Door removal required for fridge swap Bigfoot Camper

[fcmisc]

Hi guys, I have a 1998 10.6 and trying to plan a 12v fridge install with minimal down season because fridges are important but ski season is importanter.

Getting conflicting reports weather a fridge install is possible without removing the door frame; some say yes, some say no. Does anyone have first hand experience? I'm removing the stock 7cu ft dometic and installing this one: https://www.campingworld.com/dometic-dmc4081-rv-refrigerator-8-cu.-ft.-lh-133780.html

Open to other ideas within the $1500 range or so if someone has another favorite.

Thank you!

 

[Buddha.]

No experience with Bigfoot but I’ve taken doors off and windows out of trailers big and small. It’s not too complicated but might add a couple hours to the job if you’ve never done it before. Could try taking the door off of the fridge too but sometimes that gains you nothing.

 

[NOPEC]

Hi guys, I have a 1998 10.6 and trying to plan a 12v fridge install with minimal down season because fridges are important but ski season is importanter.

Getting conflicting reports weather a fridge install is possible without removing the door frame; some say yes, some say no. Does anyone have first hand experience? I'm removing the stock 7cu ft dometic and installing this one: https://www.campingworld.com/dometic-dmc4081-rv-refrigerator-8-cu.-ft.-lh-133780.html

Open to other ideas within the $1500 range or so if someone has another favorite.

Thank you!

Have a close look at the outside of the entry door hole. There should be a flange there that is screwed on to the frame which trims the sides and top, take that completely off and the fridge should just come out. Failing that, I would suggest measuring the fridge edge trim, hinges, etc. and see if deconstructing these parts of the fridge would give you enough clearance. Deconstructing the back of your camper should be the last resort!! If you think about, it doesn't make sense (to me anyway) that Bigfoot would build the camper around the fridge, assuming your unit is frame built vs moulded fiberglass. However, If that was the case, it would preclude ever swapping out the fridge, which just doesn't make sense to me, even in the RV industry.....

I have had tremendous luck with Nova Kool Fridges, plus they are Canadian made (sort of) which is fitting for your camper...... https://www.novakool.com/

 

[Buddha.]

I was once tasked with taking a fridge out of a molded fiberglass Escape trailer. Even after removing the door it was a real hassle. Everybody in the shop was wondering if the fridge went in before the top of the trailer went on.