Dometic New Generation refrigerators

[Travelin2]

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.

[Chris_Bryant]

The yellowed plastic is a sign the ammonia leak was inside the box.

[ScottG]

JC refridgeration makes a great low consumption compressor conversion for your fridge in either AC or DC. Linkaroonie

[donn0128]

Truck camper magazing has an interesting article on the Dometic/Danfos compressor refer. It is posted online

[Travelin2]

donn0128 wrote:
Less than 500 bucks for a Amish cooling unit if everything else is good. Or, how about upgrading to a 12V compressor refer?

That would be attractive if our RV style was not off the grid so much. I think you would need to be plugged into shore power every night to keep the batts recharged. I admit though, I have not checked into those.

[pianotuna]

I'd go for a compressor type.

[Travelin2]

Ralph Cramden wrote:

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 get where you're coming from Ralph. I would just replace the heating unit in my old one except the previous owner appears to have used some sort of cleaner that made the interior become yellowed and it drives The Boss crazy. Where ever they didn't/couldn't wipe, it is still nice and white. Whenever I hear "new and improved", I also get mighty suspicious.

[donn0128]

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

[Travelin2]

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.

[time2roll]

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

[Ralph_Cramden]

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.

[BFL13]

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.