De-installation of a 1977 Argosy Fridge

[Roquefort]

Hey guys!
I have a 1977 Argosy 24 motorhome to part out here.
I want to use the fridge for our "Ambassador 29'" trailer, size and woodtrim is the same!
It's a "Dometic RM 100", look's not too "ramshakled", i assume with a good cleaning job and -maybe- some parts i could use it.
Full of enthousiasm i started today the de-installation, but i can't see any srew or any latch to unscrew or -bolt it...!
Does anyhone have an idea, HOW to get out the fridge, without destroying it....!!

There is nowhere any screw visible?!




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[overlander63]

Don't forget the bracket at the top rear of the fridge that connects to the interior skin of the trailer/motorhome.
You'll probably have to remove some of the cabinetry to get them loose.

[Roquefort]

....Hmmmm?! Can't see any bracket there, up in the small cabinet.
In the rear bathroom i see a straigt line of screws.


Are these maybe holding the fridge in place???


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[Roquefort]

No, they do not 🙄!
Far to small to do so.


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[Roquefort]

OK, i did it in the "rough" version.
Could torn this heavy beast out, saw just some surface rust on the back, hooe it will work, as i was expecting.
Any suggest, before i plug in the AC line for testing?




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[Roquefort]

Maybe i can myself now advise, how to remove the RM 100 fridge from a 1977 Argosy with rear bath floorplan.
(Then you destroy NOT the interior, as i did...!)
This is what i learned:
-diconect Propane carefully by using the matching wrenches
-unplug AC, you barely can reach the plug by "fumbling" from outsidedoor upwards.
- Ignore the predrilled Mountingframe outside from DOMETIC, there is NO screw!
The screwed at Airstream plant two thick and heavy plywood panels in the body of the fridge and installed the
fridge without any plan of the position of these screws. I found 4 on the left, 5 on the right!
Then they screwed thru the Cabintery and "walls" screws in this plywood.
Incredible bad made...!
OK, let's continue:
-Remove the upper sliding door cabinet above pantry, it's riveted and srewed!
-Remove Mirror beside Pantry.
-behind Mirror and next to oven (!) you'll find "some" screws, positioned without any plan obvisly. Remove them all.
-Remove by de-riveting the upper cabinet door & frame. (inside down you'll find 2 invisible brackets with screws!)
-Remove plastic duct for heat from fridge , it's also riveted & screwed in...!
-Remove shelf then, "few" screws in the shelf.
-remove then ALL screws (white & galvanized) you can see in bathroom and inside shirt cabinet next to sliding door.
-UNDER fridge, you'll find 4 bolts with self attaching nuts (11mm wrench).
Remove them all, push bolts upwards.
Allow some space now by loosen carefully wallpanel next to fridge right & left. You can "shake & shaggle" the fridge now a bit.
If it's not too rotten & rusty, fridge should slide out now from it's (uncoated!) base-frame.
As i mentioned before,
The fridge is installed in a really clumsy maner, you will need a good assistance as a helping hand, this beast is "heavy as a tombstone@!

Best will be, you remove everything what may disturb you while diing this job, it is a big and HEAVY piece, it fit's barely the door etc...!
As my memories, while visiting the plant in Jackson center OH, the fridge is installed as one if the first things!
Allow one day (at least!) for doing this.
Good luck!
Regards, Marcus


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[martin300662]

Originally Posted by Roquefort

Hey guys!
I have a 1977 Argosy 24 motorhome to part out here.

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Will you be selling the other parts Roquefort?

[Roquefort]

Why not!
What do you need???
I'm glad, if my "old bad" can serve an other "maniac"...😜!
We live in Grefrath, close to Düsseldorf, about 70km away from Cologne.
If you come back fom the Lage of Garda, come along!!!!


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[Roquefort]

Hmmmmmmm?!
Have conected the old Argosy fridge (Dometic RM100) over night to AC, but it does not get cold.
Any idea, what's to do now? I can't conect the fridge to Propane, while the US conection does not match the german Propane conectors.



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[Elisa]

We had the same experience with plywood on the sides of the fridge and lots of screws. Idiocy. We got rid of the big olde fridge and bought a smaller one at Home Depot, electric only, built a slide-in and out pantry shelving unit in the bathroom side and called it a day. We can run it off the generator if need be, even whie we are driving.