Replacement fridge for '80s PT

[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