Dometic rm2510 absorption fridge conversion to 12v compressor

[TouringDan]

The exhaust plenum to channel the propane exhaust from the absorption refrigerator will no longer be needed. Mine appears to be in reasonably good condition and I would be happy to donate it to anybody that needs it. Here is a photo.The RM2510 refrigerator has a volume of about 5 cubic feet. The absorption parts take up a fair amount of space behind, under and with in the refrigerator. I calculated it to be about 2 cubic feet. This means that after all the absorption stuff is removed that the refrigerator box can be enlarged by about 2 cubic feet to increase the total fridge volume from 5 cubic feet to 7 cubic feet.Basically this can accomplished by moving the rear wall back about 4”. Here are some photos.

[TouringDan]

Here are the photos.

[TouringDan]

[TouringDan]

[TouringDan]

By converting the RM2510 from absorption to a compressor fridge, I believe there will be the following numerous advantages:

1. An increase in the fridge volume from 5 cubic feet to 7 cubic feet.
2. More insulation around the refrigerator.
3. The refrigerator installation is now permanent. No need to ever remove it since it is just an insulated box. All the functional parts are in the wall cabinet.
4. It should be much more reliable since the equipment is easily accessible and can be easily cooled since it is right next to the exhaust vent. Here is a photo.Merry

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by TouringDan

My original plan was to install an Isotherm 2012 with a 32” long evaporator plate. The plate would be installed on the rear vertical wall that is 32.5” high. About 6” of the evaporator plate would be installed on the rear wall of the freezer that is 6” high and the other 26” of the plate would be installed on the back wall of the refrigerator section. Logic tells me that if I did it this way, the freezer and fridge would be at the same temperature.. I am now thinking that I need to install an Isotherm 2017. This has an evaporator plate that is 39” long. 26” of the plate would be installed against the rear wall of the refrigerator section and 13” of the evaporator plate would be installed in the freezer. For this to work the evaporator plate would need to be bent into an L shape at the top. 6“ of the evaporator plate would be against the rear wall and 7” would go along the top in the freezer. I think this would insure that the freezer would be significantly colder than the refrigerator.

Here is a photo of the freezer section.

DanAttachment 427442

Are you sure the evaporator plate can be bent without damage?
It looks like the 2012 picture you posted has tubing going through it for the coolant to go through.

[TouringDan]

I thought of 2 more advantages.

1. The empty fridge box weighs 35 lbs. The absorption equipment weighs 35 lbs and the compressor equipment only weighs 20 lbs. So the compressor fridge that is 2 cubic feet larger than the absorption fridge will weigh 15 lbs less.

2. Since there will be no need for the outside access door this can be eliminated and just install a patch over the access hole. Another Tradewind owner may need the access door.

Dan

[TouringDan]

Originally Posted by Wazbro

Are you sure the evaporator plate can be bent without damage?
It looks like the 2012 picture you posted has tubing going through it for the coolant to go through.

Thanks for chiming in. No, I am not sure it can be bent. I thought I read somewhere that it could be bent and they do offer an L shaped evaporator plate for smaller refrigerators.

If it can’t be bent I may try to build a baffle around the upper part of the evaporator plate that is in the refrigerator section that would provide more cooling for the freezer section.

Dan