rebuilt fridge company

[alwechs]

Does anyone know the company that sells rebuilt Dometic fridges in the Midwest? I believe they are in Indiana or Illinois. I saw someone discussing them here a while ago. Bonus question: fridge model number for Roadtrek 2006? Thanks!

[Rlum]

Originally Posted by alwechs

Does anyone know the company that sells rebuilt Dometic fridges in the Midwest? I believe they are in Indiana or Illinois. I saw someone discussing them here a while ago. Bonus question: fridge model number for Roadtrek 2006? Thanks!

I believe you are looking for JC Refrigeration?
https://jc-refrigeration.com/

I heard they no longer do the compressor refrigeration conversions but will rebuild 3 way with their improved version?

[peteco]

I think I have mentioned National RV refrigeration in the past.

https://fixyourfridge.com

They are in Indiana. I would have gone to them install a replacement for my RM2554 in my 2006 Roadtrek 210P.

They have scratch and dent fridges, which was my preference as they are essentially new units. Rebuilding a fridge is OK as long as it is not too old. My fridge was 14 years old so the seals were worn in spots. Plus the electronics and heater is old so rebuilt is not a good idea for older fridges IMO.

They did not have a scratch and dent available when I needed it, so I ordered a new one and installed myself. The prices for new units has gone way up now.

If I had to do it again I would probably put a compressor fridge in. I did not do that (2 years ago) because I was not up to doing all the other upgrades needed to support a compressor fridge.

What model Roadtrek do you have and what refrigerator model is in it?

[alwechs]

I have a 190 from 2006 ... do you think it would be the same fridge as yours? I'm not sure what the model number is.

[Rlum]

Originally Posted by peteco

I think I have mentioned National RV refrigeration in the past.

https://fixyourfridge.com

They are in Indiana. I would have gone to them install a replacement for my RM2554 in my 2006 Roadtrek 210P.

They have scratch and dent fridges, which was my preference as they are essentially new units. Rebuilding a fridge is OK as long as it is not too old. My fridge was 14 years old so the seals were worn in spots. Plus the electronics and heater is old so rebuilt is not a good idea for older fridges IMO.

They did not have a scratch and dent available when I needed it, so I ordered a new one and installed myself. The prices for new units has gone way up now.

If I had to do it again I would probably put a compressor fridge in. I did not do that (2 years ago) because I was not up to doing all the other upgrades needed to support a compressor fridge.

What model Roadtrek do you have and what refrigerator model is in it?

Earlier this year converted my Dometic 3 way to compressor using the Vitrifrigo kit. Started in 2021 but had to wait 6 months for the kit. Other than the battery component of the install. It has been great. Box gets cold in less than 1 hour. Stays cold in 100 plus ambient temps. My 3 way was OK for the first 3-4 years. It seemed to degrade over the last year. Not sure why? I have 190 watts of solar. It it enough to provide the electricity to maintain the refrigerator. I also added extra insulation where possible. Four fans inside the box with a couple of switches. Two more fans outside to increase circulation around the compressor. One of the best upgrades on my van so far!

[peteco]

Originally Posted by Rlum

Earlier this year converted my Dometic 3 way to compressor using the Vitrifrigo kit. Started in 2021 but had to wait 6 months for the kit. Other than the battery component of the install. It has been great. Box gets cold in less than 1 hour. Stays cold in 100 plus ambient temps. My 3 way was OK for the first 3-4 years. It seemed to degrade over the last year. Not sure why? I have 190 watts of solar. It it enough to provide the electricity to maintain the refrigerator. I also added extra insulation where possible. Four fans inside the box with a couple of switches. Two more fans outside to increase circulation around the compressor. One of the best upgrades on my van so far!

Please provide details on your system. Product number, cost, installation tips, etc.

[peteco]

Originally Posted by alwechs

I have a 190 from 2006 ... do you think it would be the same fridge as yours? I'm not sure what the model number is.

