Replacement fridge for '80s PT

[mrkane1952]

Greetings All:

The original Dometic RM3801 refrigerator in my coach is failing. I full-time in
my coach, and do not boondock for extended periods. (I have medications which
need refrigeration.)

The overall condition and age of the RM3801 makes replacement of the cooling
unit impractical, IMO. No currently available absorption unit is the same size,
so some reworking of the cabinet will be necessary whichever the type of
replacement. Therefore, due to cost considerations, I have been considering a
household refrigerator replacement. (These are around 1/3 the cost of an
absorption unit, and 1/5--1/8 (!!) the cost of a Danfoss compressor unit.)

In my coach the black-tank vent is near the outside edge of the compartment
behind the fridge, which limits the depth of possible replacements. Similarly,
the width is bounded by the dinette area bench and overhead bins, and the
bathroom. The floor of the compartment above the current unit can be raised
several inches.

I've found three units which are similar in size, but generally a bit taller
than the original. They are Whirlpool ET0MSRXTD (9.7 cu ft,) Frigidaire
FFPT10F0KW (9.9 cu ft,) and a GE GTR10HAXRWW (9.9 cu ft.) Anyone have experience
with these or other recommendations?

The rear of the fridge will be exposed to outside ambient temperatures. What is
needed in near-freezing, or lower, temperatures? High ambient? Some units have
the coils on the back of the box, others under the cabinet. It would seem easier
to install the latter, but are there other concerns?

Any hints about removal and installation?

Thanks--

M.R.Kane
'87 PT40
currently Iron River, MI

[Ernie Ekberg]

Mike, I don't know if you saw my residential type, but I had to modify the cabinet above that. This is a doable project and should take a day to complete. I don't know if your original can wait till Nov, when I'll be home? If you are in freezing temps- believe me Montana was brutal- I put a trouble lite in that compartment with a piece of cardboard over the vented door. Ernie- currently posting at the expensive and darn well worth it KOA, Joplin, Mo Ernie Ekberg 83PT40 Wanderlodge Weatherford, Tx 817-475-3991 www.ernieekbergflooring.net --- On Thu, 9/2/10, mrkane1952 <mrkane@...> wrote: From: mrkane1952 <mrkane@...> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Replacement fridge for '80s PT To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Date: Thursday, September 2, 2010, 11:39 AM Greetings All: The original Dometic RM3801 refrigerator in my coach is failing. I full-time in my coach, and do not boondock for extended periods. (I have medications which need refrigeration.) The overall condition and age of the RM3801 makes replacement of the cooling unit impractical, IMO. No currently available absorption unit is the same size, so some reworking of the cabinet will be necessary whichever the type of replacement. Therefore, due to cost considerations, I have been considering a household refrigerator replacement. (These are around 1/3 the cost of an absorption unit, and 1/5--1/8 (!!) the cost of a Danfoss compressor unit.) In my coach the black-tank vent is near the outside edge of the compartment behind the fridge, which limits the depth of possible replacements. Similarly, the width is bounded by the dinette area bench and overhead bins, and the bathroom. The floor of the compartment above the current unit can be raised several inches. I've found three units which are similar in size, but generally a bit taller than the original. They are Whirlpool ET0MSRXTD (9.7 cu ft,) Frigidaire FFPT10F0KW (9.9 cu ft,) and a GE GTR10HAXRWW (9.9 cu ft.) Anyone have experience with these or other recommendations? The rear of the fridge will be exposed to outside ambient temperatures. What is needed in near-freezing, or lower, temperatures? High ambient? Some units have the coils on the back of the box, others under the cabinet. It would seem easier to install the latter, but are there other concerns? Any hints about removal and installation? Thanks-- M.R.Kane '87 PT40 currently Iron River, MI

[mrkane1952]

Ernie:

What brand is yours? Is it quiet?

If you stop at Colaw's, look for a louvered radiator side cover for my '87 8V,
please. (Its a bit longer than your 6V.)

You should probably fill up on diesel in Joplin. It was cheapest there when I
went thru a couple weeks ago in my pick-up.

I'm trying to find a residential fridge cheap in a Labor Day sale somewhere here
in the UP area. I think I have enough tools aboard to handle minor mods to the
surrounding cabinet.

