John,

I wouldn't be too quick to cast aside that old refrigerator. Down here in TN we have seen them last for decades on our porch.

If you analyze a typical refrigerator you will find there is a limited number of likely failure points.

You can develop a leak. Leaks can be repaired or the offending component can be replaced. Refrigerator parts, espcially 10 year old refrigerator parts are readily available. You can have the fans fail (easily replaceable), the circuit board (also replaceable) or the compressor. The compressor is likely to last the life of the refrigerator unless you have a leak and the system goes down to zero pressure and moisture gets into the system. The compressor is hermetically sealed and the motor and internals run in oil. There is very little that can go wrong with the compressor.

Virtually all refrigerators in our coaches except the amonia ones use 134A.

As to going out the windshield it is not a big deal. A windsield is a 10 minute removal and a 35 minute replacement. Lining the path and dash with shipping blankets offers good protection and removing doors and all removable components greatly reduces the weight. It still takes a bunch of guys and the required cold beer to remove the refrigerator, but I view that as a last resort. In my coach I would have to remove the passenger side seat and sofa to insure I had plenty of room so the windshield is the easy part, it is the removal of all the interior stuff that is the PITA.