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/f9/replacing-a-dometic-rmd-8555-refrigerator-20976.html

 

[Rossue2]

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.]

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/f9/amish-replacement-cooling-units-11451.html

 

[C&G in FL]

I think that info is in this thread: https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f9/amish-replacement-cooling-units-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]

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 ****. 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]

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]

Other options

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

 

[Rossue2]

...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]

Mortons on the Move convert their refridgerator

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.

73/gus

 

[John in Santa Cruz]

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]

Recommend calling

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-climate-class-sn-n-st-t/

 

[John in Santa Cruz]

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]

Domestic replacement guide

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.