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Reflection 312BHTS Residential Fridge Install

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  • Reflection 312BHTS Residential Fridge Install

    So we decided that we couldn't deal with the flaky Dometic fridge anymore. I have tried adding cooling fans to the top vent and inside the fridge as well as changed out the temperature sensor to turn the factory installed fans on the back on. Nothing seemed to fix the soft ice cream and bad produce issue. Before I start how I did the install I wanted to give a shout out to howson for his write up on the change out. That's the great thing about these forums, someone has probably already did it and you can learn a lot from their mods.

    I installed a Haier QHE16HYPFS for a couple of reasons. One it fit in the opening where the old one was without going to a smaller cubic foot refrigerator and two, it's what Grand Design installs in the 2022 models of our camper.

    The removal of the old one wasn't too bad. Four screws in the front and three in the back holding it in. Disconnect the power and gas then you can slide it out. I had to remove the doors which wasn't a big deal once you slide it out three of four inches. The reason being there are screws in from the side that have to be removed for the hinges to come off.

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    Once the doors are off you can get it out of the camper. It was surprising how heavy it is. My son and I were able to slide it to the door on cardboard and then lift it out onto saw horses before lowering it to the ground. After getting it out I started prepping the opening.

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    I should be able to post tomorrow with what I did to prep for the new one and final installation.


    Alan
    Last edited by howson; 11-23-2021, 08:00 AM.
    2019 Reflection 312BHTS
    2018 Silverado 2500 Duramax

  • #2
    Ascrone -- don't forget to incorporate a way to turn the refrigerator off (other than the circuit breaker).

    I'll also be very interested in how you seal up the back wall. Technically the refrigerator can be removed so the gas line junction behind is "accessible" (a code requirement). The original refrigerator vents on the back of mine, while is looks original from the outside, are completely sealed from the inside. And I mean sealed--every gap was filled with sealant and taped flush, then sealed again with insulation.

    I look forward to reading more about how you go about your install!

    Howard
    Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

    2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus

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    • #3
      After getting to old fridge out I removed the top header trim piece and the bottom shelf and trim. I was able to leave the side pieces in place since the new fridge fit between them perfectly. I added a piece of 1" foam board to the right side wall. I recessed the receptacle at the bottom so that the new fridge would not hit it. I also added a switch to be able to turn it off as Howard had recommended during his install. I sealed the sides of the old vents with tape and spray foam.

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      I had a little trouble sliding the new one in because of the height. It had to be lifted over the edge trim at the bottom of the slide but I was a little short of clearance to be able to do that. I ended up removing the trim from the header of the slide and the plastic covers on the top hinges. This gave me enough room to lift it up and slide it back. When I reinstalled the header I ended up raising it up about 1/4" to give me a little more clearance for air flow on top of the fridge.

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      I secured it in place with two screws in the front feet
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      Three screws in the bottom back

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      That took care of it not sliding anywhere but it still had too much movement at the top. It is close to my island and figured it would end up hitting it during travel. I ended up going to the back top and wedging two pieces of wood between the ceiling and top for fridge. The I screwed two L brackets to the ceiling and fridge.

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      That took care of all movement. It is very solid now and I don't expect it to make contact with the island. Overall we love the look of the new fridge and the extra room. Hopefully now we won't have anymore soft ice cream or bad produce!

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      2019 Reflection 312BHTS
      2018 Silverado 2500 Duramax

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      • #4
        I'll also be very interested in how you seal up the back wall. Technically the refrigerator can be removed so the gas line junction behind is "accessible" (a code requirement). The original refrigerator vents on the back of mine, while is looks original from the outside, are completely sealed from the inside. And I mean sealed--every gap was filled with sealant and taped flush, then sealed again with insulation.
        I ended up just taping and using spray foam on the vents. I'm not thrilled with that solution and will probably end up doing something different. I want to maintain access to the back for routine cleaning of the fan and coils. Also, want to be able to access the L brackets I installed if I need to remove the fridge. I may end up removing the vents and just insulating the opening with foam board and putting solid covers over them. I had saw a post somewhere about ordering the black plastic covers cut to size. This would require removing the screws and re-sealing but at least I would have access. I also thought about installing doors like on the storage compartments - not sure if I could find any to match the opening. If anyone has a better solution I would love to hear it!

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        Alan
        2019 Reflection 312BHTS
        2018 Silverado 2500 Duramax

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        • #5
          Originally posted by Ascrone View Post

          I ended up just taping and using spray foam on the vents. I'm not thrilled with that solution and will probably end up doing something different. I want to maintain access to the back for routine cleaning of the fan and coils. Also, want to be able to access the L brackets I installed if I need to remove the fridge. I may end up removing the vents and just insulating the opening with foam board and putting solid covers over them. I had saw a post somewhere about ordering the black plastic covers cut to size. This would require removing the screws and re-sealing but at least I would have access. I also thought about installing doors like on the storage compartments - not sure if I could find any to match the opening. If anyone has a better solution I would love to hear it!

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          Alan
          Congrats on the new fridge you will love it. I consider it one of the best upgrades we have made.

          I tried the spray foam and tape approach and was not really happy with the look. I found a place online that would make matte black plastic panels to order. I removed the factory doors and frame completely, and put a piece of foamboard in the opening. Then I screwed the plastic panels in place with butyl tape to keep them sealed. I ordered mine with beveled edges and radius corners for a small upcharge and they look almost factory in my opinion. I used Tap Plastics. My only caution would be to get a drill bit from them as well. I cracked the corner of my upper panel drilling the hole with a regular bit. I have had the panels off a few times, its not easy but a plastic putty knife and slow even pressure and they pull off well enough. For the few times I have had to remove them its been fine.

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          Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

          Neil Citro
          2018 Reflection 28BH Pepwave
          2019 F350 6.7L Long Bed Crew Cab

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          • #6
            ncitro It must have been your post I saw about the panels. I like the way that looks from the outside and I like that I can access everything, it's just a little more work. What thickness of plastic panels did you use?

            Alan
            2019 Reflection 312BHTS
            2018 Silverado 2500 Duramax

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            • #7
              Originally posted by Ascrone View Post
              ncitro It must have been your post I saw about the panels. I like the way that looks from the outside and I like that I can access everything, it's just a little more work. What thickness of plastic panels did you use?

              Alan
              1/4" thick. Here is the list from my order


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              Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

              Neil Citro
              2018 Reflection 28BH Pepwave
              2019 F350 6.7L Long Bed Crew Cab

              Comment


              • #8
                I wonder if you could buy a piece of black plastic and have it cut to the same dims as the insert panel with the tabs on the bottom so it is easily removable? Might require a little machining. Too bad no one makes them as an option especially for the residential refrigerator installs or the 12v compressor refrigerators.
                Joseph
                Tow
                Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
                Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
                South of Houston Texas

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