dometic fridge RM 3600 September 22, 2020, 05:07:05 pm The fridge in my 1987 22' has given up the ghost. There is a strong ammonia smell when I open it and it does not work any more. I'm considering replacing the cooling unit as the box is still in excellent condition.. Looking for ideas or suggestions on changing it. I found the site RV Cooling Unit Warehouse where they sell remanufactured and new units. Anyone with experience, good or bad, on this replacement project?
Re: dometic fridge RM 3600 Reply #1 – September 22, 2020, 05:08:49 pm John, do a search. There have been at least one thread by people that either did or were going to replace the cooling unit. Let us know your experiences.Jane
Re: dometic fridge RM 3600 Reply #2 – September 23, 2020, 12:09:45 am Quote from: John Erlinger - September 22, 2020, 05:07:05 pmThe fridge in my 1987 22' has given up the ghost. There is a strong ammonia smell when I open it and it does not work any more. I'm considering replacing the cooling unit as the box is still in excellent condition.. Looking for ideas or suggestions on changing it. How old is the box? If it's more than, say, 25 years, I'd suggest getting a new fridge, which likely has much better insulation. 1 Likes
Re: dometic fridge RM 3600 Reply #3 – September 23, 2020, 10:45:48 am I got my cooling unit from JC Refrigeration |Been very happy with the results! I would only recommend it for folks that have good mechanical experience.Steve
Re: dometic fridge RM 3600 Reply #4 – September 23, 2020, 12:10:01 pm John,My fridge's cooling unit failed a little over a year ago, similar symptoms. The service manager at a local RV service center told me that they do many more "cooling unit replacements" than new boxes, that they've had very good luck with them, and, at a lower cost. Like yours, my cabinet was in great condition, so I decided to go with the cooling unit. They completed the replacement in six hours. It's been on ever since and trouble free.My unit is an RM3662, so certainly unlikely to be the same as yours, but, for reference only, my replacement was a rebuilt Dometic, identified as a Nordic 39-5462. I hope that may be helpful.Bill
Re: dometic fridge RM 3600 Reply #5 – September 23, 2020, 01:33:22 pm If the plastic inside the refrigerator has not become brittle, it can be changed. It is a bit of work, if you are handy, you can do it yourself and save a lot of money. If it is the original refrigerator, consider that the mechanical and electrical parts are ancient and repair parts may not be available. I would install a new one in this case unless the newer models will not fit without modifying the cabinet or may not fit even with modification.Check out some of the online videos to see if changing the cooling unit is something you wish to attempt yourself.With careful planning, the change can be done inside the rig, without needing to pass the refrigerator through the window.If you DIY, build a simple table the same height as the refrigerator' installed height, this allows easier removal and replacement of the refrigerator, plus it's the workbench you need for the change. I built this one out of a few 2X4s.While the refrigerator is out, it's a good time to insulate the empty compartment. It helps keep the refrigerator temps more consistent in the summer and reduces propane use.Reinstalling refrigerator | FlickrLarry
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