I hope somebody can help. I have an Atwood HE0601 refrigerator in my camper. The refrigerator quit working and it won't get cold any longer. I have been to dealership looking to get it replaced but they want upwards of $2000 to fix. I have looked around on the Internet and I have found that fridge for as low as $900. I have also found a replacement but it is a different brand name. All I'm really looking for some advice as to other people's experiences. It looks like I will replace it on my own because it doesn't look too difficult just not sure which fridge to buy and if I have other options. Just for the record, the problem with the fridge is it won't cool down. I took it to a dealership and they said the problem was a plug in the cooling coil. According to the dealership the only way you can fix this problem is to replace the fridge. I have read on the Internet you can take the fridge out and turn it upside down and sometimes the plug will release.We are new to the whole camper owning thing so we're just not sure which direction to go. Thanks in advance and this is one of the best things about the Internet is getting answers from people who've experienced the same problem.

I've had success vibrating the coils on the back or tapping on them instead of turning upside down but it is a stopgap measure as it's going to stop cooling again at some point.

Any brand will fir so long as the cutout / cabinet dimensions are close. Plugging comes from not operating it level within 1/2 bubble of plumb. The sloution overheats and crystalizes causing a 'blood clot' if you will, inside the coils.

Thanks for the quick responses. At this point it is what it is and it just needs to be fixed since we are planning on selling the camper. Using the above mentioned model number can anybody recommend a replacement under a thousand bucks? I'm pretty sure my son and I can install it. Does not too complicated. Thanks folks. The internet at its best.

Why don't you sell it with the faulty fridge and let a buyer replace it? That seems to me to be the least intensive route. Price a comparable one (in cubic feet capacity and ask that much less for the camper, explaining why to any buyer.

You can replace just the cooling unit. Here is one source. Here is another and yet another. No personal experience with any of them.

Refrigerator Question | Good Sam Community

westend
Explorer
Aug 18, 2017
I'd price a new 120V residential fridge of the correct size and have the print-out taped to the fridge door. If folks seem put off, buy the 120V fridge and install it.
SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Aug 18, 2017
...and I just did exactly that with the Lance TC I sold. The Norcold needed a new eyebrow board so I figured the cost of the board and took it off the asking price of the unit and explained why the fridge wasn't working (and what it needed) to the buyer.

Better to be upfront. Things work out better (and you sleep better) that way.
mnuser
Explorer
Aug 18, 2017
Yea. That is what I'm trying First. Will see how that goes and then re-evaluate the whole thing.
dave17352
Explorer
Aug 18, 2017
SidecarFlip wrote:
Why don't you sell it with the faulty fridge and let a buyer replace it? That seems to me to be the least intensive route. Price a comparable one (in cubic feet capacity and ask that much less for the camper, explaining why to any buyer.

x2 this is what I would do
mnuser
Explorer
Aug 17, 2017
Thanks folks. I think I will list it first and state the issue with the fridge. I will then see what happens with the camper. It is a very nice unit and will make somebody a nice unit for their family. Other than the fridge, the camper is in very good shape.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Aug 17, 2017
Atwood HE0601 is a Helium Gas unit Vs Hydrogen gas unit used by Norcold/Dometic Brand absorption fridges.

Atwood HE were only produced for a few years..then Dometic acquired Atwood and no more HE Fridges

Atwood Cooling Unit ...Amish built brand new replacement $655

Atwood HE.cross reference replacement
MFL
Nomad II
Aug 17, 2017
I had a cooling unit replaced on a previous FW. I got a rebuilt (with warranty) through my local propane dealer. They installed it for $200, and guaranteed the work. I used it for several years, before trading, with no issues. It worked/cooled better than ever.

Jerry
SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Aug 17, 2017
Replacing the cooling unit is a job in the least and it must be done correctly or the unit won't cool properly.
trailertraveler
Explorer
Aug 17, 2017
You can replace just the cooling unit. Here is one source. Here is another and yet another. No personal experience with any of them.
SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Aug 17, 2017
Why don't you sell it with the faulty fridge and let a buyer replace it? That seems to me to be the least intensive route. Price a comparable one (in cubic feet capacity and ask that much less for the camper, explaining why to any buyer.