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Topic: Has anyone replaced their cooling unit in their absorption refrigerator lately (Read 657 times) previous topic - next topic
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Has anyone replaced their cooling unit in their absorption refrigerator lately
We are looking to replacing our absorption cooling unit in our refrigerator in our 98~MB.  I have done this before but I am looking for a good source now since the last time we did this was around twenty years ago.  We have Dometic RM 3662.  I have found on some websites that claim some Norcold cooling units will fit our model.  I believe that the unit made by Dometic is the proper one fo our Dometic.  Pictures on the websites and some information are not always accurate.  Has anyone replaced their cooling unit recently?  Can you recommend a supplier?

       Karen~Liam
         98 ~ MB
           NinA
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: Has anyone replaced their cooling unit in their absorption refrigerator lately
Reply #1 –
Karen~Liam-

A supplier called "JC Refrigeration" gets frequent positive mentions on another RV-interest web site I frequent. Here is a link to the Dometic 3662 replacement unit they sell.

If you get anywhere near their "factory" in Indiana I'd recommend having them make the replacement, for which they appear to charge just $160. That implies they can do the work in under two hours.

As I stated in an earlier thread on this, I tried to install a JC Refrigeration 120V compressor unit in my coach's Norcold and failed. I think my experience was not typical, as most reports of field installs are positive about both the process and the results. They treated me well as a customer.

Mark H.
Former owner, 31-foot gas Class A
Former owner, 1997-8 mid-bath
Re: Has anyone replaced their cooling unit in their absorption refrigerator lately
Reply #2 –
I plan to repair mine if I ever need to. I can't help you Karen~Liam, but this thread could help me.  8)
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Has anyone replaced their cooling unit in their absorption refrigerator lately
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Karen & Liam  - 
We are looking to replacing our absorption cooling unit in our refrigerator in our 98~MB.  I have done this before but I am looking for a good source now since the last time we did this was around twenty years ago.  We have Dometic RM 3662. 

I believe a Dometic DM2662 will replace the RM3662 refrigerator.
Dometic DM2662 Refrigerator DM2662RB | eBay

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Has anyone replaced their cooling unit in their absorption refrigerator lately
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
I believe a Dometic DM2662 will replace the RM3662 refrigerator.
Dometic DM2662 Refrigerator DM2662RB | eBay

Larry
Are there improvements in the new models, like better insulation or control board? I'd hope there would be some with a 25 year or so newer model.
Eric
2005 Jayco 24SS
Re: Has anyone replaced their cooling unit in their absorption refrigerator lately
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Eric Greenwell  - 
Are there improvements in the new models, like better insulation or control board? I'd hope there would be some with a 25 year or so newer model.
Eric

You can (should) improve the insulation outside of the box while the fridge is removed.  

Reinstalling refrigerator | Flickr

I doubt the newer models have improved components.  If anything, they might be less rugged than the original was when new due to cost cutting.  The downside is that everything you re-use is 20+ years old and plastic get brittle over time.

There really is no simple answer - it's a matter of looking at your camping style, price sensitivity, and personal preference.  For me, the increased capacity of a 12V DC fridge is attractive.  Still, I find myself wondering if that's worth more than the ability use propane for the type of camping we do.   I also wonder how much longer we have in this rig and if the $$ spent on electrical upgrades would be better spent on a newer rig.

Rich
2003 MB
Re: Has anyone replaced their cooling unit in their absorption refrigerator lately
Reply #6 –
Improving the insulation is a good idea.  I plan to change out the old insulation for new.  I need to measure carefully so I do not make the space smaller.  When we pulled the frig out it was very tight fitting, that may be the wood frame opening only, I have to check.  I think we will go the cooling unit replacement route.  It appears that the Dometic DM2662 is a right opening door setup and does not indicate that it can be changed but I will look at our unit to see if that is the case.  We kind of knew this day was coming soon, so we tried to look lightly at the all the options a while ago.  Now it's here and we got to decide!