--M.R.Kane
'87 PT40
currently Iron River, MI

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Ernie Ekberg wrote:
>
> Mike, I don't know if you saw my residential type, but I had to modify the
cabinet above that. This is a doable project and should take a day to complete.
I don't know if your original can wait till Nov, when I'll be home?
> If you are in freezing temps- believe me Montana was brutal- I put a trouble
lite in that compartment with a piece of cardboard over the vented door.
> Ernie- currently posting at the expensive and darn well worth it KOA, Joplin,
Mo
>
>
> Ernie Ekberg
> 83PT40
> Wanderlodge
> Weatherford, Tx 817-475-3991
> http://www.ernieekbergflooring.net
>
> --- On Thu, 9/2/10, mrkane1952 <mrkane@...> wrote:
>
>
> From: mrkane1952 <mrkane@...>
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Replacement fridge for '80s PT
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Thursday, September 2, 2010, 11:39 AM
>
>
> Â
>
>
>
> Greetings All:
>
> The original Dometic RM3801 refrigerator in my coach is failing. I full-time
in my coach, and do not boondock for extended periods. (I have medications which
need refrigeration.)
>
> The overall condition and age of the RM3801 makes replacement of the cooling
unit impractical, IMO. No currently available absorption unit is the same size,
so some reworking of the cabinet will be necessary whichever the type of
replacement. Therefore, due to cost considerations, I have been considering a
household refrigerator replacement. (These are around 1/3 the cost of an
absorption unit, and 1/5--1/8 (!!) the cost of a Danfoss compressor unit.)
>
> In my coach the black-tank vent is near the outside edge of the compartment
behind the fridge, which limits the depth of possible replacements. Similarly,
the width is bounded by the dinette area bench and overhead bins, and the
bathroom. The floor of the compartment above the current unit can be raised
several inches.
>
> I've found three units which are similar in size, but generally a bit taller
than the original. They are Whirlpool ET0MSRXTD (9.7 cu ft,) Frigidaire
FFPT10F0KW (9.9 cu ft,) and a GE GTR10HAXRWW (9.9 cu ft.) Anyone have experience
with these or other recommendations?
>
> The rear of the fridge will be exposed to outside ambient temperatures. What
is needed in near-freezing, or lower, temperatures? High ambient? Some units
have the coils on the back of the box, others under the cabinet. It would seem
easier to install the latter, but are there other concerns?
>
> Any hints about removal and installation?
>
> Thanks--
>
> M.R.Kane
> '87 PT40
> currently Iron River, MI
>

[Ernie Ekberg]

Mike, mine is a Whirlpool 10 cf job. Don't even know its running. You can pull the doors off to make it close in the right direction. At the rear- where the wheels are-- install some brackets to keep that thing from rolling forward. I did buy some tension bars and a long bungee cord to keep the door closed. Don't ask how I found that out~ Ernie Ekberg 83PT40 Wanderlodge Weatherford, Tx 817-475-3991 www.ernieekbergflooring.net --- On Thu, 9/2/10, mrkane1952 <mrkane@...> wrote: From: mrkane1952 <mrkane@...> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Replacement fridge for '80s PT To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Date: Thursday, September 2, 2010, 6:22 PM Ernie: What brand is yours? Is it quiet? If you stop at Colaw's, look for a louvered radiator side cover for my '87 8V, please. (Its a bit longer than your 6V.) You should probably fill up on diesel in Joplin. It was cheapest there when I went thru a couple weeks ago in my pick-up. I'm trying to find a residential fridge cheap in a Labor Day sale somewhere here in the UP area. I think I have enough tools aboard to handle minor mods to the surrounding cabinet. --M.R.Kane '87 PT40 currently Iron River, MI --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Ernie Ekberg wrote: > > Mike, I don't know if you saw my residential type, but I had to modify the cabinet above that. This is a doable project and should take a day to complete. I don't know if your original can wait till Nov, when I'll be home? > If you are in freezing temps- believe me Montana was brutal- I put a trouble lite in that compartment with a piece of cardboard over the vented door. > Ernie- currently posting at the expensive and darn well worth it KOA, Joplin, Mo > > > Ernie Ekberg > 83PT40 > Wanderlodge > Weatherford, Tx 817-475-3991 > http://www.ernieekbergflooring.net > > --- On Thu, 9/2/10, mrkane1952 <mrkane@...> wrote: > > > From: mrkane1952 <mrkane@...> > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Replacement fridge for '80s PT > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > Date: Thursday, September 2, 2010, 11:39 AM > > >  > > > > Greetings All: > > The original Dometic RM3801 refrigerator in my coach is failing. I full-time in my coach, and do not boondock for extended periods. (I have medications which need refrigeration.) > > The overall condition and age of the RM3801 makes replacement of the cooling unit impractical, IMO. No currently available absorption unit is the same size, so some reworking of the cabinet will be necessary whichever the type of replacement. Therefore, due to cost considerations, I have been considering a household refrigerator replacement. (These are around 1/3 the cost of an absorption unit, and 1/5--1/8 (!!) the cost of a Danfoss compressor unit.) > > In my coach the black-tank vent is near the outside edge of the compartment behind the fridge, which limits the depth of possible replacements. Similarly, the width is bounded by the dinette area bench and overhead bins, and the bathroom. The floor of the compartment above the current unit can be raised several inches. > > I've found three units which are similar in size, but generally a bit taller than the original. They are Whirlpool ET0MSRXTD (9.7 cu ft,) Frigidaire FFPT10F0KW (9.9 cu ft,) and a GE GTR10HAXRWW (9.9 cu ft.) Anyone have experience with these or other recommendations? > > The rear of the fridge will be exposed to outside ambient temperatures. What is needed in near-freezing, or lower, temperatures? High ambient? Some units have the coils on the back of the box, others under the cabinet. It would seem easier to install the latter, but are there other concerns? > > Any hints about removal and installation? > > Thanks-- > > M.R.Kane > '87 PT40 > currently Iron River, MI >

