2017 17B 4cu ft fridge option narrower aisle

[skyfree-ESC]

I recently got an email from ETI about the 4cu ft fridge option in the 2017 17B that I had on my build sheet. I asked some questions and apparently the larger fridge requires a deeper cabinet and will reduce aisle space. The narrowest portion of the aisle is the measurement between the rear bathroom corner and the front of the fridge cabinet next to the door. This is 31" with a 3cu ft fridge and 27" with a 4cu ft option. They had to build the whole cabinet deeper so the fridge doesn't stick out. They did say that the 3cu ft has a rounded door and the 4cu ft is flat so it's not quite a 4" difference in space on the whole aisle.

I asked for pictures but none were available.

So more 2017 issues to think about. We will probably go with the 3cu ft standard fridge, but it worries me a bit to have a fridge that is half the size of our last RV fridge.:ermm:

 

[Donna D.]

Sounds like a disappointment. Now you have to decide if an aisle way that's a bit narrower... and you only pass the refrigerator (x) times a day/night is worth going smaller. I wouldn't, but that's me. I like a bigger refrigerator because I don't feel the need to jam it full and lessen its maximum efficiency.

 

[Karen H.]

A tough decision to make. As a solo traveler, the 3-cubic-foot refer is plenty for me but it might be questionable for two or more people depending on length of stay and distance from a convenience store. An additional ice cooler might be considered for those items not needing absolute cold temps.

 

[Sandra L]

While it adds to the weight, an option is as Karen suggested along with an ice maker (which are more moderately priced now), which is what I did when accompanied by my son and granddaughters.

 

[Greg A]

I'd go bigger fridge or a 19 if the width of aisle is important. ;D

 

[gbaglo]

I'd just go for the 19' and be done with it. Wife likes my buddy's 19 because the aisle is wide enough to pass one another. I like the 19 for the four-person dinette for playing cards or dining with guests. One day, I'll likely replace my 17' with the 19'.
As for the fridge, I love the space in my 5.0 cu. ft. fridge.

 

[paulw]

I'd go with the larger fridge...
Passing someone in a 17, even with a smaller fridge and 31" aisle, requires coordination and cooperation

 

[Loren & Cathy]

As with any trailer, there is only so much room to install all of the accessories and compromises have to be made. If this is bigger, then that will have to be smaller. In our case it was the bigger bathroom and the smaller bed in our 21. Loren

 

[maurerl]

In the ubiquitous phrase elsewhere on the forum -- YMMV! But our take is . . .

In our 17B, we have the regular frig, and have never considered it too small, and we've been out on 6-week trips. But we do use a drinks cooler in the TV while we're driving. Our biggest nuisance is getting our milk in the 2-litre size instead of the 4-litre size, to fit in the door.

Maybe I just don't drink enough beer (no, not while I'm driving)!?

 

[nrthwds]

My 2017 17b in being built now and I also had to make this decision. The 4 cuft is only 10 lbs more. I went with the bigger frig. As soon as I have some more completed photos I will post them.
Below are links to the 2 fridges. The first one is the 4 cuft, the second is the 3 cuft.

http://www.dometic.com/Canada/MS-72...es/SK-117686-Americana-Single-Door-RM-2454-LB

Americana Single Door RM 2354 LB - Dometic Corp

 

[Brian B-P]

My 2017 17b in being built now and I also had to make this decision. The 4 cuft is only 10 lbs more. I went with the bigger frig. As soon as I have some more completed photos I will post them.
Below are links to the 2 fridges. The first one is the 4 cuft, the second is the 3 cuft.

Americana Single Door RM 2454 LB - Dometic Corp

Americana Single Door RM 2354 LB - Dometic Corp

Thanks for the informative links

I think it's interesting that between two appliances in the same series (Americana RM2xxx) the larger one is larger in every direction, not just height.

For those decoding Dometic models:
RM2 = Americana single-door

(DM2 = Americana double-door)​

3 or 4 = approximate volume in cubic feet (there are also larger models)
54 or 63 = three-way power (propane, 12V, 120V) with temperature adjustment

51&52 = two-way, propane and 120VAC - no temperature adjustment
62 = two-way, propane and 120VAC with temperature adjustment​

So the RM2354 and RM2454 are the smaller sizes with three-way power and the better controls (with temperature adjustment). The 3-, 4-, and 5-cubic foot models are single door; the 6- and 8- cubic foot models are double door.

