment size fridges fit perfectly in the same spot only thing I did differently was add a tapered plug to the gas line to the fridge.
Thanks that helped very much indeed. not daunting now.
Thank you so much Sir
Outstanding video - I Have to do this to install a new drain hose
Thanks! Good luck with the project!
@@JustaJourneyman Finished the project without any real issues thanks to your outstanding video. Sad, I had to move the fridge 2 inches just to install the drain hose as it was to tight to even access it from the rear without moving the fridge forward. They should have designed the drain under the fins so all you had to do was remove a couple of screws and pull entire drain hose out from inside fridge, attached drain hose, then push back in and guide down through the coils. Spent a half a day for something that should have taken only a few minutes. Only item I have left is the metal plate front bottom of fridge where the two screws to secure the fridge. Have problem with attaching right side. I just reviewed your video again and realize I just have to shove it UNDER the hinge on the right side (which you stated in the video). Will do that tomorrow. Again, great video. You saved the day.
You used the channel locks backward as you did the crescent wrench
Thanks for this... I really like to know the details on how to use tools even if the space doesn't permit me to use them properly. I understand now that I should put the force against the fixed side of the jaws on both these tools!
Excellent.
Festool…love it!
They really should put an addiction warning on those tools.
Hey man, my refrigerated is different if my trailer I can't pull it out help me so i can you pics how it looks
Thank you. You did an excellent job. I feel much more confident now in removing mine.
Happy to help. Good luck with the project!
My fridge is going out thank you I think I can do this now
Airstreams are so cool. Looks like you are living in James Bonds private jet.
Anyone know how I could cap off the propane line to put in a more standard fridge? After taking out the old one.
Well done
Thanks. I hope it's helpful...
Need info on a residential rv fridge
Thanks for this informative video! Much appreciated. I do have a question about replacing a converter that's located under my fridge. If i pull the fridge out, will the plywood it's sitting on be able to be removed to have access to the converter? Thanks so much.
Nope. The internal cabinetry etc is built like furniture (very sturdy) so removing that plywood is not easy. That being said, since the fridge (at least my fridge) only sits on two areas, I can imagine cutting an access panel in there pretty easy, assuming you leave enough meat to hold up the (heavy) fridge. In my trailer, it's far easier to access the converter from the front: it's designed to come out that way.
I absolutely love your videos. You must be an educator the way you can explain things in sequence. It looks like you have a 27FB trailer. I own a 2009 27FB and it seems to be configured exactly like yours. I am in the process of replacing a worn out antenna cable. I've checked the Winegard batwing crank-up antenna and it works fine. It appears as if the cable runs through the roof into the refrigerator compartment and then hooks into a small wall plate that has an amplifier. I will need to pull the refrigerator. When you pulled your refrigerator do you remember seeing the antenna cable in that compartment? I hate to pull the fridge and find out the antenna wire isn't simply in that compartment. Any advise?
Thanks. I do in fact work at a school (as an administrator primarily, but I get to teach a class or two!). My trailer is newer so the TV antenna is not the crank up crank down type. I am GUESSING that the cable will not run behind your fridge but instead runs in-between the inner and outer skins, since that's a more direct route to use using manufacturing.
@@JustaJourneyman Thanks. I was afraid of that. I guess my best option would be to run the cable down the refrigerator vent as you did in another video.
Thanks!
Thanks! Glad I could help!
Thank you for your time, effort. And patience
When disconnected from power, does the 110 V AC receptacle for the refrigerator have continuity between ground and neutral? Mine does and I don’t know if this is normal. Seems odd.
I don't know about the specifics of 110 wiring in RVs, but in a household electrical system the neutral and ground wires are tied to the same bus back at the main panel, so there would be continuity.
Great video! We are using it to do a residential fridge upgrade now. Quick Q -- what software do you use to do the "text call outs"? Adobe After Effects? Thanks!
Thanks. www.motionvfx.com has a bunch of tools that are really helpful if you want easy effects. I'd recommend their "MTuber" package (there are a couple I think) to start. Very easy to use in Final Cut Pro.
@@JustaJourneyman awesome, thanks!!
11:39, where the screws are that bracket like metal part is broken at the base. Any suggestion of how to fix / screw back ,,, thank you for this video!! It would also be nice to add a propane valve so when the repair takes longer we could still use the stove or furnace,,
Not sure exactly what part you're referring to... but JB Weld is usually a pretty good option. ...
@@JustaJourneyman thank you but it’s where you remove the screw, it’s like an insert lip with a hole and the metal is broke so the screw does not hold the fridge anymore. The two screws at the top behind the control panel. Screw 5 and 6
Nice video. Just a question what the best thing to do with the propane line after you unplugged it?
Best is to shut off the propane at the source and use up the gas in the lines by running the stove BEFORE disconnecting.
Buy a cap. Fitting. And make sure no leaks..
We have reached this point. Now we want to install a residential refrigerator since we are parked on a permanent site. What do we do with the propane line that is still in place in this closet? We will never need it and want to safely remove it from the space.
From what I have seen we are supposed to seal off the end and leave the propane connection there.
Everything was well explained. But I am concerned with the gas line once I want to open it again? What do you recommend? Thanks
I'm not sure I understand your question? The gas supply must remain off during the entire time the fridge is removed. Only once you put a new fridge in (and the propane line is reinstalled) can you open the gas supply again.
