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07-19-2020, 09:57 AM
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#1
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Established Member
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Mesquite
Posts: 27
M.O.C. #26686
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2010 Montana 3400 RL
Hello everyone. I just purchased a used Montana and will be living in it full time. I do contract work around the country and it seemed like a reasonable choice. Previous owner had quite a bit of work done to it. New AC in the back, new washer, vinyl flooring, new front leveling jacks. Everything works well as far as I can see. Of course with a 10 year old unit there are things that need to be done.
Had a few questions. Where can I find out what AC to buy as a replacement for the bedroom AC? It isn't cooling as well as I would like. Also, had a question about the dometic refrigerator. I am thinking a 10 year old unit may not last much longer. Any idea of cost for replacement and installation? I know it is expensive but would like to hear from folks who have had them replaced. I have to replace the battery as well. Going with a 2 battery setup wired in parallel. I was wondering if anyone had changed the charging setup so that you don't slam the batteries so hard charging them up. Any information on that would be very welcome.
Looking forward to having a comfortable place to live during my travels. Also looking forward to making a few friends on the forum. Love to hear from everyone.
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07-19-2020, 10:18 AM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Carmichael - CA
Posts: 7,370
M.O.C. #4831
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Quote:
Originally Posted by montanaowner
...I have to replace the battery as well. Going with a 2 battery setup wired in parallel. I was wondering if anyone had changed the charging setup so that you don't slam the batteries so hard charging them up. Any information on that would be very welcome....
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I don't have experience with your refer questions but I do know a little about converters in Montanas. You should find your converter and determine what brand and model it is.
I believe a 2010 has a Xantrac converter. It is a four stage charger and is perfect for your batteries. If your rig has the earlier Iota converter, it is NOT a four stage one. But it can be made so with the addition of an inexpensive IQ4 module. It just plugs in to the converter and magically upgrades it to a four stage unit.
Welcome to the MOC!
__________________
Carl (n Susan)
There is more to life than fuel mileage.
2012 Montana 3700RL Big Sky Package towed by a 2015 Ford F350 6.7L PSD 4WD CC LWB
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07-19-2020, 01:37 PM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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Our 2010 had a four stage converter, also before I replaced the AC I'd check the filters and both sets of fins on the AC to make sure they aren't packed with dirt. I recently saw a used unit at a dealer that was packed with crap both inside and on the roof.
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
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07-21-2020, 05:22 AM
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#4
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Established Member
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Mesquite
Posts: 27
M.O.C. #26686
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Thank you to both of you for the great information. I appreciate it.
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07-21-2020, 07:48 AM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
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Our Dometic failed. It was not necessary to replace the frig itself, just the cooling unit on the backside of the frig. Done under warranty, the cooling unit/minor supply cost was $1800 and $600 in labor which is probably four hours or so. If your frig is 10 years old and working fine, I would not bother with it (original cooling unit may have already been replaced). Our Dometic was the large four door unit. If you do replace, recommend you consider a residential frig, much cheaper. If you are set up in a campground most of the time, you don't have to have an inverter. Frig will still stay cold for hours when you do have to move.
__________________
Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
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07-21-2020, 09:32 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Posts: 2,707
M.O.C. #7992
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1retired06
Our Dometic failed. It was not necessary to replace the frig itself, just the cooling unit on the backside of the frig. Done under warranty, the cooling unit/minor supply cost was $1800 and $600 in labor which is probably four hours or so. If your frig is 10 years old and working fine, I would not bother with it (original cooling unit may have already been replaced). Our Dometic was the large four door unit. If you do replace, recommend you consider a residential frig, much cheaper. If you are set up in a campground most of the time, you don't have to have an inverter. Frig will still stay cold for hours when you do have to move.
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Mike makes some really good points. If you have/need to stay with the RV fridge replacing just the cooling unit is not a big deal. I had to replace mine due to a leak in the cooling unit. $600 dollars for the Amish made unit and about 4 to 5 hours of sweat equity. Unit works better than the OEM cooling unit as it cools much quicker. As Mike said I would not bother with it as long as it works fine. But study up and be prepared if it does break.
__________________
2006 3000RK
2009 Ram 2500
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