Replacing Dometic Refrigerator

[vetilden]

Hi all. I have a 2012 Escape 19 with the Dometic RM 2510, 5 cubic foot refrigerator.

The cooling unit has almost failed. The problem is they no longer make that refrigerator, and I cannot find any new replacement that will fit through my door. Or fit the cabinets, though that is less of a barrier than being unable to get it inside. The only thing that will fit is the Dometic RM 2351, which is only 3 cu ft and I hate to go smaller! I've been told that I'm wasting my time replacing the cooling unit or getting a used one. If I'm going to get a used one, I'd rather size up to 6 cu ft. What do you all say?

[Donna D.]

You can replace just the cooling unit. It's a sealed unit. From what I understand you replace the unit using simple hand tools. Maybe you'd like to check that out.

Here's one place: https://www.rvcoolingunit.com/

Here's another: https://jc-refrigeration.com/

It's what I will be looking to do, if/when the need arises.


Good luck

[DT6]

Part of your statement mentions that a new one won't fit through the door. Did you research if by removing the new fridge doors helps or if there is any possible "disassembly" of the new unit that will aid in getting it through the door. I don't have a ton of experience with this other than having some similar experiences with furniture in our home. Some of the larger items we have brought home should have been labeled "dis-assembly required".

I am pretty sure you have considered this, but just in case you have not it might be worth looking into.

[vetilden]

Yes, I've heard about replacing the cooling unit. I was told it would cost almost as much as a new refrigerator, would not last, and it was better to just get a new refrigerator. When I took my trailer to the RV shop I found out they got a Norcold refrigerator that they were told was the recommended replacement. I had expected the exact same thing to be installed. After they damaged my old refrigerator taking it out, they found out the new one would not fit through my door. They put my old one back in, but it's messed up now. Hopefully only cosmetic damage, but I don't know yet.

I've also been told to get the Amish cooling units, as they are better.

[vetilden]

I did think of taking the frig door off, but still I can't find anything that will fit!

[Rossue]

Found a Pic of a 5 cu. ft. fridge in a 19; looks like a pantry or microwave above. So you could use this Norcold which is 49 3/16 tall vs. current Dometic 40 29/32.

The width is fine at 20 3/4 vs current 22.83.

https://www.dyersonline.com/norcold-...rigerator.html

Dyer's has it for $1,942; Free shipping & no sales tax. A dealer in Louisville quoted
$2,198.

[Rossue]

19 with 5.0 cu. ft. fridge

[vetilden]

That Norcold looks great. It will fit through my door, and I'll only have to cut into the top cabinet. And it's a bit narrower and not as deep, but could put extra insulation and trim to fix that.

That picture looks like my current Dometic RM 2510 that is 5 cubic feet.

The dimensions I have for the Dometic RM 2510 are:
40 5/16"H x 21 13/16"W x 24"D

Dimension for the Norcold N4150GL are:
49-3/16" H x 20-3/4" W x 21-11/16" to 22-25/32" D

[Rossue]

Another option is to use a Dometic RMD 10.5XT. That is a direct replacement for the RMD 8555 which many opted to get in their Escape 19 when doing their build sheets.

Dimensions: 49.02 H X 20.59 W X 23.82 D

[vetilden]

Thanks Russel

[vetilden]

Other threads that may be helpful:
RMD 10.5XT install
Update on My RMD 10.5XT Install

[Rossue]

This thread is The One for RMD 10.5Xt Inatall. I followed it and worked great for my install.
https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...5xt-21710.html