Refrigerator Replacement

[Cactuscoot]

My Airstream is used as a stationery "summer home" in a beautiful Airstream park located in the White Mountains of Arizona. I do not have a tow vehicle or plan to tow it. The dometic refrigerator is kaput and needs to be replaced. Due to the high price ($1100-ish) of a new unit, I'm thinking of pulling the existing unit and replacing it with an apartment size standard (120VAC) fridge for about one third the price. I really don't need the LP or 12VDC features. Other than a probable reduction in the resale value, does anyone see any other problems or done a similiar replacement. I'm assuming that I can find a standard refrigerator with measurements to fit into the existing opening.

[overlander63]

Welcome to the forums! You seem to have thought out any arguments, and weighed your options.
Our Overlander had a 120 volt apartment fridge in it when we got it. Basically, as long as you make sure the area around the fridge can get air, and your coach isn't open to the air around it (makes it hard to air condition and ehat with a giant gap in the side), you should have no problem. An apartment sized fridge will draw about 4-5 amps running, and maybe 8-10 starting (momentary for a few seconds).

[azflycaster]

Welcome to the forum! I agree, it may hurt you a little down the road when you sell, but that's about all. We go to the white mountains as much as we can, but have never seen an Airstream park, tell me more...
BTW, Memorial Day weekend my fly fishing club rents Cyclone Lake from the White Mountain Apache Tribe. It is always a great weekend.

[lewster]

Another thing to consider, domestic fridge units are not meant to be exposed to the elements like an RV fridge is, so you have to take extra care at the exterior access panels to prevent the cooling coils and compressor from getting wet. You should also be careful to properly cap the LP line and be sure to seal the new unit in it's cavity to keep unwanted heat/cold out.