Dometic RM8501 Replacement?
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16315
Printed Date: 02 Feb 2026 at 10:30pm
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Topic: Dometic RM8501 Replacement?
Posted By: travelingmercies
Subject: Dometic RM8501 Replacement?
Date Posted: 12 Oct 2025 at 11:01am
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Hey y'all! First post here I've got a second hand 2010 RP175, and my three-way refrigerator doesn’t run on gas. At this point, my father and I think the issue might be a $300 replacement part, but there's no way to know for sure so at this point I’m thinking I may as well just buy a new fridge. Problem is, finding a 1:1 replacement for the Dometic RM8501 is turning out to be tricky. Each potential replacement I've come across has been discontinued. I need a three way refrigerator for boondocking—so a ac/dc only fridge is not an option. I've combed the internet ( http://https://www.irv2.com/forums/f259/looking-for-replacement-of-3-way-absorption-refrigerator-454303.html - here and http://https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15783&OB=ASC - here ) and have had little success. Has anyone here found a good replacement for the Dometic RM8501? ------------- ~drive safe, y'all~ 2010 Rpod 175 |
Replies:
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 12 Oct 2025 at 3:31pm
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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. ------------- 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: Pod People
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2025 at 11:09am
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I replaced our Dometic RM8501 with a Norcold unit. It involved permanently removing the microwave and minor cabinet rebuild, gas line relocation and minor electrical changes. I resulted in a larger refrigerator and freezer. It is an AC or propane unit-no DC. It has worked well for almost 2 years and we love it-would never go back to Dometic. Here is a post that I wrote bout the changes. Feel free to privately email me if you want more info. I do have some pictures also. https://1drv.ms/w/c/825c41fd0f07da60/EXbu_sT8JilGt7oyNHv0VDYBGraTJDJ_RwO7Sf0vGG0LDg?e=LgVqm4 - RPod Dometic Refrigerator replacement .docx Travel often and safe Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
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