RMD 8555 replacement

[John in Santa Cruz]

My RMD8555 is DOA, at first it wouldn't run on propane, now it won't even turn on with 120VAC.

local Dometic service guy says parts for these are /really/ hard to get, often take 6 months or more.

So what alternatives will approximately fit in a E21 classic (2014) ? I'm beginning to think compressor fridge is way to go, although my portable compressor cooler (a Dometic CFX3-75DZ) seems to draw 4-5 amps pretty much all the time, so thats 100AH/day, so I'd have to substantially beef up my batteries *AND* solar (currently dual golf cart wet cells, plus the stock 160W solar).

[huskersteffy]

Another thread with similar issue: what replacement options are out there that will fit through existing door and space? I am following both threads with much interest.

https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...tor-20976.html

[Rossue]

Sorry to hear about the RM8555; I thought mine was done a year ago and got a quote for a Norcold absorption fridge. Was going to be about $1400 installed.

[Donna D.]

IF you like the refrigerator, have you considered just replacing the guts?

https://jc-refrigeration.com/

[C&G in FL]

Did not someone at some time post that the Amish outfit that manufactured cooling units for absorption refrigerators had come up with a cooling unit for the 8555? That could be a possible solution.

And If it will not start, it could be a control board issue. A competent electronics person who repairs circuit boards could likely diagnose and replace any failed components on a malfunctioning board. Most are readily available resistors, computer chips, etc.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by C&G in FL

Did not someone at some time post that the Amish outfit that manufactured cooling units for absorption refrigerators had come up with a cooling unit for the 8555?

I think that info is in this thread: https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...its-11451.html

[C&G in FL]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

I think that info is in this thread: https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...its-11451.html

Yes, you posted while I was composing. But I think that is the way to go. It’s likely that the Amish product is superior to what Dometic supplies.

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by C&G in FL

Did not someone at some time post that the Amish outfit that manufactured cooling units for absorption refrigerators had come up with a cooling unit for the 8555? That could be a possible solution.

And If it will not start, it could be a control board issue. A competent electronics person who repairs circuit boards could likely diagnose and replace any failed components on a malfunctioning board. Most are readily available resistors, computer chips, etc.

I can't get the schematics for the AES2 version of this fridge. Local Demetic authorized service guy says HE can't get them without having to go through all kinda hell. its like Dometic doesn't even want to admit they sold these things.

[John in Santa Cruz]

sao it looks like a NovaKool RFU6800 is pretty close to the same size, just slightly smaller on the outside, so would be a relatively easy fit.

Dometic RMD8555 - 49" high, 20-5/8" wide, 24-7/16" deep
NovaKool RFU6800 - 47 1/3" high, 20 1/4" wide, 21 1/2" deep. well,

except the door thing, eeeek. hmm, my door measures 22" and a bit wide even without removing the rubber gasket, and its 55" or so high. Might have to do something with the screen slider but thats not a showstopper.

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

sao it looks like a NovaKool RFU6800 is pretty close to the same size, just slightly smaller on the outside, so would be a relatively easy fit.

Dometic RMD8555 - 49" high, 20-5/8" wide, 24-7/16" deep
NovaKool RFU6800 - 47 1/3" high, 20 1/4" wide, 21 1/2" deep. well,

except the door thing, eeeek. hmm, my door measures 22" and a bit wide even without removing the rubber gasket, and its 55" or so high. Might have to do something with the screen slider but thats not a showstopper.

Hi: John in Santa Cruz... "Watch your fingers"!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[gklott]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

Dometic RMD8555 - 49" high, 20-5/8" wide, 24-7/16" deep
NovaKool RFU6800 - 47 1/3" high, 20 1/4" wide, 21 1/2" deep.

Sorry to hear your Dometic reached EOL.

Another option in AC/DC only is the Isotherm Cruise 165, 48" high x 19.7" wide x 20.3" deep.

You might also consider stacking a couple of Isotherm or Vitifrigo components or maybe the Vitifrigo DW250. Did you check out the Tundra, Furrion, SunDanzer, and Unique (HomeDepot) models?

Staying about 48-50" tall, less than 22-1/2" wide (to get into the door), and being a fridge/freezer combo is a tough combination to find. If you can go 52-54" tall, there are many options.

73/gus

[Rossue]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

...except the door thing, eeeek. hmm, my door measures 22" and a bit wide even without removing the rubber gasket, and its 55" or so high. Might have to do something with the screen slider but thats not a showstopper.

You won't have to remove the retracting screen; many of us had their original RML8555's replaced with the RMD8555.

[gklott]

Originally Posted by C&G in FL

Did not someone at some time post that the Amish outfit that manufactured cooling units for absorption refrigerators had come up with a cooling unit for the 8555?

This video shows the entire conversion process.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yte1V3CkDrw

73/gus

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by gklott

This video shows the entire conversion process.

73/gus

I don't see a JC unit for the RMD8555 but maybe they have one, just not listed.

[Sandra L]

Dometic has a recent class action lawsuit against it that was dismissed because of a technicality. The 3 cubic foot one in mine lost its refrigerant and while it was indicated there was a recall years ago, I was never notified. I am going to call customer service on Monday and see what if anything, they will do. It expensive to otherwise replace the parts for this one, so I am contemplating getting a new one.

[gklott]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

I don't see a JC unit for the RMD8555 but maybe they have one, just not listed.

They also did not list online a conversion for the DM2663. When we called, they confirmed they did.

So we recommend calling them.

73/gus

[Vin and Janice]

Hi John;
Dometic has a direct replacement for the 8555. It's their RMD 10.5XT. I ordered on the week of Memorial day, and picked it up today. I'll begin install tomorrow. The new one is 1/2" "thinner" than the old one. I've measured the door, and I should be able to get the old one out / new one in with a little room to spare.

[alanmalk]

I found this description of temperature ranges for refrigerators.


https://procoolmfg.com/refrigerator-...ass-sn-n-st-t/

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by Vin and Janice

Hi John;
Dometic has a direct replacement for the 8555. It's their RMD 10.5XT. I ordered on the week of Memorial day, and picked it up today. I'll begin install tomorrow. The new one is 1/2" "thinner" than the old one. I've measured the door, and I should be able to get the old one out / new one in with a little room to spare.

I don't think I want another propane absorption fridge.

[Vin and Janice]

I found this "new for old-simply swap" guide on the dometic website...see attached photo for recommended replacement fridge. Even though I am extremely disappointed in the RMD 8555, I am going to give the RMD 10.5xt a shot. The replacement received good reviews especially in Europe where it has been around a lot longer. I also like how the door can swing open in either direction.