How long will fridge go?

Hi,

My refrigerator is about 20 years old, and still working great. They should last a really long time. Even some ammonia refrigerators from the 50's are still being used in homes.

Have fun camping!

Fred.

Our 99 Dometic was still going strong last season. If and when our current one fails (2005 Norcold)then we will get a 12v compressor unit.

Hi,

My previous RV is from 1987 and the fridge still works. It was a Norcold.

My last one lasted 13 years before the cooling tubes corroded and leaked ammonia. My present one (refurbished) lasted 3 years before the thermostat on the electric side quit. I replaced the thermostat and it has been another 4 years.

I think the average will be around 13-15 years. That is what the shop that sold me the "refurbished" one said. Refurbished in that shop was to replace the ammonia unit coils, and do nothing but clean the electronics, burner, wiring etc. I now know how easy it is to "refurbish" an old Dometic and will do my own if needed.

It is actually based on the usage (hours). Low usage should last a while. we purchased a used TT that was used as a seasonal unit and the fridge was always left on. It only lasted 10 years.

"ScottG"......The smaller two door Dometic and Norcolds could easily last 20 years. No need to proactively replace. If you have one go bad, they usually have a newer version that will fit right in. The refers having the issues that you are reading about are the larger four door models, predominantly the Norcold LRIM.

I have one (dometic) that is 21 years old and still going strong. Could fail tomorrow or last 10 more years. Who knows?