RV refrigerator,, repair or replace??

[carl2591]

I was wondering when your RV refrigerator, that is less than 10 yrs, old either develops a leak or some other major defect is it better to replace or repair the unit?

what would average repair cost be? I see new ones at like camping world for $1500 in the 8 CuFt range.

If its older than 10 yrs old would replacing make more sense?

[frankdamp]

Our 11 year-old Dometic died two days before we were leaving on a 3 week trip (2013 season). We couldn't get a slot at our local repair shop, so we decided to go with ice. We must have visited every Fred Meyer store between Astoria and Brookings to buy ice!

When we went to our local repair shop, they pointed out that all the other parts of the fridge were also 11 years old. Since a new fridge, installed, was only about $180 more than a cooling unit replacement, we went with a new fridge.

We recently sold the RV, so the new owner gets the benefit!

[larry_barnhart]

we decided to buy a new fridge in Oct of 2013 instead of having a new cooling back installed. My wife gets pissed every time she opens the fridge door or even if fridge gets mentioned by anybody. Repair yours it will be better than the new models.

chevman

[Big_Katuna]

They take a picture window out if one is big enough. If not then they take one of the front windshields out.

[mr__ed]

Since I usually have hookups I think I would replace mine with a residential style fridge, the type that uses a compressor.If it appeared to be impossible to get the fridge through the door I would no doubt repair the original one. Had a friend who installed one in his trailer. He did such a good job you would swear it was done at the factory.

[aruba5er]

I really don't know how they would get in a refer in period. I did in my motorhome years ago and needed to remove the passenger door (85 ford E350)the passenger seat and the booth seat of the dinette. Now there is a co. 35 miles from me that would repair it and I would not lift a finger other than write them a check. I know to replace a refer you would have to remove the entry door and then it probably be a real tight fit.

[Cloud_Dancer]

I wish y'all would include the frige model number as well as the brand.

[rhagfo]

stickdog wrote:
I replaced the cooling unit, the fridge 8 years old in good shape other than that. Amish cooling unit was under $600 delivered. If your handy it's a do it yourself job only needed help getting it back in the hole.

I did this on my 86 King of the Road, the new unit was great.

You might give this outfit a call.

RV Cooling Unit

[Big_Katuna]

I just replaced the CU on our double door Norcold. $1100. Did it myself.
I would have gone the residential route but you have to take a window out as it won't fit thru the door.

[wa8yxm]

Options are many but I would repair with an Amish Built cooling unit.

Some folks take the opportunity to switch to a residential type fridge,

There are advantages to both options.. And the bottom line is it comes down to your personal preference.

Myself, I like being able to camp off-grid from time to time withot worryign about the batteies dying and the fridge heating up. Thus I would stick with absorption cooling.

On the other hand,, A high effiency all electric is an option too, Both Norcold and Dometic have them as an option.. They draw less than 50 watts when running and door closed.. Some models double that when you open the door and turn on the light.

(a twin 1141 light fixture is 40 watts).

[5thwheeleroldma]

I'm convinced if my fridge goes out, I will switch to residential. We traded off an rv about 7 years ago because of continual problems with an rv type fridge. They could never get it fixed and cost was many time that of a residential. Seems to me the only people who might have problems with a residential are those who boondock a lot.

[midnightsadie]

have it rebuilt by the amish guys great work ,less than half of a new one. your geting everything new except the box.

[doxiemom11]

We would repair if reasonable compared to the cost of new. New of what we have is $3,500 or more now. Ours is currently 15 yrs old and we have replaced a circuit board and the thermistor. Total repair cost so far is around $180.00.

[Son_of_Norway]

I'll comment on the older than 10 years case. Much cheaper to repair. Both the cooling unit and the circuit board are easy do-it-yourself jobs. The refrigerator itself is just an insulated box. As long as you are content with the design, no need to replace.

Miles

[stickdog]

I replaced the cooling unit, the fridge 8 years old in good shape other than that. Amish cooling unit was under $600 delivered. If your handy it's a do it yourself job only needed help getting it back in the hole.