dometic refrig while traveling |
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offgrid
Senior Member Joined: 23 Jul 2018 Online Status: Offline Posts: 5290 |
Topic: dometic refrig while traveling Posted: 17 Oct 2018 at 6:19am |
I think the reasons to consider changing to a Danfoss compressor electric fridge are:
If you want to stop using propane for refrigeration while boondocking and use solar instead. Works like a smaller version of your household fridge, so: Better temperature control Better cool down capacity (but using more electricity) Better cooling in hot climates (but using more electricity) Probable longer life (absorption fridges eventually corrode internally and leak ammonia coolant) Aren't sensitive to being kept level If you are afraid of driving with propane on and also afraid of forgetting to change from 12V to propane at your destination and draining your house batteries. But if like most people you're happy with what came with your rPod then there's no reason to change. Personally, I'll consider changing over if I still have my rPod when its refrigerator fails. I've had two other RV's where the absorption fridge failed, one was about 15 years old and the other about 8. 10 years seems to be a pretty common life expectancy. They're not cheap. Levelling whenever you stop for any length of time helps. |
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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
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StephenH
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6288 |
Posted: 31 May 2021 at 7:18pm |
Has anyone replaced the Dometic RM-8501 with one of these? If so, how well did it fit? If not, what are other models people have tried successfully? We have the Free Piston Sterling Cooler working and it, plus an additional small Lifetime Ice Chest are providing for refrigeration needs for the remainder of our trip. However, there is no freezer capability. I like the idea of the Dometic CRX or other equivalent refrigerators if there is one that will fit the space with minimal modification. I don't know if I want to go with another absorption refrigerator given the issues I and others have had with them. Have the compressor models proven to be reliable? If so, that may be the way I will go.
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
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fwunder
Senior Member Joined: 04 Oct 2013 Location: New Jersey Online Status: Offline Posts: 1676 |
Posted: 31 May 2021 at 7:30pm |
Stephen, did you have backup cooler when it happened? Mine (propane side) pooped out while boon docking several years ago in Maine. About half way through a 10 day trip. I was lucky I had a big cooler with us and could get ice. It hasn't happened since, but now I never travel without a cooler. We're foodies.
I'll be curious what you come up with. fred
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2014 RPod 178 => MyMods and Buying Habits
2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
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StephenH
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6288 |
Posted: 31 May 2021 at 7:46pm |
Yes, we did have the cooler with us. I noticed it getting warmer and warmer. I did not look at the flame when I shut it off. I cleaned the orifice and when I went to restart it, then it was dead. It has power on AC and DC (I do know enough to check those). Propane is sufficient also. I'm afraid the electronics went bad on me. Given the age, a replacement is probably the best option. That will have to wait until we get home.
As stated, I did have the FPSC cooler. I purchased a Lifetime ice cooler which is a cheap Yeti knock-off, but at a much more reasonable price. Right now, we are at our daughter's house so we are just using the FPSC cooler until we leave. Since the FPSC cooler is energy efficient and can keep proper temps, even in a hot environment, it was holding our meats and other really perishable items with the refrigerator holding those not needing as much temperature stability. The ice chest is an okay substitute, but things do need to be sealed so they won't fill up with water as the ice melts. For now, the refrigerator has become additional pantry space since it won't be able to be used for cold things.
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
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riotkayak284
Senior Member Joined: 29 Apr 2016 Location: Nashville, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 162 |
Posted: 04 Jun 2021 at 11:21am |
Just had mine replaced.... It took from Feb to last week for it to come in.... Huge backorder from Dometic.
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jato
Senior Member Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Location: Kewadin, MI Online Status: Offline Posts: 3220 |
Posted: 04 Jun 2021 at 11:54am |
You should have ordered it from me. Had a brand new one for sale in the campers flea market section for the past few months. Just sold it 2 days ago for $ 450. A great deal !
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God's pod
'11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
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StephenH
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6288 |
Posted: 05 Jun 2021 at 6:17pm |
Unfortunately, a few days ago, mine was still working. It sold right before I realized I needed a new one. That's the breaks!
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
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