Two Door Dometic Refrigerators Models, Parts, Data

[jaco]

A visit to the Dometic Website was only marginally helpful in finding info on past models and parts availability.
I was already aware that Dometic is very protective of their dealer network and only sells thru same.
I found a conversion chart (Old to New) that was the only place that older model Numbers showed up. There have been hundred or more models apparently.

My 74 Excella 500 has a RM-100 frostfree 2-door Dometic 2way. Perhaps a replacement.
It was made in Sweeden. Is that the usual origination point for our refers?

I have searched and found only a little info on Dometic Refers and very little on model knowledge.
If mine (RM-100) is not original to my model year AS I need to know when it first showed up in the Service Manuals.

Davidz has a 77 Excella 500 has the same refer RM-100.
Someone had a 74 Argosy MH with a M66.

Seems I have read of M77s in some Airstreams.

Do any of you have further info on when models changed and what the difference in various models was? Or any links to such facts?

As for parts has anyone purchased new crisper tubs or similar interior parts?
Are they prohibitive in price? Seems every RV place I have been to has a heap of old refers out back.

Thanks In Advance

[Sneakinup]

I've heard there are M80's, but they blow up.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[Condoluminum]

You may want to try www.gasrefrigeration.net or do some Google searches on RV + Refrigerator + Dometic...

Our 1988 Excella had a refitted Dometic RM 2607 two door unit, with a bad control board that manifested itself into shutting unit down after 12 to 24 hours whether on A/C or gas power..

Dealers and RV Outlets (like Camping World) begin and end discussions with: They can't be repaired, just replace the unit, and we'll do it for $X,XXX.XX which is almost always over $1,000...

We solved our problem quite neatly with new (Dinosaur??) Control board at $110 from shop in Seattle area, and new boards work better and last longer than Dometics, which fail due to heat buildup in "potted" circuits... If tubes of coolant rusted and leaking, that's more serious, and may argue for box replacement, but even still there are several rebuilders who'll ship you new "Cooling Units" for installation into your system, if you're willing to remove unit and do some serious "wrenching.."

John McG

[FL Excella]

My refrigerator in my 79 Excella is dead. Can it be brought back to life with a new cooling unit? As stated above the model number is not there when you look for a new cooling unit replacement. Does any one know of a conversion table to determine a retrofit?

[markdoane]

Here is a replacement chart to determine a retrofit.
http://www.dometicusa.com/media/replacement.png

[RV_cool]

Originally Posted by FL Excella

My refrigerator in my 79 Excella is dead. Can it be brought back to life with a new cooling unit? As stated above the model number is not there when you look for a new cooling unit replacement. Does any one know of a conversion table to determine a retrofit?

If its a rm100 you may have a hard time finding a replacment cooling unit. Alot of rebuilders don't mess with the vintage ones.

[FL Excella]

The local Airstream Dealer is willing to replace the cooling unit if I can find a new one. He doesn't really want to mess with a rebuilt one. He said a new one installed would be $1600. To repair and install a new cooling unit would be about $1400. He said then the next thing to go would be the switches and such. I'm totally not interested in learning Refer repair. I want it to work. I live in this trailer full time. What does this forum think?

[FL Excella]

Where is the guy that calls them weasels when we call them ferrets?

[john hd]

that would be me!

i would say for the 200 dollars extra i would go for a completely new fridge!

can you find a unit that fits is the next question...

john

[RV_cool]

Originally Posted by FL Excella

The local Airstream Dealer is willing to replace the cooling unit if I can find a new one. He doesn't really want to mess with a rebuilt one. He said a new one installed would be $1600. To repair and install a new cooling unit would be about $1400. He said then the next thing to go would be the switches and such. I'm totally not interested in learning Refer repair. I want it to work. I live in this trailer full time. What does this forum think?

you might have to have your cooling unit rebuilt, or get another fridge

[stanwilder]

FL Excella.
If I was a full times staying in travel trailer camps, state parks, KOA etc I'd just buy an inexpensive generic fridge and plug it in there.
If however you think you need the capability of ZERO electric for extended camping periods you pretty well have to go with a new fridge.
Don't overlook salvage units.
I often find RV crashes in Automobile Wrecking yards.
The good side is that most Dometic fridges last about 30 years.

Stan Wilder
Dallas TX