    Karen~Liam
      98 ~MB
        NinA
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: Has anyone replaced their cooling unit in their absorption refrigerator lately
Reply #7 –
Hi Liam.  I'm pretty sure that the RM 3662 is just a newer version of the RM 2662. IIRC both were exactly the same size. The insulation Larry was referencing is on the external wall of the motorhome above the side vent  and extending to the ceiling vent.  While it seems that it would restrict air flow, it actually makes it easier for hot air to get up some velocity and flow upwards and out of the top vent. The slightly bigger than computer fans that I put in a few years ago help suck air in, and expel air out at the top. I have a switch that I operate manually, but with LiF and solar it stays on while the fridge is on, unless it is cold outside.
   On my Royale model, the holes are there for either right hand or left hand. The hinges and latches can be swapped.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Has anyone replaced their cooling unit in their absorption refrigerator lately
Reply #8 –
Quote from: Karen & Liam  - 
think we will go the cooling unit replacement route.  It appears that the Dometic DM2662 is a right-opening door setup and does not indicate that it can be changed, but I will look at our unit to see if that is the case. 

We replaced the original RM3662 with a DM2662 about 15 years ago when it stopped working, while on vacation. The DM2662 failed three years ago, and the cooling unit was replaced. It was replaced while still inside the MH,
It was tight, but with Steve's help, the old cooling unit was removed and replaced with an Amish cooling unit.
While our door is on the left, it appears that there are screw holes for the hinge on the right side. I do not know if the hinges are interchangeable. Dometic sells a left conversion kit, Dometic 293275008.
I considered replacing the whole refrigerator, but it happened during COVID, and new units were not available.

Our folding camp table was the right height to allow pulling the refrigerator straight out and then laying it down on its front to access the cooling unit on the rear side. Changing the cooling unit while inside saves the effort of removing and replacing the refrigerator through the window.
The downside of keeping the old refrigerator is that the plastic interior may be discolored and/or brittle.
I wish we had kept the interior drawers and door trays; the newer ones are thinner and feel cheaper.

Remove the old insulation; there are higher R-value foams available at your local home center. Our original foam was falling apart and detached from the enclosure's walls.

Larry





Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Has anyone replaced their cooling unit in their absorption refrigerator lately
Reply #9 –
Quote from: Eric Greenwell  - 
Are there improvements in the new models, like better insulation or control board? I'd hope there would be some with a 25 year or so newer model.

AFAIK, the newer Dometic refrigerators are not built any better; if anything, they weigh less and have cheaper interior components . Replacing the cooling unit is fine as long as the rest of the refrigerator is still in good condition.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Has anyone replaced their cooling unit in their absorption refrigerator lately
Reply #10 –
Larry Thank You for the information, where did you get your Amish cooling unit from?

I pulled the cooling unit out yesterday.  It came out pretty easy, you have to remove all of the screws (seven) in the freezer and (four) in the main compartment with the fins.  On our unit the burner is screwed to the cooling unit pipe which has a welded on bracket which I do not see in photos of the replacement units.  I hope there an easy work around.  I have watched a couple Youtube RxR videos to get an idea of how it all goes although none of the units I watched have the same setup for the burner.  I wonder if they sell a unit with the burner setup included?  I have not found one of those yet

Ron Thank You I did notice that the door hinges on my RM3662 may be changed to the other side.  I will see how our cooling unit replacement hunt goes.

Mark Thank You for JC Refrigeration I will call them also

     Karen~Liam
       98 ~ MB
         NinA

1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: Has anyone replaced their cooling unit in their absorption refrigerator lately
Reply #11 –
So what I have seen on line, two suppliers JC Refrigeration and RV Unit Warehouse sell the DutchAir Amish new cooling unit.  Their prices are similar including delivery.   I called JC Refrigeration and they said that they are the manufacturer.  So it would make sense to buy direct in case there was a problem.  I sent photos of our setup because it looked different from the pictures on the website.  They said they would send a unit with that different bracket to match mine.  I think I will also order a new heating element. 


