Dometic RM8501 Replacement?

I feel your pain.  Fortunately when my first RM8501 died back in 2020, I was able to purchase the exact replacement from Forest River for $ 1150 which included shipping.  The original was 10 years old, which FR said was the average lifespan of these units.  So here I sit with another RM8501 which is now 5 years old, maybe only 5 years left so even at this point there is the though of what to do when the 'inevitable' happens.  So far this is one unit that looks promising that was found on eBay. Type in "Smad, 3 way absorption 1.4 cubic foot refrigerator."  It is a 110v/12v gas fridge that comes with a 1 year warranty, price is $399 which includes shipping.  I do not know anyone personally who has purchased this, but it does seem like a viable option, even the dimension specs are very close to the Dometic, so retrofitting would be minor.  A larger unit with freezer (3.5 cubic ft.) runs $ 1099, built by the same company. 

Edited by jato - 12 Oct 2025 at 3:36pm