Replace 120v fridge with propane version

[Golfnbike13]

Is this possible? I've had some tell me it is, and some say it's not unless the camper was designed for a 2-way fridge with propane. It's a 195bh that came stock with the 120v bar fridge.

[M1k3y2004]

you could but would require a lot of work.

[davel1971]

since it needs venting through the wall and ceiling, and the fridge itself is well over $1000, if it's even possible, would be ridiculously expensive. Would be cheaper to trade for a different trailer

[Cableman]

Pick up one of these if you need one to work with out a/c
ARB Fridge Freezer, 50QT (10800472)

[Happy Vibe]

If you just want a fridge without a freezer this popup style 3 way is on sale $532: Norcold Refrigerator without Ice Maker 1.7 - Norcold 323TR - Compact Refrigerators - Camping World
You would still need two cutouts on the side of your trailer, and you would need to run gas to it.

[TN_Cruise_Lite]

I noticed on at least one new 195BH there is no door on the outside for the fridge, only vents. On older models like mine the door was solid for 110v fridges and I'm pretty sure the propane fridges had vents cut into the same style door. On the one I have there is even a capped-off tee fitting on the gas pipe under the fridge. Shouldn't be that big a deal to install with 110v, propane and 12v all nearby.

[Golfnbike13]

Are these the vents everyone is referring to? I have these on each side of the cabinet that houses the fridge.

Mine is a 2014 model. The door on the outside appears solid.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by Golfnbike13

Are these the vents everyone is referring to? I have these on each side of the cabinet that houses the fridge. Attachment 78944

Mine is a 2014 model. The door on the outside appears solid.

No

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded
2011 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "9 nights"

[TN_Cruise_Lite]

Like this:



Can't find an old pic with the vents in the door. The 110v versions don't even have a door on the new models.

[TN_Cruise_Lite]

This is definitely possible. I just found out a dealer tried to pull a fast one on a friend of mine. When he went to pick up his new travel trailer it had just a 110v fridge even though his contract stated a regular RV fridge. He made them install an RV fridge where the 110v was. Below is a pic of the vents that he said were already in the exterior door like I thought I had seen in 2013. He said that Forest River engineers gave the dealership approval to make the change. One thing I did notice was the compartment was completely sealed with silicone caulk so no CO gas could enter the inside of the unit.

[Golfnbike13]

I'd really like to look into getting this done but don't know where to start. The closest dealer is a camping world and the guy at the service counter said mine couldn't be converted.....


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[TN_Cruise_Lite]

I think that most dealers would avoid this installation for liability reasons but you never know till you ask. I can find out from my friend in Maryville who did his conversion and they may be able to tell you how to get engineering approval from Forest River and get any Forest River dealer to do it. I'd try a mobile rv tech if there is one in your area or call a local propane business and see if they have a technician willing to do it.

When we were in Myrtle Beach there is a place across from Ocean Lakes Campground called Camper Connection and those guys were installing a motorhome fridge out in the parking lot before the retail store opened.

If you want to tackle it yourself, I bet you can, the instructions are available online:
http://www.dometic.com/QBankFiles3/E....036_17707.pdf

[Golfnbike13]

If you can get that info from a friend it may be helpful.
I did contact FR and they said it is possible depending on the location of fridge and venting. They said I would have to contact a dealer to ensure they could complete the install safely.
Considering the obvious problems if I did something wrong I'd prefer it be done by a qualified professional.
Does anyone know how much propane this size fridge would use in a day of dry camping? Will I need to upgrade for two LP bottles?


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[TN_Cruise_Lite]

They said Boat & RV in Harriman, TN but they didn't recommend you use them to do the conversion.

[Golfnbike13]

Good to know. Have they had issues?


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[TN_Cruise_Lite]

Not with the installation but definitely had issues with the sales dept. Seems like a lot of RV Dealers are worse than most used car salesmen. No offense to either, I did say a lot, not all.

[Lefty665]

Old thread, but... My '14 WW 195BH came with dual 120v/propane reefer. Seems possible the wiring and piping is there in all of them. If so, that would make the conversion almost a slide in.