Chargerman Posted July 3, 2023 Share Posted July 3, 2023 So we finally decided to replace our original Fridgedaire side by side due to the continuous compressor clunking. Pulled drivers window and overhead cabinet and captains chair. Figured the worst part of the disassembly was behind me. Pulled the doors off of the fridge, disconnected and pulled it out only to discover that you cannot get the fridge out. It hits the opposing wall while still being in the cabinet by a good 3”. Now have to disassemble the opposing wall. OMG!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ray Davis Posted July 3, 2023 Share Posted July 3, 2023 Now that's what I call having fun in the coach. NOT Have you looked at the compressor mounts? You might be able to do something with the frig in place. That is if you have the traditional access from outside. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newcsn Posted July 3, 2023 Share Posted July 3, 2023 Chargerman - What a bummer! We just replaced ours for the same reason (clunking). It was really tight but we were able to twist the fridge in the opening enough to clear & get it out. Must have made a slight change in interior construction b/t a 06 Dynasty & Executive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Cherry Posted July 3, 2023 Share Posted July 3, 2023 33 minutes ago, Chargerman said: So we finally decided to replace our original Fridgedaire side by side due to the continuous compressor clunking. Pulled drivers window and overhead cabinet and captains chair. Figured the worst part of the disassembly was behind me. Pulled the doors off of the fridge, disconnected and pulled it out only to discover that you cannot get the fridge out. It hits the opposing wall while still being in the cabinet by a good 3”. Now have to disassemble the opposing wall. OMG!! Assume this was OEM res refer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr4Film Posted July 3, 2023 Share Posted July 3, 2023 (edited) Time to break out the Saws-all (aka reciprocating saw) and have at the fridge !!! Edited July 3, 2023 by Dr4Film 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Jim Posted July 3, 2023 Share Posted July 3, 2023 I'm with Dr4Film, My first thought was to put a new blade in the reciprocating saw and cut the fridge into 4 pieces. The EPA might not like that solution, but hopefully they are to busy chasing gas stoves to care about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr4Film Posted July 3, 2023 Share Posted July 3, 2023 16 minutes ago, Just Jim said: I'm with Dr4Film, My first thought was to put a new blade in the reciprocating saw and cut the fridge into 4 pieces. The EPA might not like that solution, but hopefully they are to busy chasing gas stoves to care about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1nolaguy Posted July 3, 2023 Share Posted July 3, 2023 Ditto Dr4Film's suggestion. Unless you have so plan to use the old fridge elsewhere it will be much easier to cut the old fridge in 1/2 with a recep-saw and take it out in two prices than take apart the opposite wall and try to rebuild it. NOTE: make sure your replacement fridge will fit in the "hall" and install in the space, and that the doors will open once installed with out hitting the opposite wall. I just went through this exercise in out 2005 Safari Cheetah when our Norcold 1200 died. Because of aour floor plan I need a fridge with 52" max with the doors open at 90 deg,. which limits the width on a single or double door unit to 26". French door and side by side units would be preferable but height becomes an issue as I am limited to 64" I have to rebuild the floor. It turns out I am limited to only two choices unless I want to do some serious carpentry. ALSO: to save your floor, put the fridge on blocks before cutting so you will have access to the bottom as well as the sides and top. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocketman3 Posted July 3, 2023 Share Posted July 3, 2023 I cut the fridge in half… don’t cut the back - you will release the gasses. All I cut was sheet metal, foam, plastic, and a few wires. straight down the sides in the middle. good Luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmw188 Posted July 3, 2023 Share Posted July 3, 2023 (edited) Is that a pocket door in the photo, is that an issue? If so MAYBE it can be removed some how, but I would be sure you understand how it cones out AND goes back in? Edited July 3, 2023 by tmw188 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary 05 AMB DST Posted July 3, 2023 Share Posted July 3, 2023 Did you try turning it the opposite way that Mark & Kim did? Try to get that right side of the fridge out first. Gary 05 AMB DST Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chargerman Posted July 3, 2023 Author Share Posted July 3, 2023 Ok. First of all, thanks to everyone for the repairs and input. The old fridge compressor mounts were ok. The issue was that one or more of the internal springs must have failed and the repetitive clunking was getting worse. I did think of cutting up the fridge but since the new fridge was exactly the same dims I still would have an issue. After seeing Marks post I gave it another try but wiggling and turning it and it did come out. Thank God! It’s amazing how close they figured the dons as it is clear that a unit that was an inch deeper or 1/4” wider would not get in there. All went well after that and the new fridge is in place. Just have to connect the water and push it all the way in and secure it and then reassemble the pilots area. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary 05 AMB DST Posted July 3, 2023 Share Posted July 3, 2023 Steve, when I replaced my fridge, I built a platform over the steering wheel and across the front. Since my fridge was over a furnace, I built a ramp and another platform to get it to the right elevation and just push it in. Kept one member of the team in the bedroom so he could help slide it in. The 1/2 bath was across from the fridge. Gary 05 AMB DST Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chargerman Posted July 3, 2023 Author Share Posted July 3, 2023 Getting the old one out and the new one in on the forks was cake. Put it inside and two of us could easily tip it on to the forks and visa versa with the new one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1nolaguy Posted July 3, 2023 Share Posted July 3, 2023 1 hour ago, Gary 05 AMB DST said: Steve, when I replaced my fridge, I built a platform over the steering wheel and across the front. Since my fridge was over a furnace, I built a ramp and another platform to get it to the right elevation and just push it in. Kept one member of the team in the bedroom so he could help slide it in. The 1/2 bath was across from the fridge. Gary 05 AMB DST Wow Gary, your floor plan sounds like mine (Cheetah 40dst). What model did you end up going with? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now