21 year old frig still going July 01, 2016, 07:33:01 pm It started acting up a couple years ago. Turning off and also cooling issues.I replaced the electronic board with a Dinosaur brand board and problems solved.I post this for those with issues to try this first maybe.From what I read, 21 years is a long time for these units.
Re: 21 year old frig still going Reply #1 – July 02, 2016, 11:33:58 am Quote from: tedeboy link=msg=159602 date=1467415981 From what I read, 21 years is a long time for these units. [/quote/>Congrats on the refrigerator's very long life, longer than any of the newer refrigerators.You are either living right or on borrowed time.If it were me, I would stash $1500 away for when it does blow.Larry
Re: 21 year old frig still going Reply #2 – July 06, 2016, 12:13:10 pm Quote from: Larry Wade - July 02, 2016, 11:33:58 am[quote author=tedeboy link=msg=159602 date=1467415981From what I read, 21 years is a long time for these units.Congrats on the refrigerator's very long life, longer than any of the newer refrigerators.You are either living right or on borrowed time.If it were me, I would stash $1500 away for when it does blow.LarryIs that $1500 installed or the price of the unit?I could maybe attempt it but it looks a bit challenging. Have you replaced them? Is it a big deal? Thanks Larry.
Re: 21 year old frig still going Reply #3 – July 06, 2016, 12:19:18 pm Ten days ago I sold my 1992 midbath with a fully operating frig. Only problem was it would occasionally blow out while traveling and it wasn't very efficient in hot weather while running on propane. Lisa
Re: 21 year old frig still going Reply #4 – July 06, 2016, 12:29:56 pm Quote from: tedeboy - July 06, 2016, 12:13:10 pmIs that $1500 installed or the price of the unit?I could maybe attempt it but it looks a bit challenging. Have you replaced them? Is it a big deal? Thanks Larry.Two years ago a Dometic DM2662 was $1500, installed. The shop only wanted a $100 to install, which seemed like a bargain, since we were traveling at the time. Yes, I have installed a couple and it is a somewhat a big deal. The old refrigerator is removed from the inside and then passed through an open window. It is a two person+ job.Older refrigerators are heavier, with more metal, new ones are much lighter. With very old refrigerators, you may find the dimensions are different and may require modification of the cabinet, do research this before buying.Larry 1 Likes
Re: 21 year old frig still going Reply #5 – July 06, 2016, 01:09:53 pm Quote from: Larry Wade - July 06, 2016, 12:29:56 pmTwo years ago an Dometic RM2662 cost $1500, installed. The shop only wanted a $100 to install, which seemed like a bargain, since we were traveling at the time. Yes, I have installed a couple and it is a somewhat a big deal. The old refrigerator is removed from the inside and then passed through an open window. It is a two person+ job.Older refrigerators are heavier, with more metal, new ones are much lighter. With very old refrigerators, you may find the dimensions are different and may require modification of the cabinet, do research this before buying.LarryI'm also wondering if these refrigerators can be recharged and would that help in warm weather efficiency?
Re: 21 year old frig still going Reply #6 – July 06, 2016, 03:02:17 pm Although these fridges have ammonia, the process involves many other chemicals and components that do not lend themselves to 'recharging'. In many cases, the entire refrigerant unit is available for replacement, but if poorly installed to allow gaps in the insulation, performance may be worse than before. Look for good reviews of the shop where it is done, and test it extensively when you get it back, if you choose this route.Steve
Re: 21 year old frig still going Reply #7 – July 06, 2016, 04:13:21 pm Quote from: Steve - July 06, 2016, 03:02:17 pm. In many cases, the entire refrigerant unit is available for replacement, but if poorly installed to allow gaps in the insulation, performance may be worse than before. Look for good reviews of the shop where it is done, and test it extensively when you get it back, if you choose this routeAny refrigerator that is more than 7-8 years old, and has gone bad, is probably best resolved by buying new. The refrigerator is made of plastic that slowly becomes brittle, plus all the controls and electrical are aging. I have seen more than one 6 year old Dometic have a door hinge break off, which requires a door replacement.Wishing for better built refrigerators.Larry
Re: 21 year old frig still going Reply #8 – July 07, 2016, 11:35:22 am I have replaced the cooling unit and it worked great. The breaking plastic parts are an issue but I have made several out of delron or other modern materials. Ther don't always look the same but in most cases can be made functional and are often in places that don't show. In the trailer much of the reason for replacing the cooling unit was not having to remove a window.
Re: 21 year old frig still going Reply #9 – July 09, 2016, 03:14:56 pm Has anybody upgraded to a 12v compressor type truck fridge? This 8.2 cu ft module is rated at 60W and looks like it might fit into a typical 6 cu ft opening.TruckFridge Model: TF2600 - Designed to fit into custom installationsSteve
Re: 21 year old frig still going Reply #10 – July 09, 2016, 03:33:58 pm That appears to be a relabeled Vitrifrigo DP2600IBD4-F. It's one of the models I considered as a possible replacement for my Norcold N641 absorption fridge. You can find more detailed information on this and other compressor fridges at SureMarine's site. Vitrifrigo seems to be a well-respected company, and I understand that this model uses a Danfoss BD35 compressor, also a well-respected item.
Re: 21 year old frig still going Reply #11 – July 09, 2016, 05:03:47 pm Quote from: Steve TK - July 09, 2016, 03:14:56 pmHas anybody upgraded to a 12v compressor type truck fridge? This 8.2 cu ft module is rated at 60W and looks like it might fit into a typical 6 cu ft opening.TruckFridge Model: TF2600 - Designed to fit into custom installationsWhile many are attracted to marine compressor refrigerators, few have done it successfully, in small RVs.Boater's use them because of the danger of propane in boats, leaks accumulate in the bilge and can lead to explosions and fire.If you plan on dry camping much, coming up with the power needed to operate the refrigerator's compressor is going to be hard unless the roof is covered with solar panels and even with that, in the winter it will be even harder or impossible.The refrigerator consumes 60-watts, so say it runs 50% of the time, in hot weather, that's 5-amp/hours consumption X 12 hours = 60-amp/hours per day. Add that to your normal daily usage and you will come up with 100+amp/hours per day. That's a lot of solar.Unless shore power is normally available, daily generator run time will probably be necessary for many months of the year.The battery bank should be upsized too along with a very high output converter or battery charger to minimize generator run time, good time to add a large inverter/charger.Larry
Re: 21 year old frig still going Reply #12 – July 12, 2016, 08:40:51 pm Thanks for sharing your thoughts Andy, Larry.I'm very satisfied with the Dometic so far but it's nice to see that other options are available.Steve
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