Also, I note that the weights are listed as 29 kg and 39 kg (which seems heavy, but that's what it says), so the difference is 10 kilograms (22 pounds), rather than 10 pounds.

 

[Mucram (2018 19’ escape)]

I was trying to decide between 3 vs 4 cf frig as well. Measured my old dometic in the 89 scamp & think the new 3 cf will suffice Here is kristas response to email on these models.


As you are aware, the 2017 Escape trailers are new models. We did anticipate running into a couple of minor issues once these trailers entered production. We were aware the larger fridge in the 17’ Escape would take up additional space in the trailer, however, we were unaware of the impact it would have.

Upon reviewing and measuring the trailer, we have determined there will be a maximum aisle width of 27”, compared to 31” with the 3 cuft fridge. However, the 4 cuft fridge front is flat, and the 3 cuft fridge does curve out a bit. We would like for you to keep this in mind when deciding which fridge to get in your trailer.

Please feel free to forward any further questions you may have,

Warm Regards,

Krista Wealick, Customer Service

Escape Trailer Industries Ltd.
43851 Industrial Way, Bldg. B
Chilliwack, BC, V2R 4L2

Tel: 604 703 1650 Toll Free: 1 855 703 1650
Fax: 604 703 1651

sales@escapetrailer.com

 

[skyfree-ESC]

My 2017 17b in being built now and I also had to make this decision. The 4 cuft is only 10 lbs more. I went with the bigger frig. As soon as I have some more completed photos I will post them.
Below are links to the 2 fridges. The first one is the 4 cuft, the second is the 3 cuft.

Thanks! Pictures are always the best way to make a decision. I set up a bench next to a wall to test out the different widths. 27" feels adequate. 31" is relatively spacious. I have different doors in my house that are both 27" and 31" so that is another good way to test it out.

Anyway, not a huge deal either way but it was helpful to get other perspectives.

 

[gbaglo]

We've gotten into the habit of stepping into the foyer ;D if somebody needs to get by.

 

[rbryan4]

"Upon reviewing and measuring the trailer, we have determined there will be a maximum aisle width of 27”, compared to 31” with the 3 cuft fridge."

That's quite significant. My assumption is that the larger fridge is much DEEPER as well, and so they have to extend the cabinetry on that side by 4" or so in order to make room. Might be a tipping point for going with the smaller fridge on the 17.

 

[Brian B-P]

That's quite significant. My assumption is that the larger fridge is much DEEPER as well, and so they have to extend the cabinetry on that side by 4" or so in order to make room.

The dimensions are in the linked description pages and the linked installation manual. I clipped out the table from the installation manual and will attach it here (with the common larger size for perspective or just dreaming...). The recess (and so the cabinetry) is required to be 68 mm (2-5/8") deeper, while the overall depth of the appliance is only 50 mm (2") deeper. The smaller model does appear to project further from the cabinetry, but the projection is softened by the curve.

I have no idea why an appliance 50 mm (2") deeper would cut 4 inches (the difference between 31" and 27") further into the aisle. If the trailer walls still sloped I would guess that the taller cabinet was forced further inboard by the slope, but the walls are now vertical, so the height should not affect the position.

Might be a tipping point for going with the smaller fridge on the 17.

I agree, but I would certainly get the situation very clear before giving up the refrigerator volume.

 

[skyfree-ESC]

ETI sent me a couple of pics of the 4cu ft option installed:

We decided to just go with the 3cu ft. standard fridge. Hopefully the pics help others who are looking to make this choice.

 

[blhvet]

I am also working on my build sheet for my 17B and received the email. Thanks to everyone for the links, pictures, and great info. Can't imagine how people that aren't on the forum make decisions for their build sheets. ��

I'm a single traveller (with 3 dogs), so I don't really need to pass anyone in the aisle,. So, if the fridge comes out 4" further, will the cabinets above and below the fridge be 4" deeper, I wonder?

 

[Brian B-P]

So, if the fridge comes out 4" further, will the cabinets above and below the fridge be 4" deeper, I wonder?

Skyfree's photos are of a 17B with the 4 cubic foot refrigerator: so yes, the cabinets above and below refrigerator are deeper as well.

It would be nice to have comparison photos of the 3 cubic foot variation... and I still wonder why the cabinet is that much deeper.

 

[gbaglo]

As a professional photographer for 45 years, I caution that photos can be deceptive.