[Ernie Ekberg]

ps- I had to move the shelf up on the top cabinet. To make the refer stable,, I installed that shelf tight against the top of refer. You will still have some air space on the bottom of the unit and I stuffed some carpet padding in there to keep out cold air. The location, with the louvers and even if you have a piece of cardboard still has plenty of room for ventilation. Ernie Ekberg 83PT40 Wanderlodge Weatherford, Tx 817-475-3991 www.ernieekbergflooring.net --- On Thu, 9/2/10, mrkane1952 <mrkane@...> wrote: From: mrkane1952 <mrkane@...> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Replacement fridge for '80s PT To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Date: Thursday, September 2, 2010, 6:22 PM Ernie: What brand is yours? Is it quiet? If you stop at Colaw's, look for a louvered radiator side cover for my '87 8V, please. (Its a bit longer than your 6V.) You should probably fill up on diesel in Joplin. It was cheapest there when I went thru a couple weeks ago in my pick-up. I'm trying to find a residential fridge cheap in a Labor Day sale somewhere here in the UP area. I think I have enough tools aboard to handle minor mods to the surrounding cabinet. --M.R.Kane '87 PT40 currently Iron River, MI --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Ernie Ekberg wrote: > > Mike, I don't know if you saw my residential type, but I had to modify the cabinet above that. This is a doable project and should take a day to complete. I don't know if your original can wait till Nov, when I'll be home? > If you are in freezing temps- believe me Montana was brutal- I put a trouble lite in that compartment with a piece of cardboard over the vented door. > Ernie- currently posting at the expensive and darn well worth it KOA, Joplin, Mo > > > Ernie Ekberg > 83PT40 > Wanderlodge > Weatherford, Tx 817-475-3991 > http://www.ernieekbergflooring.net > > --- On Thu, 9/2/10, mrkane1952 <mrkane@...> wrote: > > > From: mrkane1952 <mrkane@...> > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Replacement fridge for '80s PT > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com > Date: Thursday, September 2, 2010, 11:39 AM > > >  > > > > Greetings All: > > The original Dometic RM3801 refrigerator in my coach is failing. I full-time in my coach, and do not boondock for extended periods. (I have medications which need refrigeration.) > > The overall condition and age of the RM3801 makes replacement of the cooling unit impractical, IMO. No currently available absorption unit is the same size, so some reworking of the cabinet will be necessary whichever the type of replacement. Therefore, due to cost considerations, I have been considering a household refrigerator replacement. (These are around 1/3 the cost of an absorption unit, and 1/5--1/8 (!!) the cost of a Danfoss compressor unit.) > > In my coach the black-tank vent is near the outside edge of the compartment behind the fridge, which limits the depth of possible replacements. Similarly, the width is bounded by the dinette area bench and overhead bins, and the bathroom. The floor of the compartment above the current unit can be raised several inches. > > I've found three units which are similar in size, but generally a bit taller than the original. They are Whirlpool ET0MSRXTD (9.7 cu ft,) Frigidaire FFPT10F0KW (9.9 cu ft,) and a GE GTR10HAXRWW (9.9 cu ft.) Anyone have experience with these or other recommendations? > > The rear of the fridge will be exposed to outside ambient temperatures. What is needed in near-freezing, or lower, temperatures? High ambient? Some units have the coils on the back of the box, others under the cabinet. It would seem easier to install the latter, but are there other concerns? > > Any hints about removal and installation? > > Thanks-- > > M.R.Kane > '87 PT40 > currently Iron River, MI >

[mrkane1952]

Greetings All:

A new refrigerator is installed. I found an Avanti FFBM920W at a local building
supply for ~$300 (a Labor Day special.) This is a two door, bottom freezer 9.2
cu.ft. model. It is frost-free, drawing 130 watts at 110 VAC. (Also available in
this area were the Whirlpool mentioned before, and a Magic Chef unit. The
Whirlpool has exposed coils extending over the entire rear surface. The Magic
Chef had universally bad reviews online. Both were also a bit more costly.)