     Karen~Liam
      98 ~ MB
        NinA

https://www.lazydazeowners.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=4664
https://www.lazydazeowners.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=4665



1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: Has anyone replaced their cooling unit in their absorption refrigerator lately
Reply #12 –
Quote from: Karen & Liam  - 
So what I have seen on line, two suppliers JC Refrigeration and RV Unit Wearhouse sell the DutchAir Amish new cooling unit.  Their prices are similar including delivery.   I called JC Refrigeration and they said that they are the manufacturer.  So it would make sense to buy direct in case there was a problem.  I   I think I will also order a new heating element. 

Our cooling unit came from RV Unit Warehouse and showed up fairly quickly. At the time, JC Refrigeration sold only to RV shops. This would be a good time to replace the 120-volt heater.

Larry.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Has anyone replaced their cooling unit in their absorption refrigerator lately
Reply #13 –
Thank You Larry, We ordered the New Cooling unit from JC Refrigeration with a new ext fan kit and new 325W 120v heating element.  Thank You to all here who joined in on this thread, your comments helped us along with this project.  As much as we would have loved to replace our frig with a new 12v compressor model and we did enjoy not worrying about level parking, I think with our past camping style we would have had to make compromises with our power and either had to run the generator that is not working now or plug in somewhere.  I do wished that a few people with the 12v fridges had made comments as to how battery power works for them.

    Karen~Liam
      98 ~ MB
        NinA
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: Has anyone replaced their cooling unit in their absorption refrigerator lately
Reply #14 –
Hi Liam;  This thread, 12V Compressor Fridge  just three months old had a few responses. I don't think very many of our members actually have them yet in their Lazy Dazes. Just JayWay with 'massive' solar and battery, JOR. and Andy.
     Lots of interest out there. Future planning, for eventual compressor fridges.
         I'd like to see a combined propane/12v dc compressor option for gas and electric, but a small electric heater to stand in for the flame is too easy, and any other combination would be too complex and space wasting. I did see a tiny, new 'Meercat' trailer at a campground (space) next to me, that had an old traditional ice box, just a refrigerator really.  (I helped the owner out... had some construction debris plugging up the water drain, so it was draining out of the door into the rig).     RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Has anyone replaced their cooling unit in their absorption refrigerator lately
Reply #15 –
Thanks Ron for that thread, I missed it while looking recently.  We decided we have been living with a absorption frig for many years and make it part of our routine to level Always or turn it off.  That's why we carry blue ice in our freezer to put in our frig when off for un-level times.  I guess we did not want to add the possibility of having to worry about power with a 12v frig in the mix!

     Karen~Liam
       98 ~ MB
         NinA
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
 
Re: Has anyone replaced their cooling unit in their absorption refrigerator lately
Reply #16 –
Quote from: Karen & Liam  - 
  As much as we would have loved to replace our frig with a new 12v compressor model and we did enjoy not worrying about level parking, I think with our past camping style we would have had to make compromises with our power and either had to run the generator that is not working now or plug in somewhere.  I wish that a few people with the 12v fridges had made comments as to how battery power works for them.

Very few on the forum have actually installed compressor refrigerators, and there have been no usage reports other than Jor's report of his refrigerator using an average of 80-amp/hours per day while sitting in his driveway. Adding a recording watt-meter is the only way to track actual power usage, as Jor did.

There is a trend by RV manufacturers to install compressor refrigerators, while not having the robust electrical systems needed to provide the large amount of power needed to run them off-grid. I guess the assumption is that most people camp with hookups, unlike the dry or boondock camping style many LD owners engage in.

To supplement our absorption refrigerator, we have used a 40-qt compressor ice chest for the last four years and have nothing but praise for it. It maintains a constant temperature year-round. Having items occasionally freeze in the refrigerator, sensitive items, such as veggies, can be stored in the ice chest without fear of freezing.
It's nice to be able to turn it into a freezer when we find a deal on fresh fish during our travels.
The compressor ice chest has an added recording watt-meter to enable determining power usage during different times of the year and how it is being used... refrigerator or freezer.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze