You could always cut it in half if it's a real problem! It ain't getting the old one out: it's getting the new one in! Oh, and keep a couple of rubber mallets handy just in case...
I think maybe JC Refrigeration was being a little melodramatic on that one.
It's hard to imagine actually having to pull the windshield to get a refrigerator out (probably have to pull the steering column and the dash assembly too then) but I suppose its happened. There would have to be a special place in hell for an RV manufacturer that made the door smaller than the fridge.
JC Refrigeration has an excellent reputation and I considered that route. But they recommend that they install it so I'd be looking at $800 and a drive halfway across the country.
I decided against it for a couple reasons. First the new Isotherm was only $1300 and change. (Well not really with shipping and the energy saving gizmo it was more like $1800).
Also that $200 installation charge at JC can't possibly include the kind of extensive insulation I have planned for the back wall, as well as preserving the removable bottom outside access panel (while sealing and insulating it) which will require some head scratching moments.
Also I really like the idea of the smaller microwave. We hate the stock microwave just based on the stupidity of the user interface, but more importantly with a smaller microwave I can wire it to the stock inverter if I want since they only run 700-900 watts.
The "ITC Digital Display Intelligent Temperature Control" sold by isotherm clinched it for us. The external temp and controls make perfect sense ) I always hate opening the fridge to fiddle with settings. Also the lure of running the variable speed compressor at reduced cycles ("economy mode", basically) when power is in short supply. (In theory you could use that with any compatible Secop compressor I would think).
The Isotherm has a pretty good warranty - 5 years on the compressor, 2 years on the rest of the parts, and 1 year labor (not sure what that last one means). I've been reading up on basic refrigeration mechanics for the Danfoss BD50F and it looks like it will be easy to service or replace if ever needed.
Lastly the Isotherm has an inverter so it also runs on 120 VAC. Not really necessary, but convenient for example I can bench test it in my garage without rigging up a power supply.
So for all those reasons the Isotherm just seemed ideal for us. The Nova Kool would probably have worked out OK too - we just kinda preferred the Isotherm, and it also seemed more quickly available.