I need HELP!!!: Dometic RM 8501 Handle Removal

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Dometic RM 8501 Handle Removal

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14121
Printed Date: 18 Jul 2025 at 2:17pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Dometic RM 8501 Handle Removal

Posted By: jato
Subject: Dometic RM 8501 Handle Removal
Date Posted: 15 Oct 2020 at 8:04pm

Just received a brand new RM 8501 fridge from FR today. Am in the process of changing existing left hand swing to right hand like the original came in my 2011 177. Only have one step to go and job is completed however I am stumped in how to remove the 2 button handle that is on the top of the door. Cannot find any DIY or you tube video's to cheat. It would appear I have to go from underneath and insert a metal rod of some sort and whack it hard with a hammer to remove but really not in the mood to break anything. Ideas?

UPDATE: Took a brass rod from my gun cleaning kit and gave a firm tap with a hammer - presto it popped out. Unfortunately it will not work on the other side of the door due to the plastic holding pin being on the wrong side on the underside of the handle and the trapezoid shape is upside down. Will have to call FR to see if such an animal exists. Funny thing is that looking at the owners manual all the pictures show a right hand swing with a left hand opening, just the opposite of the way it came.

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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."

Replies:

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 15 Oct 2020 at 8:37pm

My understanding was that these came in RH and LH models. I don't think they were meant to be switched.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 15 Oct 2020 at 10:27pm

When I spoke to Margarita Pedigo as FR she told me all the ones that came in last week (6) were left hand models but told me they could be switched. Well I changed the light, wires, and catch + drilled holes for all that to go on the left hand side, also had to remove the rear aluminum cooling coil to make that happen. Then switched the bottom and top hinge over to the right side. All that remained was the door hook and handle. By removing the front panel it was easy to remove and switch the hook and finally got the handle off, but therein now lies my sticking point. Worst case scenario, I can most likely switch the door off my old one and put it on here but may wish to change out the gasket molding around the door as mine may be getting a bit tired after 10 years. By looking at the new door am not sure how easy it would be to take off the gasket.

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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."

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 15 Oct 2020 at 10:57pm

Probably the best option is to use the old door, especially if you can switch the seal. Is there any way you could take the latch mechanism from the old door and switch it to the new door?

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2020 at 6:17am

What a mess, sorry. You might want to call FR back and ask to talk to a tech, just to confirm they were wrong about switching the doors if nothing else. At the very least that might save someone else the same aggravation you're dealing with.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 16 Oct 2020 at 6:18am

That is my thought this morning once it get light enough to see. Right now the 177 is sitting in a horse barn and it is quite dark outside but electric is available so I can get the cord out to plug in. However, it is a mix of sleet and rain and very windy; will wait until it at least gets light out and after speaking to FR at 8 this morning.

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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."