Replacing a Dometic RM3804 fridge with RM2820 ... any advice?

[skydiva]

My husband is going to attempt to replace our dead Dometic RM3804 fridge with a RM2820 ... any advice on installation? Tricks, tips or advice you wish you had known before installing on yourself?

We own a 34 foot 1991 Limited Classic. The Airstream service guys said that we shouldn't need to modify the shelving, but I'm not so certain on this. Any thoughts?

Thank you!

[n2916s]

According to the Dometic size chart,

http://www.dometic.com/c17faeab-a5a2...17a7cff0.fodoc

The 3804 and 2820 have identical external dimensions. Swapout should be easy. There are screws around the frame and on the base skids (accessed from the outside).

Gas/12vdc/115vac hookups simple. Be sure and leak check the propane line carefully after attaching it to the replacement unit. Leaking gas is bad.

Tell your husband that it is lots easier to horse these units in and out if you remove the doors (a simple process).

mike

[Aage]

If you happen to be coming to Kingston in the near future, I would be more than pleased to take your old unit off your hands

[skydiva]

Hi Aage
We're in Texas now. Don't think we're going to cart the fridge back due to lack of space. Otherwise that would be such a great idea!

[Aage]

Yeah, but thanks for thinking of me

[chriscraw]

Although this thread is old, I need to clarify something Mike said in his posting.
By the way, the new link for Dometic size comparison is
http://dometic3frontend.qbank.se/epi...2fc4ea2393.pdf
This chart shows that the replacement for the RM3804 is the RM3962. Mike had mentioned that the RM2820 was the replacement for the RM3804 however, when checking the dimensions on this chart, it appears that the height of the RM 3962 recommended replacement is 62 61/64 where as the listed height of the RM2820 is shorter at 59 15/16. Width and depth are the same for both replacements. Can someone who has done the swap post a comment to clarify and assist.
Finally, anyone completed the optional cooling unitreplacement at 1/3 of the price of a new refrigerator as advertised here?
http://rvcoolingunit.com/RM3804-Dome...it-P10996.aspx
chris

[n2916s]

We replaced the cooling unit,in our RM 2820 about 8 years ago. Still works like a champ. Took about 4 hours (half of that getting the unit in and out...)

[chriscraw]

Thanks for the reply...I noted you replaced the cooling unit in your RM2820 and mentioned that it took 4 hours which seems reasonable. A couple of questions:
1. where and what did you purchase as the replacement cooling unit?
2. 2 hours to remove seems quiet reasonable however, I could really use some "step by step" notes as to how you went about the replacement. I can see the interior frame holding screws but removing these seems to be the least of my issues?
any comments will be gratefully appreciated as right now, I'm leaning toward a full replacement but would really like to save a $1000!
Thanks
chris

[n2916s]

On mine, there were four screws around the face frame. Then two on the bottom accessed from the back.

AC power is a standard ground plug on the outer shell. DC power was red/black wires running into junction box.

We removed both doors before removing it just to lighten it.

There are several screws holding the cooling unit to the reefer box. They come out and the whole coil assembly peels off the back.

Don't remember the company, have paperwork at home but won't be there for months. They provided excellent instructions.

It wasn't difficult, just tedious.

[chriscraw]

Thanks for your input and encouragement. Found a really good link on the Forum which relates exactly to my RM 3804 cooling unit replacement as well as a link to a supplier who seems to know what they are doing. Just in case there are any other Forum members who are facing the same dilemma, here is the link details
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f425...air-23857.html
and
http://www.rvfridgehouse.com/
Chris

[n2916s]

Cool Beans! Maybe literally...