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Old 10-24-2002, 07:58 AM   #1
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1953 25' Cruiser
Canton , Mississippi
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Unhappy My Refrigerator, RIP, A Real Sad Story

I have a real sad story to tell of my own making. I have my 1963 Overlander in the driveway the last several weeks because I replaced the (cold) water heater. The trailer was tilting to the side but that was OK. I wanted the water to run out the side of the trailer and not back into it when I took out the old water heater, etc.

Well, I have had the trailer plugged up to the AC now for about 2 weeks. I went into it last night and smelled an incredibly strong smell of ammonia. I opened the refrigerator and found that is where it was comming from.

The only thing I can assume, is that after 40 years of dependable service, I let it burn out because I forgot to turn it off when the trailer was not level.

The strange thing is that the ammonia was comming from the inside of the refrigerator, and nothing from the back.

Is it doomed, or can something be done to get it working again??
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Old 10-24-2002, 08:11 AM   #2
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Try this thread. It has a couple of links to repair shops.

John
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Old 10-24-2002, 08:20 AM   #3
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Thanks for the link. I have already been to that site and they don't stock that old of a model. The web site says that I would have to send it in to be rebuilt for about $500.

I think I would do better finding a used one or, dare I say it, replace it with a small conventional "counter high" non-RV refrigerator for about $200.
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Old 10-24-2002, 08:34 AM   #4
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Hang on to it....

At least you have it "to be repaired". Ours went out about 5 yrs. ago in our '62 Overlander. I was getting estimates of $700-$900, ouch, price of a new one. Been holding out to find a used original to no avail. Come spring and still no luck and a new model it is! Is yours the M-50 model? Oscar
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Old 10-24-2002, 08:40 AM   #5
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1953 25' Cruiser
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It is a Dometic model MA52 with a 510A cooling unit. It was gas/120 volt electric.
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Old 10-24-2002, 10:07 AM   #6
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I'm sorry to hear about your fridge...we count ourselves among the fortunate to not have had to deal with this problem...yet!

If it truly is a "gone-er" and if it is bound for the trash heap, I would appreciate the opportunity to contribute to your "new fridge fund".

If the shelves are still intact and happen to match the one I am looking for, I would LOVE to purchase them from you.

I know, that's a lot of "ifs" but, it might help...

Here's a link to the specific shelf I am looking for...if more than one would work, I'll take them too.

Shari
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Old 10-25-2002, 06:51 AM   #7
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1975 31' Sovereign
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Refrigerator question

Can anyone tell me if it is normal for the refrigerator to act as if it's a freezer? The last two times I have used the by the end of the camping trip(three days) the refrigerator compartment was freezing everything almost as hard as the freezer itself. I had the thermostat set on 1-2 but items were still rock hard. I have had a patient of mine suggest putting a small battery operated fan in to circulate the air better. Are the Dometic refrigerators notorious for bad thermostats? It's so is it an easy fix?
Brouck
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Old 10-25-2002, 06:55 AM   #8
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freezing up

Consider yourself lucky,

some older Dometics will not get very cold at all in the fridge compartment due to the fact that the cooling coil is in the freezer compartment. Ironically the thermostat was in the bottom of the refrigerator compartment so the upper section did not know to shut down before feezing everything between the coils and the thermostat.

I am not certain about thermostats but there is some detailed info in the Appliance section of the forums.


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Old 10-25-2002, 07:21 AM   #9
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1975 31' Sovereign
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Thank you Smily, I was afraid it might be a situation of the "be careful what you wish for" syndrome! In my browsing is of different web sites I have seen that I can get a three-way side-by-side for $2400. Perhaps I will just put up with what I've got for now. By the way, I was following a thread last week concerned with operating ones refrigerator while in transit. I'm not sure that one was ever put to bed.
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Old 10-25-2002, 07:30 AM   #10
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Model?

BH
What model reefer do you have?

Should you decide to replace yours, I am certain that you would take little time to sell.

I have an old one that does not get cold in the refrigerator compartment as I described. It is for sale in the for sale section.

I replaced my reefer with electric only for 300 dollars and we love it. Beers are perfect, just short of freezing. I have inverter for moments without electricity.

We prefer full service campground as to boondocking although we are considering going to racing events and we will have to have alternative. Maybe small generator.

Smily
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Old 10-25-2002, 07:39 AM   #11
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1953 25' Cruiser
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Originally posted by InsideOut

If the shelves are still intact and happen to match the one I am looking for, I would LOVE to purchase them from you.


Hi Shari,

I looked at it last night and the "nubs" that hold the door shelves in place are centered on the sides, not near the front like yours. My refrigerator (may it RIP) looks a lot older and more primitive than yours. Sorry
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