Dometic Fridge / Repair or Replace?

[LonnieB]

Yesterday the wife went out to the trailer to put some Thanksgiving goodies in the fridge and discovered all of the cold air had leaked out. I opened the rear panel and sure enough, there was the tell tell yellow residue. It was running on electricity at the time, so I can't tell you if the fire shield and fusible link would have worked or not.

My questions are;
1. Should I have it repaired or replaced?
2. If repaired, what can I expect to pay and is it worth it?
3. If replaced, should I go back with Dometic or is there a better brand?

Thanks in advance

[ole dude]

Can't you find where the cold air leaked out and plug the hole ? It appears to this ole codger that these refrigerators are all pretty much the same, with the same problems, and the same quality issues. Maybe look into a rebuilt unit, which would be on an exchange basis, and I seem to remember there is some warranty. I would guess the unit in your rig will have to be removed and shipped some where for repairs
anywho. The exchange time frame would be shorter with an exchange. Had found some sites with good info about this, will try to find and repost.

[ole dude]

http://www.rvmobile.com/Store/Begin.cfm Check out this site. If I was close by I would bring my big "herrmmer" and when we got done there would be noooo question about what would need to be done next.

[8.1al]

Take a look here, Lonnie
http://www.rvcoolingunit.net/servlet/StoreFront

[LonnieB]

quote:By ole dude

If I was close by I would bring my big "herrmmer" and when we got done there would be noooo question about what would need to be done next.

Thats what I like about you Butch, always thinking

Thanks for the link.

[SlickWillie]

I can tell you what I will do when ours bites the dust. I'll get one of the apartment units Lowe's has that is pretty much a perfect fit in the hole. With an ice maker, and lots more room than the Dometic has. We don't boondock, so no problem there. Traveling is no problem either, as it will stay cold plenty long. If it doesn't, an inverter will solve that problem.

[Drifty1]

I went with a new fridge when mine stopped working about 1 month ago. I figured that my rig is a 2002 3295rk that is 9 years old and I am going to keep it for a while yet. I looked at door opening and had lots of clearance so should I spend $400 or so to put in a rebuilt coil or replace with a new one for $900 plus shipping. It took me less than 1 hour (with a little help)to install the new 2852 Dometic and have it back on line. I waited about 5 days to receive the new unit shipped from Indiana but was worth it. If going the new route and you can wait a few days call Palomino RV Parts and ask for Jevin. I can look up the number if you would like it.

[Exnavydiver]

Lonnie, I just shot an email out to Mac about that guy near Goshen that builds a very heavy duty replacement he referred to at the rally. As soon as he returns the email I will post the info here..Dave

[HughM]

A while back I saw a company in Arkansas that completely rebuilds a RV fridge. I can't recall which town it's located in but it was about half what a new one costs.
Found it under rvcool.com.

[dustinc02]

I have had a very bad experience with a reman company out of Arkansas for cooling units. He operates a few RV refridge businesses in Arkansas. Check the reviews on the BBB website prior to ordering from a reman cooling unit business in Arkansas.There have been several complaints submitted to the Arkansas Attorney General as well. It will save you a lot of expense and hassle down the road. Not sure that it is correct to give out the names on the MOC website.

[ols1932]

quote:Originally posted by LonnieB

Yesterday the wife went out to the trailer to put some Thanksgiving goodies in the fridge and discovered all of the cold air had leaked out. I opened the rear panel and sure enough, there was the tell tell yellow residue. It was running on electricity at the time, so I can't tell you if the fire shield and fusible link would have worked or not.

My questions are;
1. Should I have it repaired or replaced?
2. If repaired, what can I expect to pay and is it worth it?
3. If replaced, should I go back with Dometic or is there a better brand?

Thanks in advance

Lonnie,
When ours went out in 2004, we replaced the entire refrigerator. The reason? The difference in price quoted for the cooling unit plus labor and the new refrigerator (which gave us a new 6-year warranty, pats and labor) was not that great. I can't remember now what the difference was but I think it was around $300.

Orv

[LonnieB]

Thanks for all the replies and ideas so far. I am not really in a big hurry as I don't plan on needing it until spring, just trying to come up with a plan.

Funny thing, while I was typing this a dude calling himself The RV Doctor came into the store for a tire repair. He gave me a quote of $900.00 for parts and labor. I got his card and told him I would call if I needed him.

[Drifty1]

Lonnie I got a new 2852 Dometic for $900 plus $125 shipping to Anacortes WA. Camping world wanted $1390.00 plus tax so $900 sounds like a lot to have a rebuilt unit installed. If it will go through the door they are very easy to replace with a new unit. Plus my new unit has black trim so I was able to upgrade the looks of my interior at the same time, and my oak door panels slid right in with no trouble.

[Exnavydiver]

Lonnie, I just got a reply from Mac The Fire Guy. Here it is in it's entirety "His # is 260 768 7059, he is in the Goshen area. He will not answer his phone, it's a long story, but he will call you back.
Mac" Give him a call and see what he can do for you... Dave

[mhs4771]

Lonnie, when the fridge went out in our previous SOB TT (was 12 years old) I went back to the local dealer (who was a good friend) and he recommended going with new vs rebuilding. Would provide a new unit with upgraded features and new warranty vs a rebuilt heat exchanger in an old chassis, but then again, ours was 12 years old at the time. Just some thoughts.