Dometic/ Norcold / Questions

[dlkershaw]

Good Morning all: For reasons I will NOT bore you with, I need replace my 4 year old Dometic RM 8505, ( 22fb Bambi) the fridge has been a problem since day one and has died, dead died..... Dometic has attempted, ( limited Help ) parts are no longer available..????
Has anyone any experience with Norcold, I am beginning a search for a replacement and I hate to reward DOMETIC for bad product and service, by purchasing from them again...
Thanks for your input: Dave

[n2916s]

Look at a Danfoss type 12v compressor reefer. Nova Kool is one brand. Pricey but quiet and the freezer gets cold enough for rock hard ice cream...

[PKI]

In a recent investigation of motorhomes, the subject of fires reared it's flaming head. The issue is flamable refrigerant (ammonia?). Refrigerators were suspect as the tubing that transports the refrigerant corrodes and holes develop. The gas is released and pilot/burner flame ignites it. Then there is a fire that quickly spreads. The Norcold is what was referenced. Dometic was the goto if a residential frig was not viable. Disclaimer - new models may be completely different with respect to risk. Your investigation is recommended.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f65/norco...re-436732.html See post #5

If I had a recent vintage refrigerator, I would be talking to the manufacturer's customer service at the highest level I could contact. Maybe a better model for half price might make me happy. The Danfoss solutions are liked by some. The one in our boat was a bit noisy and spent most of it's time turned off. YMMV. Pat

[rmkrum]

Not the ammonia, but there is hydrogen gas under pressure in the sealed system. That’s the nicely flammable component that gets it going...

[kidjedi]

FWIW, my 1969 Dometic 3 way is still going strong (ice every night!). Bummer that you had a bad experience with their new customer service dept.

[Imustwander]

Hello. Did you ever replace your Dometic RM8505 fridge in your Bambi Sport 22? Mine has given me so much trouble I really want to replace it, but it's no longer available and I can't find a replacement that will fit in the space. Just wondering what you have done to deal with it? Thanks!

[dlkershaw]

Imustwander, Please check your post / question, earlier today) I added a detailed response concerning my replacement. Best of luck. Dave

[NOAZRK2690]

This thread on Dometic refrigerators seems like the place to be. I have just noticed that my refrigerator now is accumulating a puddle of oil type substance under gas burner area. Any ideas where this is coming from and what it means?

[breton]

Mine just crapped out too. Maybe the RM2354. I'll let you know. Shop can't take me until the end of Nov.
What did you end up with?

[dlkershaw]

Sorry to hear of your issue,
I was able to locate a new replacement in a warehouse in Indiana. The parts manager at a local Camping World worked to locate one.
My understanding is they are no longer making the model.
Also, I believe they no longer manufacture the 3 way ( propane, Battery & Electric). You may locate one somewhere, keeP searching and good luck.

[NOAZRK2690]

In another thread I detailed with photos how easy it is to install a new Amish made cooling unit onto your existing refrigerator box. If your reasonably confident with a screw driver and a small socket set, check out this option. The Amish have redesign the boiler chamber so it's better then new. My 2004 Dometic refrigerator, fitted with a new self contained cooling unit is amazing. On position 3 (mid range) setting my refrigerator averages 36 degrees and the freezer is at -5 degrees, consistently through the heat of the summer. When I removed my old refrigerator coil, I could see where the electric heating element burnt through the coil then compared that to my new coil. There was a redesign and reinforcement in that area. Don't let the wiring scare you from this project. Take lots of photos and tag your wire locations/connections.

https://www.arprv.com/amish-cooling-unit.php