1989 Dodge Xplorer

[JKFlipFlop]

Guys I dropped 5,500 on this beast. It has 55k miles, new tires, new AC in back and front. Everything but refrigerator works. Onan 2800 gen works. Did I pay too much?

[goreds2]

georgelesley wrote:
Looks like a very good deal to me. If you decide you don't like it afterall, I think our son would buy it from you. If fact what sites are best for finding used vans or such?

I got mine off CraigsList for even less than the original poster on this thread. It took a few weeks to find the type I wanted.

[georgelesley]

Looks like a very good deal to me. If you decide you don't like it afterall, I think our son would buy it from you. If fact what sites are best for finding used vans or such?

[Jess_and_Chris]

I just bought a 1990 Xplorer 230 that looks identical to yours! Mine also has 55k miles on it, but yours looks like it is in better shape overall. I agree that you got a great deal for $5500!

I'm trying to find a replacement rooftop AC unit that will fit the narrow width of the recess in the roof, but I'm not having much luck. All of the new units are too wide. You mentioned that your van has a new rooftop unit. Do you know the brand and model?

Thanks!
-Chris

[goreds2]

I think you got a very good deal. I would take a working generator over a fridge.

[chainegang]

The unit mounts on two rails that act as skids supporting the fridge off the floor. From the rear you'll have to disconnect the gas line and the electrical. That will be a challenge as the connection block is just below the ac outlet and is exposed to weather and will have corroded the fittings. Soaked in Rust Blaster or some other rust loosener before/preferable overnight, will go a long way to easing the loosening and salvaging the connection. Remove the fridge door to reveal the few screws if any that originally stabilize the unit in place. Previous owners may have removed them as you indicated that silicon is visible and that is not original. It will slid out into the living space and can be maneuvered out the passenger door very easily with the passenger seat removed. The base of the seat can stay but you'll need to jury rig something to keep the base of the fridge from hanging up as you maneuver over the seat pedestal.

[JKFlipFlop]

chainegang wrote:
Replacement fridge for your unit should be this item. I have the same year make and model owned since new and eventually had to replace the 3 way fridge. Three way means having propane 12volt and 120 volt options. The original unit installed by Xplorer was RM 2333 now it is with upgrages Dometic RV Replacement unit RM2354 ..3-way pwr manual controls..same as our RM2333 for dimensions. Only difference is the controls are on top rather then the bottom and are electronic. Otherwise it is a drop in fit. It can be ordered via any RV dealer or repair service that has an account with Dometic. I put mine in myself. Had to take out the passenger seat to allow removal from within the RV interior. Time consuming but very do-able all alone along with copious amount of cuss words. Write if you want more info.

I may just chop it in half with a saws-all. 😃 I am getting the truck fridge model. Will be installing 200W of flexible panels on the dome and run the line where the roof AC cabling enters the coach.


My fridge has a bead of silicon in the front? What other physical attachments are there that hold it in place?

[JKFlipFlop]

stan909 wrote:
Truckfridge makes built in fridges as well as chest freezers like the ARB. They also use Danfoss compressors.

Oh wow... your right. This TF-130 is perfect!!!! Even cheaper than ARB. I thought ARB was the only ones who offer Danfross compressors.
24W for a minifridge is HEAVEN with solar backup. Thanks Stan!!! Hole in one.

[chainegang]

Replacement fridge for your unit should be this item. I have the same year make and model owned since new and eventually had to replace the 3 way fridge. Three way means having propane 12volt and 120 volt options. The original unit installed by Xplorer was RM 2333 now it is with upgrages Dometic RV Replacement unit RM2354 ..3-way pwr manual controls..same as our RM2333 for dimensions. Only difference is the controls are on top rather then the bottom and are electronic. Otherwise it is a drop in fit. It can be ordered via any RV dealer or repair service that has an account with Dometic. I put mine in myself. Had to take out the passenger seat to allow removal from within the RV interior. Time consuming but very do-able all alone along with copious amount of cuss words. Write if you want more info.

[stan909]

Truckfridge makes built in fridges as well as chest freezers like the ARB. They also use Danfoss compressors.

[JKFlipFlop]

stan909 wrote:
If you have to replace fridge you might consider a 12 volt/110 compressor fridge. Much less hassle but if you camp without plugging into electricity a lot you will need a couple good deep cycle batteries and maybe a solar panel to help. Look at truckfridge.com or adventurerv.net for best pricing. Beautiful coach you have there.

Been there done that. I have my eye on the ARB 50qt fridge.freezer.

These Danfrost compressors only pull 13 Watts!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvt6XsZiad0

[overbrook]

JKFlipFlop wrote:
Guys I dropped 5,500 on this beast. It has 55k miles, new tires, new AC in back and front. Everything but refrigerator works. Onan 2800 gen works. Did I pay too much?

No I don't think you paid too much. In fact, it sounds like you got a great deal.

Xplorers have a cult following, lots of people are looking for them.

You'll find many videos on YouTube about people traveling and even living full time in Xplorers. Here's a video about why people like Xplorers.

https://youtu.be/scy9sEVBZ6w

Bill

[stan909]

If you have to replace fridge you might consider a 12 volt/110 compressor fridge. Much less hassle but if you camp without plugging into electricity a lot you will need a couple good deep cycle batteries and maybe a solar panel to help. Look at truckfridge.com or adventurerv.net for best pricing. Beautiful coach you have there.

[drsolo]

It depends on what year. The older even with low mileage the more likely problems will pop up just from sitting. Altho it does look nice and clean.

[rwj146]

Looks good, price was about right... if you decide to repair your reefer you may want to give this guy a call, very reasonable. I wish I had called him before I put a new one and had to have the cabinet trimmed to fit.

http://rvrefrigeration.com/rv-service/