I'm in the process of a driveway shell-off to replace the frame on my Ambassador. Frame Rot So far have I removed the refrigerator, along with about half the interior, and now the refrigerator is sitting on the driveway. So now I have a question: What does one do with a 32 year old refrigerator? It's a Royal Dometic, gas/electric, automatic defrost, model rm100. I have no idea whether it works or not. Although some of the knobs have either broken off or fallen out of position. Plug it in and see what happens?
What does one do with a 32 year old refrigerator? I have no idea whether it works or not.
It might still work. The one from our '64 Overlander didn't quit until it was 42 years old, and then only because I couldn't find a small part for the burner.
I still have it if anyone needs any parts off it.
__________________
Grant Davidson
Milton, ON
1964 Overlander
2005 F-350 SRW 4x4 crew cab long box
1965 Avion C-10 Truck Camper
Grant, so would you suggest I just plug this one into 110 and see what happens? It has been suggested that it might not operate without the proper ventilation?
Grant, so would you suggest I just plug this one into 110 and see what happens? It has been suggested that it might not operate without the proper ventilation?
Todd
You can plug it into 120, it won't need to be vented.
__________________
Terry Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine
AIR#2611
There are few outfits around that will make the old Dometics like new again for a lot less than a new one. Considering all the trouble everyone has with the new reffers and circuit boards it may be worth having it re-done. I can't remember the name of the one company in Elkhart that specializes in Dometics.
__________________
Dave
Operation "Save Rudy" Strike Team (charter member)
You mess with the Strike Team,... you mess with the whole trailer park!!
Just because it is out you might as well invert it for a night and then right it and see if it cools well. Sounds odd but you'll find that process in some of the threads and I had found it in a handy dandy RV service manual. THat breaks up any crystles that may have formed in the ammonia lines. Several have commented that this process had their refers running like new. Some have suggested gently thumping the lines with a rubber mallot...but not sure if that is neccessary. If it runs on electric, then your issue will be if the gas burner works. If so, you should be good to go.
rob
__________________
Catmando
"There’s not much in life we can’t over-analyze”
Okay, I'll look around for a company that rebuilds Dometics. And I'll plug it and see what happens. I did invert it momentarily when I lowered it down and out through the door of the trailer. Afterward there was a very strong ammonia smell which seemed to be emanating from freezer, at least the smell was quite strong when I opened the freezer door?
Okay, I'll look around for a company that rebuilds Dometics. And I'll plug it and see what happens. I did invert it momentarily when I lowered it down and out through the door of the trailer. Afterward there was a very strong ammonia smell which seemed to be emanating from freezer, at least the smell was quite strong when I opened the freezer door?
Todd
That is bad news. Don't bother plugging it in. It is DOA. These refers are filled with ammonia. It is the main chemical in the heat absorption refer. Your choices now are rebuild the one you have or get a new one.
Chris, I assume then what I have is a leak which became apparent when I inverted the unit during the takeout. The sites to which you refer make a strong case for a repair versus replacement. I wonder what shipping from and back to San Antonio would cost? Would need to factor that into the cost of repair vesus replacement. Hmmmm...
Yes, It sure looks that way. The cooling coils are in the freezer that makes sense that the smell would be coming from there.
I have been watching your frame thread. Pretty interesting stuff there. I have been sorta looking for a larger AS which is why I have been looking at what your are finding out with yours.
In My Opinion, I would worry about the refer later, but keep an eye out for a great deal on a new one or used.
When I did my frame off I had a hard time, at first, focusing on one thing at a time and prioritizing. After I prioritized things went really well. Again, just my .02
Cool-Fun
15825 E. Edna Place
Irwindale, CA
626-960-5456
They did a terrific job and I would recommend them, if this is the route you wish to take. Cost of a new fridge: +/-$1000 (undercounter propane/elec model)
Cost of Repair: $350
Cost of Shipping to CA (FedEx Ground round-trip from CO): $200
Cost of keeping things vintage-original: priceless!
Shari
__________________
Vintage Airstream Club - Past President 2007/2008
WBCCI #1824 - DenCO Unit Past President (2005)
AIR #30 - Join Date: 2-25-2002
Cool-Fun 15825 E. Edna Place Irwindale, CA 626-960-5456
They did a terrific job and I would recommend them, if this is the route you wish to take. Cost of a new fridge: +/-$1000 (undercounter propane/elec model)
Cost of Repair: $350
Cost of Shipping to CA (FedEx Ground round-trip from CO): $200
Cost of keeping things vintage-original: priceless!
Shari
Hi Shari, Good and that give me real numbers to compare a rebuild versus a replace. It's nice to know these older units are repairable at a cost cheaper than replacement.
Yes, It sure looks that way. The cooling coils are in the freezer that makes sense that the smell would be coming from there.
I have been watching your frame thread. Pretty interesting stuff there. I have been sorta looking for a larger AS which is why I have been looking at what your are finding out with yours.
In My Opinion, I would worry about the refer later, but keep an eye out for a great deal on a new one or used.
When I did my frame off I had a hard time, at first, focusing on one thing at a time and prioritizing. After I prioritized things went really well. Again, just my .02
Chris, feel free to join the frame thread. I appreciate your .02! I need all cents (sense) I can get there. I haven't found an example in the forums of a drive-way shell-off frame replacement...yet. Was your frame-off done in the driveway? So mine may be a first?? It's a big job and one I almost backed out of. I agree about staying prioritized. But during the week, here at the office, it's nice to explore other issues...I can't seem to resist! Especially since the refrig is just sitting there in the driveway.
Quick Links
Linear Mode