The 190 should have a smaller refrigerator. I am guessing it is the RM2351 or 2354. These run about $500 as scratch & dent. When I talked to National they said it is operationally same as new, but can't be sold as new for cosmetic reasons. They would transfer the existing fridge faceplate over so any cosmetic issue would be covered or hidden. Installation would probably be about $175. I would definitely go this route if you want to keep the same type.

Call and see what they say. I have talked to the owner who is very knowledgeable. I think he has someone else handling the phonecalls now so he can focus on the installs and rebuilds.

Please let us know what you find out and do.

[GallenH]

I've been pondering my Dometic RM2310 (25yr old, no electronics, 3-way) replacement for about 3 years! If you google you can find that there are several firms that sell new or refurbished absorption coils. If you're willing to do it yourself they're generally not that expensive $400-500. It will probably be better than new since they boast a better mix of chemicals in the system. Can they compete with a compressor system. Probably not. But it all depends on where you live and travel. They will give you cooling 40-60 degrees below the ambient temp. Ok if you're in the 80-90 degree range. Not so good if you're in 110º

[peteco]

Originally Posted by GallenH

I've been pondering my Dometic RM2310 (25yr old, no electronics, 3-way) replacement for about 3 years! If you google you can find that there are several firms that sell new or refurbished absorption coils. If you're willing to do it yourself they're generally not that expensive $400-500. It will probably be better than new since they boast a better mix of chemicals in the system. Can they compete with a compressor system. Probably not. But it all depends on where you live and travel. They will give you cooling 40-60 degrees below the ambient temp. Ok if you're in the 80-90 degree range. Not so good if you're in 110º

The rebuild companies claim better cooling with their coils, and the few reviews I have seen seem to support that. My new Dometic RM2554 does not seem to cool as well as the 2006 model year one did 10 years ago. The old one gradually lost cooling capacity until it stopped cooling 2 years ago. I think the cooling capacity is sensitive to the coolant fill amount and composition. I know of some that have fantastic cooling from their absorption unit, and others with poor cooling, even when all other cooling improvement measures have been taken: coil fans, insulation, vent geometry, etc.

As I said earlier, check your door seals. Poor leaking door seals can negate the most efficient fridge cooling unit.

[Rlum]

Originally Posted by peteco

Please provide details on your system. Product number, cost, installation tips, etc.

Originally had a Dometic RML8330. Kept the same box. Ordered a Vitrifrigo ND50 conversion kit. It was the smallest foot print I could find. Vitrifrigo makes a ND35 which uses a smaller Danfoss compressor. ND50 was maybe $100 more. I kept the Dometic box since cabinets were made to fit this unit. Removed all of the original 3 way components. Purchased a Vitrifrigo cooling box(S10)? I did not trust myself bending cooling plates, etc.

The conversion kit ran about $800.00 Another $225.00 for the cooling box. So I would say about $1200 for the entire conversion kit. Had to purchase some tools and brackets to make it all work properly.

The box now stays very cold. No problems as long as you have enough electrical power. No worries about being exactly level. I has used the conversion since May. It has worked extremely well. Very happy with the unit. Outside the unit looks identical so no cabinet changes.

[peteco]

Originally Posted by Rlum

Originally had a Dometic RML8330. Kept the same box. Ordered a Vitrifrigo ND50 conversion kit. It was the smallest foot print I could find. Vitrifrigo makes a ND35 which uses a smaller Danfoss compressor. ND50 was maybe $100 more. I kept the Dometic box since cabinets were made to fit this unit. Removed all of the original 3 way components. Purchased a Vitrifrigo cooling box(S10)? I did not trust myself bending cooling plates, etc.

The conversion kit ran about $800.00 Another $225.00 for the cooling box. So I would say about $1200 for the entire conversion kit. Had to purchase some tools and brackets to make it all work properly.

The box now stays very cold. No problems as long as you have enough electrical power. No worries about being exactly level. I has used the conversion since May. It has worked extremely well. Very happy with the unit. Outside the unit looks identical so no cabinet changes.

