I have recently been dealing with a failing Dometic 2 way refrigerator. I have finally decided I am going to have to bite the bullet and shell-out for a new one. The one I have is the original in a 2002 Bigfoot RV so it is no spring chicken. The model number is RM2652 and in searching for a new one I find that that model is still available but Dometic also has come out with a "New Generation" of fridges that claim to be an improvement and for our model they call out number 3762. What I'm a little suspicious of, is they claim to have upped the capacity from 6 cu/ft to 7 cu/ft but yet it fits in the same cut-out. I am hoping someone has experience with these new models and can enlighten me a bit on whether they are an improvement or should I stay with the RM2652. The best price I could find for the RM2652 is $1050.00 and the new 3762 is $1300.00. Thanks for any thoughts.

Maybe the new one is deeper? Check installation manuals for sizes. It would stick out farther into the rig if so, or else it would shrink the vent in back. IMO buy new model for that little a diff in price. We had an 8 cu ft in the 5er but a 6 in this C, and miss the bigger fridge. Especially the door pocket sizes --too narrow in this 6 we have. If the new model with 7 has wider door pockets, go for it.

Travelin2 wrote: Dometic also has come out with a "New Generation" of fridges that claim to be an improvement and for our model they call out number 3762. HA......HAHA........Muhahahahahahahahahahahahaha.Whats probably "new" is they're put together in China from cheaper and lighter parts with a significantly increased percentage of plastic than your original 17 yr old one.

I don't see a ton of differences. I would get the new one for the larger space.

That extra space is very attractive. Dometic claims to have gained it by using an improved insulation material. Supposedly it is the replacement for the RM2652 but I can help but think of the old saying about "stuffing 10 pounds of s**t in a 5 pound bag". It usually doesn't turn out well. I'm hoping someone on the board has done this switch and they will know more about the details like whether the gas inlet remains in the same location/orientation so the gas line doesn't need alteration. I have not been able to find reference to the fact that the same Ammonia based refrigerant is used or not.

Less than 500 bucks for a Amish cooling unit if everything else is good. Or, how about upgrading to a 12V compressor refer?

Dometic New Generation refrigerators | Good Sam Community

25 Replies

filrupmark
Explorer
Feb 11, 2019
Our RM2652 Would struggle in the Texas July and August heat. We went with a 10 cu.ft. Frigidaire residential. DW is very happy . Much roomier and cooling is great.
Travelin2
Explorer
Feb 09, 2019
Here's the part I bought to fix my problem...
Travelin2
Explorer
Feb 09, 2019
I would have replaced just the cooling unit but the interior of the refrigerator compartment was all yellowed so we wanted to eliminate that.
marcsbigfoot20b
Explorer
Feb 09, 2019
Replaced the failed 2652 cooling unit in my 2000 Bigfoot in 2014. Went with the Amish new cooling unit and it performs.....33 degrees in 115 ambient in Phoenix. I did add internal fin fans and fans up at the top exit on the roof.
HadEnough
Explorer
Feb 09, 2019
The only way to have more interior volume and the same exterior volume is to reduce the insulation volume.

They may be using more efficient insulation
Travelin2
Explorer
Feb 09, 2019
I bought the exact model, Dometic 2652. I figured that way I was more likely to not need to alter the gas line, Everthing is sure to fit and I can rob lots of good spare parts from the old one that should work on the new one.
IAMICHABOD
Explorer II
Feb 09, 2019
Travelin2 wrote:
I just got back from town with a new one. I will unload it in the morning. What gripes me is I think I will have to remove the door frame to get the old one out and the new one in. I'm going to do a little more measuring in the morning.

So which one did you buy?
Travelin2
Explorer
Feb 09, 2019
Chris Bryant wrote:
The yellowed plastic is a sign the ammonia leak was inside the box.

AH-HA....I wish I could have bent your ear about 40 man hours ago. One peek inside and you would have sent me to the store for a new one. Thanks for that Chris, it makes me feel like I did the right thing by buying a new one.

I sure am good at putting it in and taking it out now and know what to check if it acts up. I just got back from town with a new one. I will unload it in the morning. What gripes me is I think I will have to remove the door frame to get the old one out and the new one in. I'm going to do a little more measuring in the morning.
Chum_lee
Explorer
Feb 08, 2019
In 2015 I bought a new Dometic 2652 to replace the old failed unit, a 1999 Dometic 2652 with the dreaded ammonia leak. The interior was similar but the plastic adjustable shelving was thinner and a little cheaper quality IMO. Save the older shelves/drawers if you can because they are interchangeable. What made a huge difference for me was getting rid of those older idiotic finger pull door handles and replacing them with newer hand pull/thumb latch handles. They are much easier to open/close.

Other than that, the unit was very similar. The "reduce exterior moisture" switch/function was eliminated. If I remember correctly, it was about $1,300 installed, including tax, in Yuma, AZ.

The freezer runs at 0F and the refrigerator stays at 34F year round, just like it should. No issues so far.

Chum lee
BFL13
Explorer II
Feb 08, 2019
Old-Biscuit wrote:
RM2652 Dimensions----see pg. 3
Rm2652 Installation Manual

RM3762 Dimensions----see pg. 9
RM3762 Installation Manual

3762 a tad wider--problem or not? Have to remove any outside trim and measure the actual access.