Refrigerator replacement vs. repair 2017 17B

[hrewer]

On a recent trip to Montana de Oro State Park, we returned from a walk to find smoke/steam pouring out of our refrigerator vent. We shut off the gas and grabbed the fire extinguisher and hosed the compartment down. The smoke alarm was not set off until we opened the door. At this point I am assuming that the problem is a refrigerant/ammonia leak. (Dometic RM2354 3 cu ft 3 way) We turned the gas back on and checked for a propane leak with a portable gas sensor and all was ok. We spent the night in the trailer and cooked and used the water heater and furnace and all was ok.
We are trying to decide whether to have the unit repaired, or but a new replacement. We'd appreciate any input on this.
If we replace, we have a choice between the new version of the original unit or the 4 cu. ft. version RM 2454 which Escape now offers and says does not use up any extra storage space. The larger unit would require some cabinet modification.
We'd love to hear people's ideas on this, particularly if your have any experience with the actual replacement. The refrigerator appears to have been modified some since ours was made and I wonder what that will mean for installation. Thanks, Howard Brewer

[hrewer]

Does anyone have experience with replacing a fridge?

[brroberts]

I don’t have a 17b, but the RV fridges I have pulled out have always been 3 ways, and easy to do. Remove 12v +/- usually on a terminal block, 120VAC, usually just an outlet, condensate drain that just practically falls off, a gas line with a wrench or two, 2 to 4 bottom mounting screws, and some interior trim and screws. This allows it to slide out into the trailer. You may need to remove a pin or two, or a few screws to remove the fridge door to get it to fit out the trailer door. I know on some gen one Escapes, the trailer door frame had to be removed by taking out several screws.

Starting on page 5 post 84 is where I removed our E19 fridge.

https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...e-21759-5.html

[Bobbie54]

I had the smaller one in my 15, have the 4 in my 17b, and it is no contest. Go for the larger one. Though I guess that could depend on whether you are doing it yourself or not and your skills. All other things being equal I'd go bigger.