'74 Sovereign Fridge

[nmhuntr]

I am looking into buying a 74 Sovereign. If the fridg does not work are these repairable (assuming no leak)? I know this is open ended but if the answer is a flat no then I know I will have to get a new fridge.

Thanks
Greg

[PizzaChop]

While they may be repairable, depending on the condition of the box, you may not want to bother.

Our new Dometic (RM 2820) is so much nicer than the original (RM 75 I think), and even comes with a light. No regrets whatsoever with replacement. (Our '72 blew a tube or something and it had rusty gaskets anyway.)

Plan on $850 - $1000 for replacement unless you decide to go with a Lowe's special.

[Airdaddy]

If I may ask?? Where did you buy the replacement> I have a 31 foot 75 Sovereign and my doors do not close very well, hardware loose. However the unit works fine. I am replace all the interior, updating that is, so I plan to replace the frig. Can you let me know if you bought on line and where or if you bought in your area?

Airdaddy
Wichita Kansas

[Aage]

Well, there's lots of places. First off, here is the Dometic site. Lots to show you about the various models, AND they have a dealer locator, plus a chart to give you the modern equivalent model number if your old refer is discontinued.

Here is a place that sells new and reconditioned ones.

Vintage Trailer has a couple of models.

There is an ebaY seller that has new "guts" to put in your old refer.

Or just watch Craigslist or your local Kijiji sites. Most RV dealers (Airstream and otherwise) carry them.

Strangely, Out-of-Doors Mart doesn't appear to.

[mello mike]

I'm with Ron on this one. Just buy a new one. You won't regret it.

[Airdaddy]

Thanks for the reply> the recon frig looks like the way I will go. However freight might place the price right inline for a new replacement from my local dealer> I have always rebuildt older cars and not travel trailers. This is my first go around. Trying to keep the old look however renew the complete interior>

Airdaddy

[Aage]

Originally Posted by Airdaddy

freight might place the price right inline for a new replacement from my local dealer

Here's another place, this month's special? Free delivery on orders over $350.

His prices on the Dometics seem comparable...

Originally Posted by Airdaddy

Trying to keep the old look however renew the complete interior

Dometics accept slide-in wood-grain door panels: make your own, or buy them Tailer-made.

[kayaker410]

Originally Posted by PizzaChop

While they may be repairable, depending on the condition of the box, you may not want to bother.

Our new Dometic (RM 2820) is so much nicer than the original (RM 75 I think), and even comes with a light. No regrets whatsoever with replacement. (Our '72 blew a tube or something and it had rusty gaskets anyway.)

Plan on $850 - $1000 for replacement unless you decide to go with a Lowe's special.

Hi,
I read your response above and wondered if you could offer advice about quickest way to remove orig unit from Sovereign 72; plan to replace with new refrig. A friend is removing old one for me and says it will take forever to do it using manual instructions. Any advice would really be appreciated.
Thx

[Airdaddy]

Good to hear from you, Sorry for the delay...Anyway, to give you any ideas on removal I would need to send photos. Taking out my old frig really was easy, however I did need to remove the right hand side panel. There where a few hidden screws. other then that the exterior lower compartment panel,, thats where I started, then I loosened the upper interior panel and then removed the right panel as I express earlier in the reply. If you need anything, just let me know. I am replacing with a new frig. I have not found one at this time. If you know where there is a bargain let me know. Also I might be interested in your old one?????

Airdaddy
Wichita, Kansas

[overlander63]

I have had some small experience removing Sovereign fridges...

To remove the fridge, turn off the LP and disconnect the LP line to the fridge.
Unplug the fridge from the 120 volt plug in the fridge compartment.
Unscrew the screws from inside the credenza that go into the bulkhead divider, and the screws that go from the bulkhead divider into the cabinets over the fridge.
Unscrew the screws that go from the pantry into the fridge.
Disconnect the a/c thermostat from the bulkhead, if equipped.
Slide the bulkhead out of its track, and place outside the trailer.
Unscrew the rear retainer from the back of the fridge, it should be 2 or 3 screws from the inner skin of the trailer into the rear corner of the fridge.
Unscrew the floor mounting screws, if equipped.
Raise the shelf that rests over the top of the fridge, and slide the fridge out.

[RichHog]

Just beware that a larger problem will lurk once you get the fridge out. You will feel strong, invincible. Before you know it you'll be ripping other panels off with your bare hands and a screw driver. You'll be replacing perfectly good orange formica. Then you'll look at that broken tambour panel under the sink..
It's a slippery road, one that many of us have been down, but I tell you it starts with the fridge.