Removal of the old Dometic from the cabinet was straight-forward. Getting it out
of the coach through the door was not too bad, after taking out the step-well
cover, the grab handles, and the co-pilot seat. The fridge doors were also
removed. Three of us lifted the new unit into the coach without much trouble.
Removal of the dinette seats would help eliminate tight spots, if they are the
38-inch-wide style.

The new unit was completely enclosed--no place for vermin to roost, contrasted
to the old one which was covered in mud-dauber (wasp) nests. The Avanti is the
same depth and width, but about 4 inches taller than the 3801. The unit sits on
a shelf over a drawer and chassis heater for the bathroom, so the upper
compartment over the fridge was modified. The compartment floor was raised, and
the doors shortened. (In my coach, the support shelf below the unit was
water-damaged and delaminating. I replaced it as well.) The fridge fits tightly
between the lower support and the compartment floor above, so that it cannot
tilt. I am still finalizing the weather stripping and restraints.

The old Dometic was rated about 8 cu.ft. and the Avanti is 9.2. However, the new
unit can accept gallon milk jugs, as well as a 24-pack of cokes on the top
shelf. The freezer is much larger--full-size frozen pizzas will fit on the
shelf. Don't have to cook them as soon as they get home from the grocery store!
The Avanti is also quiet in operation.

Don't know how durable the Avanti will be on the road, but r/r will be easier
now the cabinet is enlarged for the newer-sized fridges.

--M.R.Kane
'87 PT40 "Sleipnir"
currently Iron River, MI


>
> Greetings All:
>
> The original Dometic RM3801 refrigerator in my coach is failing.
>

<snip>

> Thanks--
>
> M.R.Kane
> '87 PT40
> currently Iron River, MI
>

[Ernie Ekberg]

Glad you got that taken care of. I love my house type refer. Ernie Ekberg 83PT40 Wanderlodge Weatherford, Tx 817-475-3991 www.ernieekbergflooring.net --- On Sat, 9/11/10, mrkane1952 <mrkane@...> wrote: From: mrkane1952 <mrkane@...> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Replacement fridge for '80s PT To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Date: Saturday, September 11, 2010, 5:45 PM Greetings All: A new refrigerator is installed. I found an Avanti FFBM920W at a local building supply for ~$300 (a Labor Day special.) This is a two door, bottom freezer 9.2 cu.ft. model. It is frost-free, drawing 130 watts at 110 VAC. (Also available in this area were the Whirlpool mentioned before, and a Magic Chef unit. The Whirlpool has exposed coils extending over the entire rear surface. The Magic Chef had universally bad reviews online. Both were also a bit more costly.) Removal of the old Dometic from the cabinet was straight-forward. Getting it out of the coach through the door was not too bad, after taking out the step-well cover, the grab handles, and the co-pilot seat. The fridge doors were also removed. Three of us lifted the new unit into the coach without much trouble. Removal of the dinette seats would help eliminate tight spots, if they are the 38-inch-wide style. The new unit was completely enclosed--no place for vermin to roost, contrasted to the old one which was covered in mud-dauber (wasp) nests. The Avanti is the same depth and width, but about 4 inches taller than the 3801. The unit sits on a shelf over a drawer and chassis heater for the bathroom, so the upper compartment over the fridge was modified. The compartment floor was raised, and the doors shortened. (In my coach, the support shelf below the unit was water-damaged and delaminating. I replaced it as well.) The fridge fits tightly between the lower support and the compartment floor above, so that it cannot tilt. I am still finalizing the weather stripping and restraints. The old Dometic was rated about 8 cu.ft. and the Avanti is 9.2. However, the new unit can accept gallon milk jugs, as well as a 24-pack of cokes on the top shelf. The freezer is much larger--full-size frozen pizzas will fit on the shelf. Don't have to cook them as soon as they get home from the grocery store! The Avanti is also quiet in operation. Don't know how durable the Avanti will be on the road, but r/r will be easier now the cabinet is enlarged for the newer-sized fridges. --M.R.Kane '87 PT40 "Sleipnir" currently Iron River, MI > > Greetings All: > > The original Dometic RM3801 refrigerator in my coach is failing. > <snip> > Thanks-- > > M.R.Kane > '87 PT40 > currently Iron River, MI >