How to Replace a Fisher Paykel Drawer Dishwasher in Your RV: Complete

The Rundown

Yes, you can absolutely replace your dead Fisher & Paykel (F&P) dishwasher drawer with a new residential unit from Build.com or Best Buy. You're right that F&P drawer dishwashers are extremely common in motorhomes, and swapping it for a standard residential model is a straightforward replacement that many RV owners have successfully completed. The key considerations are ensuring proper dimensions, verifying your 120V electrical supply, and confirming adequate water pressure. Since you already have these units in your stick-and-bricks home, you'll find the installation process very familiar - the main difference is working in the tighter confines of your motorhome's kitchen area.

The biggest advantage of going with a residential replacement is cost and availability. New F&P drawer units specifically marketed for RVs often carry a significant markup, while the exact same residential model can be hundreds of dollars less. Plus, if you ever need service or parts down the road, you'll have much better availability and pricing with a standard residential unit versus an "RV-specific" model that's essentially identical.

Why It Happens

F&P dishwasher drawers fail commonly in RVs due to several factors unique to the mobile lifestyle. The constant road vibration can cause connections to loosen, seals to fail prematurely, and electronic components to develop issues. Additionally, many RV owners don't use their dishwashers regularly, leading to seal deterioration and pump problems from sitting idle. Water quality issues from various campgrounds can also accelerate component failure, especially in areas with hard water or high mineral content.

Another factor is that these units were often installed during initial RV manufacturing with minimal consideration for long-term serviceability. Access panels may be inadequate, and the units are often tightly integrated into custom cabinetry. When combined with the fact that many F&P models in RVs are 5-10+ years old, it's often more cost-effective to replace rather than repair, especially when parts costs can approach 50-70% of a new unit's price.

Gather These Items

For this replacement, you'll need basic plumbing and electrical tools: adjustable wrenches, screwdrivers, wire nuts, electrical tape, and a multimeter for testing connections. Have plumber's putty or silicone sealant on hand for any connection adjustments. You may also need flexible water supply lines if your existing ones aren't in good condition - stainless steel braided lines are preferred over plastic.

Measure your existing cutout carefully before ordering. Most F&P drawer dishwashers have standard dimensions, but verify height, width, and depth to ensure your new unit will fit. Check that your electrical supply is adequate - most residential dishwashers require a dedicated 20-amp circuit per NEC requirements. Also verify GFCI requirements, as RV installations may have different code requirements than your original setup. You'll also want to confirm your water pressure meets the new unit's requirements, typically 20-80 PSI for optimal operation, with most units accepting 20-100 PSI.

The Fix

Start by disconnecting power at the breaker and shutting off water supply. Remove the old unit by disconnecting the drain line, water supply, and electrical connections - take photos of these connections for reference. The F&P drawer will typically slide out once you remove the mounting screws from the sides and any retaining clips. Clean the cutout area thoroughly and inspect for any damage to surrounding cabinetry.

Install your new unit by reversing the removal process. Connect the water supply line first, ensuring all connections are tight and properly sealed. Next, connect the drain line - this typically connects to your sink's drain system via a garbage disposal or drain tee. Make your electrical connections last, connecting ground first, then the neutral and hot wires according to the manufacturer's wiring diagram. Most residential units use a standard 3-wire connection identical to what your F&P unit used.

Test all connections thoroughly before pushing the unit into its final position. Run a test cycle to check for leaks and proper operation. You may need to adjust the unit's leveling feet to ensure proper door alignment and operation. If your new unit is slightly different in dimensions, you might need to modify the cutout slightly or add trim pieces for a finished appearance.

Know Your Limits

While this is generally a straightforward swap, there are situations where professional help makes sense. If your RV's electrical system doesn't have a proper dedicated circuit for the dishwasher, you'll need an electrician to install one. Similarly, if your water pressure is consistently below the unit's minimum requirements, you may need a booster pump installed - this is beyond most DIY capabilities and requires proper sizing and installation.

Don't attempt this project if you're not comfortable working with both plumbing and electrical connections simultaneously. Water and electricity don't mix, and a mistake could create serious safety hazards. Also, if your motorhome has any unique plumbing configurations or if the dishwasher is integrated into complex cabinetry systems, consider consulting with an RV service center first. They can advise on any model-specific considerations and ensure your replacement won't void any existing warranties on other systems.