Broken fridge in 179
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9333
Printed Date: 28 Apr 2024 at 9:32pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Broken fridge in 179
Posted By: Carolavan
Subject: Broken fridge in 179
Date 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. |
Replies:
Posted By: StephenH
Date 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 http://www.dyersonline.com/norcold-4-5-cu-ft-2-way-beige-right-opening-refrigerator.html - 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,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: osage
Date 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 |
Posted By: mcarter
Date 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." |
Posted By: mcarter
Date 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." |
Posted By: Podinaroundbc
Date Posted: 15 Feb 2017 at 7:39pm
|
Good information. ------------- Art & Brenda Jake the dog 2015 179 HRE 2012 Nissan Titan |
Posted By: Podster
Date 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) |
Posted By: StephenH
Date 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. http://truckcamperadventure.com/2016/02/the-danfoss-compessor-refrigerator-pros-cons-and-a-few-tips/ - 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,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: densmorema
Date 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 |
Posted By: Carolavan
Date 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? |
Posted By: Carolavan
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2017 at 9:43am
| The pod is less than 2 years old. There is definitely something fishy going on. Dometic tells me they have the part in stock???? There will be some questions asked today. |
Posted By: densmorema
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2017 at 12:17pm
|
Look in your manual I think dometic warranties it for two years. ------------- Mike and Cherie Michigan 2015 R179 2016 silverado |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2017 at 1:13pm
Unless you're off-roading, the fridge is never very far from level. It might lean a few degrees due to the drainage slope of the road, or lean forward or backward for short stretches in the mountains, but it's not enough to negatively impact its cooling. I believe that the design of the fridge allows for more fore-aft lean than side-to-side lean. |
Posted By: ronahue
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2017 at 1:43pm
|
The manual says 3 degrees side to side and 6 degrees front to back that's for the fridge if mounted side facing as in our 179 you would need to be 3 degrees front to back and 6 degrees side to side of the trailer. ------------- Ron & Sharon 2015 R-Pod 179 2022 Nissan Frontier No trees were harmed in the sending of this message but a billion electrons were really agitated |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2017 at 4:11pm
|
Check this out for http://www.rvdoctor.com/2001/02/rv-absorption-refrigeration-cooling.html - why absorption refrigerators need to be nearly level to operate. Also, when going down the road, the movement of the trailer helps fluids to flow so it isn't an issue while moving. It is only while sitting still that the refrigerator needs to be nearly level. I'm looking at the possibility of installing an https://www.arprv.com/products.php - ARP Control to prevent damage in an off-level situation or other situation that might cause damage. ------------- 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: David and Danette
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2017 at 4:34pm
------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: Craneman
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2017 at 6:00pm
|
We went through all the bs with that refer on our 2010 174. Three weeks many part changes and still didn't work on gas.finaly they recommended junk it and buy a different one 1200.00 installed. Finding parts was was very hard. Moe ------------- Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150 
Jo and Gary 2010 174 2011 Ford 150 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2017 at 8:11pm
These absorption refrigerators do not contain Freon. It would have been leaking hydrogen and ammonia. That could have caused a fire. It has happened before. Atwood has a system that uses helium instead of hydrogen. Unfortunately, they do not make one that would be a drop-in replacement for the Dometic RM8501. Helium, being inert, would not have the fire danger of hydrogen if it were to leak. It would be nice if Atwood would make one of a size we could use. While we could enlarge the refrigerator opening. doing so would mean loss of the convection/microwave. That is something I am unwilling to do. ------------- 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: David and Danette
Date Posted: 17 Feb 2017 at 3:28am
------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 17 Feb 2017 at 3:35am
------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 Mar 2017 at 9:23pm
|
The fridge they use in the pod is imported, which is why it is very expensive to replace parts. If you must fix or replace, buy a US-supplied model. Or go with the cooler mentioned earlier, I considered the same option when our pod's fridge stopped working on gas. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
|
Posted By: Carolavan
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2017 at 4:46am
| Thanks for the tip. We are still waiting - not very patiently I must say. What are the US made options for a differnet fridge? If there is a good non-Dometic option I'll use it. It seems like the only old man in China who knows how to make the part has died or something. Very frustrating. |
Posted By: Carolavan
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2017 at 3:32pm
| Update on the fridge situation. Dometic now informs me that the new cooling unit is scheduled to arrive on 27 March - about 100 days after it was ordered. I hope they find someone who can use it because I have cancelled that order and ordered a new Norcold unit to replace the broken Dometic unit. Hopefully we will be back on the road in a week or so. I can't figure how this company is still in business if all their products are all as "reliable" as mine and their customers are all as "happy" as me. The unit is less that two years old but because I am the second owner - no warranty for me. How cheap is that? |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2017 at 4:30pm
|
Carolavan, Your situation is not everybody else's situation. It is hard to say why your unit failed. The technology of absorption refrigeration is not new. It is also generally very reliable. However, that assumes that the unit has been used properly. Since you are the second owner, it may be that the first owner operated it repeatedly while not leveled sufficiently. If it was working when you got it, it still might have been weakened and in the process of failing. It failed, and you are unhappy. If I were in your shoes, I would also be unhappy. Until someone comes up with a better way to do refrigeration that is capable of working while not connected to shore power for extended periods, absorption cooling is the thing with which we are stuck. Whether the unit comes from Norcold or Dometic, it operates on the same principle. Atwood has taken a different direction. Instead of using flammable hydrogen as a working gas, they use non-flammable helium in some of their models. Personally, if Atwood made a model suitable for our R-Pod, that is what I would get. Since the don't, any replacement would come from Norcold, which has had several recalls and class-action suits or Dometic, which also has a class-action suite ongoing. ------------- 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: Carolavan
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2017 at 4:41pm
| Thanks for that Stephen. I guess I am not understanding how operating it not level - if that's what happened - can result in the gas disappearing. Mine has no gas. If it breaks and the gas leaks out why can it not be repaired and refilled? It's all very mysterious. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2017 at 5:33pm
|
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udeSVyx6_9A - This video will help explain how these refrigerators work. There are other videos that explain why they fail. This page from the http://www.rvdoctor.com/2004/02/rv-absorption-refrigeration-basics.html - RV Doctor has some good information. ------------- 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: techntrek
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2017 at 12:11pm
|
I think you have a good solution. I'm sure FR uses the imported Dometic fridges based on purchase cost, but then a $69 replacement part will cost $400 for the consumer if something goes wrong. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: Carolavan
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2017 at 5:06pm
| Thanks. I would have liked a swifter, cheaper and more satisfying solution, but it is what it is I suppose. Maybe I should have just installed an ice-maker and a cooler. |