You can make a dish soap and water solution to pour over the connection and check for leaks after reconnecting the line and opening the gas supply valve. This is a good practice to verify no gas leaks after disconnecting and reconnecting a gas line. Tighten more if you see any bubbles. I think this might be what the question is about. By the way, thanks for a great video Journeyman! I really appreciate the great detail.
@@brianhoward3149 thanks! Yes, if the question is about leak detection dish soap works but you can also buy "gas leak detector fluid" at the home store. That's the bright yellow fluid I used in the video.
Ok thanks for that input. I was referring to installing a whole new refrigerator that didn't required gas connection. In that case, what do I do to the gas connection if it will not be used?
Cristina Caldera , You get a screw on cap to plug the end of the line. You should be able to find one at a hardware store. Check for leaks after you cap off the line. You may also be able to trace the line to it’s source and install the cap there instead and remove the line.
J-man. Just wondering if after you've disconnected the gas line, would you be able to turn on the gas and use the stove without gas also running out the disconnected fridge line? TIA and thanks for the informative and amusing vid. (p.s. Wish my abilities went to 11....heck, I'd even be happy with 5!)
Great question. In most home appliance setups, code requires a gas shutoff valve to be immediately adjacent to the appliance itself... but I don't know about RVs. I can tell you that in all my digging around in the trailer I have not seen one, so the answer to your question as far as I know is "NO! You can't operate the gas/stove with the fridge line "open/disconnected." If I get a chance I'll look around my trailer for a shutoff, but honestly I feel like I would have seen it already....
@@JustaJourneyman Thank you, kind sir!
I don't see anything in the video about how to deal with the gas vent. Did you disconnect the vent, how does it connect to the vent to the roof?
Hmmm... my refrigerator does not have a gas vent. (The access door to the rear of the fridge is ventilated though, and there is a roof vent above the fridge to release excess heat.)
Just subscribed. Question? Sorry, skipped thru few sections cuz it didn't apply, but why didn't you just unplug the refrigerator instead of worrying about the control panel to disconnect AC? My RV fridge is only running on AC, as propane and battery are disconnected already. I was planning to just unplug the fridge and then remove it. Btw, thank you so much for putting out this video. Exactly what I needed to know even though mine is a Norcold in a 40 ft Montana 5th wheel.
The fridge gets BOTH AC power and DC power... and the only way to eliminate DC power is to pull the fuse. Never a bad idea to turn off the AC breaker at the same time, just in case you hit a wire or something.
@@JustaJourneyman oh okay, that makes sense. Thank you so much Journeyman. I appreciate you taking the time to reply and especially appreciate your videos. Look forward to learning more!!! :)
@@julisagonzo1 Glad I could help. Been light on videos lately since I've moved (twice!) during the pandemic.... but hoping to get one or two up before the end of the year.
If I did videos I'd like to do them exactly like this.
How much do you think that frig weighs!?!
Not too much. Remember it’s mostly empty space…but hard to estimate. Maybe 50 lbs? Wasn’t hard to slide out.
Thank U so much!
I sold mine cheap but they had to remove it themselves 😂
disconnect your shoreline and your battery
Not a bad idea if you can take the whole trailer offline...
Love your video but I'm not an
& I wish you would have documented the very end~
You skipped the part on how you got the frig out the 🚪 door~
Is this something a lady can do~¿?!
Like an old lady like me? Lol!
Ah…I didn’t remove mine from the trailer. With an airstream everything inside comes through the door…but with other trailers it may be different.
Proper wrenches aren't adjustable.
Agreed... but it can't be all nepros all the time :)
@@JustaJourneyman I swapped out my fridge in my slide in camper back in July. The new fridge required that I remove the camper door and cut slots @ the bottom of the door to allow the edge trim to go through. On the bright side, no one is stealing this fridge - too much work. 😁
@@russhillis LOL I did that once to get a tablesaw through a too-small shop door! You are actually highlighting a unique benefit of Airstreams. Most campers are "built around" the furniture and stuff on the inside.. that is, the exterior walls go on last. For airstreams, the shell is built first and everything gets moved in through the door. That's why they are easy to renovate... and because they are easy to renovate, that's why you see so many older ones one the road (and why people will pay more for them since in the long run it's economical.)
You did not cap the gas lol
Shut it off at the tank :-)
Hell sure need to use other appliances though… so he needs a plug for the gas.
@@rileypenner9114 Ah... makes sense. Yes, if you needed to keep the gas flowing for other reasons you'd need to cap the pipe. Good point!
Eaumm.. eahh, a eyeah, this 'copper lUp that indic8s the prOpAn link fridge'?.. is that wat U said?.. appears to B a copper line going from the propane input to fridge, going(& coming from) NOWHERE!😳
lol
Too much talking
Sorry. I'll try to tighten it up!
No, not too much talking. Talking is all about the procedure and on-topic, which is good. Viewer can skip 10 seconds ahead to get to next step if needed.
Thanks!
Nice! You are my first ever superthanks! Much appreciated...
So, here's my question, is it easier to do what you did; or to remove the cap and re-rivit? I have to get to the wires in the chimney.@@JustaJourneyman
@@jansherry3946 I am guessing the fridge removal is easier but I suppose it's possible that removing the cap could be easier... though if you're going down the road of removing the cap you could also just drill a hole in the roof, which is probably easiest. For me, the fridge removal is something that's designed to be done (for fridge replacement) and it didn't create any potential new issues later on (leaks, resale value, etc.). I routed my solar wires through the vent pipe for my black tank (which also avoided putting another hole in the roof) so same philosophy at work there.