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Old 07-05-2006, 10:11 PM   #1
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what about replace dometic refrigerator with a home refrigertor?

Hi,
I am having ammonia odor problems with my Dometic refrigerator and was told it was the cooling unit now can I just get rid of this Dometic refrigerator and replace it with a store bought refrigertor for a home.
Does anybody know if I can just go buy an energy efficient refrigerator from Sears, etc. and use that type of refrigerator in my airstream excella 1995? Is there enough electricity for this type of refrigertor?
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Old 07-05-2006, 11:05 PM   #2
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Of course this is possible but without the ability to use propane as a power source you give up the freedom to live off the power grid unless you bring along a generator strong enough to push the fridge and the other 110 volt electrical items.

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Old 07-05-2006, 11:24 PM   #3
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Hello and welcome tracyhugs,

Flyfshr is right about the sears fridge or any other home type .You will be tethered to shore power if you need a cold drink or icecream or ?There are
many rv refrigerators available in different price ranges ,check around ,
having a new rv fridge is nice to have ,mine is an older dometic ,still works.

Scott of scottanlily
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Old 07-06-2006, 04:26 AM   #4
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you can do it!

tracy

you can rebuild your existing unit for 1/2 to 1/3 of the price of a new unit.

mine cost $529 including shipping.

it is not that hard... check it out!

http://www.airforums.com/forum...air-23857.html

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Old 07-06-2006, 06:30 PM   #5
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thanks for your responses

Hi,
Thanks for responding, this site is awesome and it has been so useful to me in times of dire need. I am a newbie and I stayed in my Airstream for the first time last week. I know this question may sound dumb, but where are the monitor panels on the exterior of the trailer for the holding tanks? Also, I have been trying to get as much info out of my owners manual as possible, but I am confused about the hot water. I have a switch in the bathroom for the hot water heater and I believe I should turn it on. Will turning on this switch turn the hot water on? One more question, the water that is coming out of the faucets seems carbonated, fizzy, what is this from? I am going to see my baby (airstream) tommorrow and try to figure out these problems. Oh ya, I forgot I tried to get the antenna up turning the crank, well of course I broke it. I climbed up on top and sprayed some WD 40, but it didn't seem to do anything any advise? Thanks again, It really is nice to be a part of the Airstream family at this website, I feel like I know some of you. Thanks Tracy
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Old 07-07-2006, 11:58 AM   #6
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Tracy,

So many questions:

My monitor panel is on the inside of my coach, near the kitchen sink. I suspect yours are in a similar convenient location.

Water fizzing - what you describe sounds like the normal process of your plumbing purging itself of air once you turned your water on. Try letting it fizz (both hot and cold) until your water runs smoothly.

Hot water switch - this switch will light your hot water heater if all is well with your system. You have to have your propane turned on. Be sure you have finished fizzing (meaning your hot water tank is now full) - then turn the switch on. If the light comes back on, that means it did not light. If you are certain that your system is ok, and that perhaps the gas just hasn't made it to the water heater burner, try it again a couple of times. If it still doesn't work, it may need service.

Enjoy!

Pat
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Old 07-07-2006, 12:00 PM   #7
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Oh - about your antenna handle: It may have simply broken from what I would call plastic fatigue. That kind of stuff gets brittle with age. I purchased a new one from a RV parts store - it is a common item.

Pat
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Old 07-12-2006, 04:51 PM   #8
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Thanks

Hi,
Thanks for your help. I found where everything you stated was located and found out that my hot water heater is broken and I will need a new one. Now it there a way that I can run the water alot to clean it out and get the bubbles out and not fill up the tanks the water has kindof a strange taste. I have to pay every time to empty the tanks. Also some of the draws in the trailer have broken tracks, I went to Home Depot, but they don't have that type of tracking system, where do you think I could pick them up at? Otherwise it has been fun learning everything and staying in our Airstream. I love it. Thanks again and I am sure I will need more of your expertise. Tracy
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Old 07-12-2006, 05:39 PM   #9
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I have had it set up both ways and find the Dometic with a freezer is the way to go. The standard home unit will defrost during the tow and food will thaw. If you plan to keep the unit go for a RV unit.

Good Luck
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Old 07-29-2006, 08:29 PM   #10
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Refrigerator

Just returned from a 4,000 mile trip with an electric refer. I was concerned when we left but my wife insisted that the electric refer we had would work. It does. We do not camp unless there is electric and water. Food stayed cold and frozen. I tried an inverter. It broke the first day out.
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Old 02-22-2008, 04:10 PM   #11
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All New

Am installing all new electrical while the walls are off during my complete renovation.

Was glad to see others using home style fridges.

My plan is to have an electric fridge because I am parking the AS full time with electrical hookup fulltime.

Is the 15amp circuit sufficient to run a small fridge?

I have it layed out to dedicate a circuit solely to the refrigerator.

Thanks.
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Old 02-22-2008, 04:20 PM   #12
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Quote:
Is the 15amp circuit sufficient to run a small fridge?
That's what it runs on at home.
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Old 02-22-2008, 04:38 PM   #13
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In my 67 Overlander the original frig. was gone and replaced with an electric unit.

Camping World had a good sale last week, the freight company delivered the new Dometic yesterday.

I have seen owners of many brands of Rvs, replace their defective unit with a electric model.

Being the purist that I am, the electric had to go. I tried to find a used single door near me, no luck. My friend had a 67 Dometic that would fit, but it did not work.

I bit the bullet as they say and ordered a new one.

I feel the gas/elec. models help or improve resale value.

For example ,our Airstream dealer had a 85 Soverign over the summer with the electric frig, it sat for a while. the dealer replaced it with a new Dometic. I think it sold soon afterwards.

Just my 2 cents
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Old 02-22-2008, 06:49 PM   #14
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If I was to replace your frig... I would consider a Tri-Source One... It will work on 12v, 110, and propane! There are advantages and disadvantages to all three power sources at different times!

I have taken my AS on the inside passage to Alaska... YOU must turn off all Propane on deck... with out the 12v.. I would of lost all my food. The bad thing however is it uses up alot of 12v storage... so not the best for boon docking... So there are pros and cons to all three!
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Old 02-26-2008, 08:16 PM   #15
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Dometic Refer Repair

Saw this add . I talked to them some years ago and were courtious and seemed knowedgeable.

Lynn

RVCOOL - RV Refrigerator Repair
Specializing in: Re-manufactured Cooling Units for Norcold and Dometic RV Refrigerators

Rebuilt Cooling Units for Dometic RV Refrigerator


RVCOOL.COM RV Refrigeration







Link below are for cooling unit re-builders and those interested in learning RV refrigeration.












For cooling unit pricing and shipping cost chart.
Click Here or call


Two Year Warranty

on all Cooling Units
Toll Free: 1-800-515-6823
Local: 1-501-679-2537
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Old 02-27-2008, 04:36 AM   #16
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Since I don't plan to give up my "new" 1976 Sovereign before I die, I decided to put an electric refrigerator in it to park it down at the lake during the good weather months. The old Dometic could not be repaired for several reasons. A new cooling unit would not have fixed it. This took some hard work, but I think it keeps the interior in the spirit of the original Airstream look.
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