Replacement fridge for '80s PT

[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
>