Installing A Furrion RV Fridge In A 2017 Grand Design Solitude 375RES

Question:

I am planning to replace our current Absortion type Refrigerator Norcold 2118 with the Furrion Arctic FR42PJ 12V DC. In the video showing on this site starring John A he mentions the slight differences in dimensions may require some adjustments to the moulding work. I am replacing the fridge in a 2017 Grand Design Solitude 375 RES and looking at the video I am almost certain the replacement he alludes to in the video is about a Grand Design RV. It would be very helpful if you would answer the following questions. 1 Did you have to rip the top facia moulding to accommodate the extra inch in height from the Norcold? 2 How did you fill in the extra 3 inches on the width? 3 Did you have to adjust the bottom fascia moulding? 4 I have exactly 25 1/2inch between my current Norcold Fridge and the kitchen island, will the extra 1 inch depth interfere with the island when I close the slide? 5 What is the best spot to anchor the FR42PJ? Many thanks. Phillip V.

asked by: Phillip V

Expert Reply:

Hi Phillip,

John installed the Furrion Arctic RV Refrigerator w/ Freezer # FR62PJ in a 2019 Grand Design Momentum. In the video he did up having to take the top fascia board off and trimmed it down to fit the new fridge. To cover the gaps on the sides he just ended up using some slide out seals we had lying around in the shop. You can get some rubber gaskets from your local hardware store in the appliance section to cover the gap or nail some new trim around the edge and butt it up to the fridge. You won't want to fill in the entire space because there needs to be room around the fridge in order for it to breathe.

He looks like he didn't need to modify the lower fascia board but this is a case by case situation so you might have to on yours. To determine if the depth is going to be an issue you'll need to close the slide and measure the distance between the fridge and island. If you have less than an inch then the new fridge would prevent you from fully closing the slide. RV fridges are typically mounted by running screws through the base at the back of the unit. If you walk outside of the RV there will be a vent that will give you access to the back of the unit.

I've attached John's installation video below to help walk you through the process.

expert reply by: Kevin C