How did you mount the cooling box? Can you provide pictures?

[hbn7hj]

Originally Posted by Rlum

I believe you are looking for JC Refrigeration?
https://jc-refrigeration.com/

I heard they no longer do the compressor refrigeration conversions but will rebuild 3 way with their improved version?

Not according to their website. It is still offering 12 colt compressor conversions for some gas refrigerators.

They have never offered 12 volt conversion for the Dometic 2354 and other smaller refrigerators used in class B vans. There isn’t enough room for the compressor.

[Rlum]

Originally Posted by peteco

How did you mount the cooling box? Can you provide pictures?

Inside the refridge is the cooling box. I just drilled thru existing box and connected the copper lines. The black rubber tubing is the insulation wrapping the copper lines. Again, you will need to purchase a unit which fits your existing space. Originally, I purchased a Nova Kool unit because someone had used it in their Travato. Once I got it and looked it over. It was very clear, way too large of foot print. I returned it and purchased the Vitrifrigo. Many companies make these conversion boxes for 3 way in the marine world. Also take a look at Alibaba. They have a large variety of compressor refrigerator boxes. I found one around 100liters for $1200 including shipping. It would have fit but was slightly smaller.

[peteco]

Rlum, can you provide a picture of the inside?

[Rlum]

Originally Posted by peteco

Rlum, can you provide a picture of the inside?

Actually the box comes preformed. Just measure dimensions and chose the best fit. I just zip tied to the wire shelf. Wired shelves were something I did awhile back to increase air flow. Still have original plastic shelves but found the wire ones function better. You can order a plate but require more bending to fit inside box?

[peteco]

Rlum. So you don't have a freezer then. Looks like the original fridge had a removable freezer section.

[Rlum]

Originally Posted by peteco

Rlum. So you don't have a freezer then. Looks like the original fridge had a removable freezer section.

I removed the freezer box about 3-4 years ago. Could not get it cold enough? I still have the box and all of the internal shelves, etc. We prefer having a larger refrigeration space. I guess, one could install some clear plastic enclosure on the front and back of box? One could create a very cold separate space similar to a freezer? Some people have done this. My thermostat says this space easily gets down to 24 degrees when thermostat is set to 7:00 position. I guess one could get the box down to 5-10 degrees easily?

[ChicagoTom]

Originally Posted by alwechs

Does anyone know the company that sells rebuilt Dometic fridges in the Midwest? I believe they are in Indiana or Illinois. I saw someone discussing them here a while ago. Bonus question: fridge model number for Roadtrek 2006? Thanks!

My 08/09 PW has the RM2354 Model. I replaced it with like for like. Easy job, just an FYI. Never understood all the hate for the 3-Way. Mine stays ice cold up to around 105 degrees outside. Definitely need the inside fan pointed at the evap on the top shelf. Outside fan is a joke. My replacement has it and it's more of a PIA than anything. Ex HVAC tech for what it's worth.

[tlillard23]

Had the amonia leak out in ohio, National RV refrigeration was open so I went through Indiana and I bought a scratch n dent 3 way converted euro version. Amish folks always good to deal with, straight talkers no B.S. It was a toss up between a rebuilt 2 way, new 2 way or the euro 3 way. He wasn't recommending the DC heater of the 3 way, because as we all know now, the DC heater/cooling is the worst effective and eats most power.
If I were to do it again, I would have gone with the 2-way, can't count on solar anywhere, especially east of the Mississippi. When I do have enough power, I now use the inverter to run the fridge instead of the high-current poor performing dc section.

[GallenH]

Originally Posted by tlillard23

If I were to do it again, I would have gone with the 2-way, can't count on solar anywhere, especially east of the Mississippi. When I do have enough power, I now use the inverter to run the fridge instead of the high-current poor performing dc section.

Would be interested in knowing the size of the inverter that you're running. An existing one or one you got for this purpose?