Broken fridge in 179

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   I posted a while back about my Dometic RM8501 fridge in my 179 not working. So here's an update. Took it into the local dealer on 14 Decembef and they said it needs a whole new cooling unit - total cost $1100 or a new fridge (it is only about two years old??) for about $1700. So I chose to repair it.  Here it is two months later and Dometic has still not been able to supply a new cooling unit. Apparently it is being handmade in China and won't be available for another month???? So, here's my dilemma - do I give up and buy a new fridge? And if I do, is there an alternative to Dometic - I surely don't want to buy from a company that has zero ability to supply parts. So far we have had out R-pod for nearly 6 months and have used it for 2 whole days - and that was without an operating fridge. So if anybody has any advice about this particular problem or about non Dometic option I would appreciate it.  

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Carolavan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 25 Sep 2016 Location: South Carolina Online Status: Offline Posts: 39	Topic: Broken fridge in 179 Posted: 15 Feb 2017 at 11:01am
	I posted a while back about my Dometic RM8501 fridge in my 179 not working. So here's an update. Took it into the local dealer on 14 Decembef and they said it needs a whole new cooling unit - total cost $1100 or a new fridge (it is only about two years old??) for about $1700. So I chose to repair it. Here it is two months later and Dometic has still not been able to supply a new cooling unit. Apparently it is being handmade in China and won't be available for another month???? So, here's my dilemma - do I give up and buy a new fridge? And if I do, is there an alternative to Dometic - I surely don't want to buy from a company that has zero ability to supply parts. So far we have had out R-pod for nearly 6 months and have used it for 2 whole days - and that was without an operating fridge. So if anybody has any advice about this particular problem or about non Dometic option I would appreciate it.

StephenH Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6288	Posted: 15 Feb 2017 at 11:54am
	I am assuming the dealer's prices include labor for removal of the old refrigerator and installation of the new one if you go that route. Check out Dyers Online for a Norcold unit which might work. I don't know how much your dealer would charge to install this unit if you ordered it or if it would fit without changing the opening. However, the price is much lower than what you quoted above.
	StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

osage Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 13 Mar 2016 Online Status: Offline Posts: 146	Posted: 15 Feb 2017 at 12:17pm
	check with PPL in Texas they may have a better price. Should be able to install your self not hard to put in

mcarter Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419	Posted: 15 Feb 2017 at 4:04pm
	Do an online search for Amish Refrigerator or Dutch Aire. These are American built cooling units. Norcold or Dometic will tell you nothing about them. They deny their existence. They come with their own 3 year warranty I believe and RV dealers use them. Makes no sense you are waiting for something from China. Go on eBAY and search for your fridge model and you'll see sales for Amish Refrigerator cooling units with RV dealers that will help you if you call or email them. I can't explain what your dealer is doing. I know there is an RV dealer in Memphis that uses them. They advertise sending you a replacement unit and giving you a turn in credit after you have replaced yours. Price is around $500 before rebate.
	Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

mcarter Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419	Posted: 15 Feb 2017 at 4:15pm
	Here's another source rvcoolingunit.com, they offer new and rebuilt Dometic and Norcold cooling units, Amish Refrigeration built.
	Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Podinaroundbc Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 26 Jul 2015 Location: Alberta Online Status: Offline Posts: 34	Posted: 15 Feb 2017 at 7:39pm
	Good information.
	Art & Brenda Jake the dog 2015 179 HRE 2012 Nissan Titan

Podster Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 16 Sep 2014 Location: San Antonio Online Status: Offline Posts: 1108	Posted: 16 Feb 2017 at 5:48am
	I would press Dometic to supply a new fridge at the cost of the part they can't provide.
	Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)

StephenH Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6288	Posted: 16 Feb 2017 at 8:36am
	I was looking at refrigerators which use an energy efficient compressor which could be used in place of the absorption refrigerator units. They are mainly used on boats where an absorption refrigerator can't work because it wouldn't always be level (think sailboats heeled over from the wind). They can be up to 30 degrees out of level and still work. The down side is that they do require sufficient battery capacity and a means to charge to operate. This blog post discusses the benefits and downsides to this type of refrigerator.The absorption units running on propane are much better suited for boondocking.
	StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

densmorema Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 25 Jul 2016 Online Status: Offline Posts: 70	Posted: 16 Feb 2017 at 9:21am
	How old is your Pod? and did u get another Opinion? There r some unscrupulous dealers out there.
	Mike and Cherie Michigan 2015 R179 2016 silverado

Carolavan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 25 Sep 2016 Location: South Carolina Online Status: Offline Posts: 39	Posted: 16 Feb 2017 at 9:32am
	Thanks for your feedback Stephen. I think I will look at a compressor fridge. How does not being level affect an absorption fridge when on the road?