DIY RV Fridge Repair - Step By Step How To Replace the Cooling Unit of a Dometic RV Fridge

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  • Опубліковано 21 сер 2024
  • If the cooling unit of your RV fridge is on the fritz then you're faced with a few options. You can purchase a new RV refrigerator for a few thousand dollars.
    Or you can swap it out for a new residential refrigerator and end your reliance on propane. Lastly, you can choose to replace the cooling unit with a remanufactured unit.
    If you choose to replace the old cooling unit, then you can either do it yourself or hire a professional.
    In this video, we show you how you can replace the cooling unit in your RV fridge. We chose to hire a professional. And after seeing how much work it was and the various ways that we could have damaged the fridge if we had done a DIY cooling unit replacement on our own, we were glad we did.
    But if you are up for replacing the cooling unit of your RV fridge, then this video will show you everything you need to know so that you can get your fridge up and working again!
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 124

  • @nmartin5551
    @nmartin5551 5 місяців тому +11

    This is my second view of this. THis installer is simply awesome!! What a teacher!!

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  5 місяців тому +2

      Glad you liked it! He definitely convinced me with his thoroughness that it was not a diy project for me!

  • @joannejones4762
    @joannejones4762 День тому

    The installer is amazing!!!!!

  • @greauxpete
    @greauxpete Рік тому +12

    You lucked out with this professional. He is a natural teacher.

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  Рік тому +2

      He really is! And he volunteered this information because he truly wanted to help others!

  • @TheArtDeva
    @TheArtDeva Місяць тому +2

    He was awesome! I'd love to hire him to come out to fix mine right now! Our fridge died last night. So stressful! 😢

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  10 днів тому +1

      It is super stressful, but there are other knowledgeable people like him out there. We were fortunate in the timing of finding him. But if you jump in groups and forums you might find someone nearby. It's definitely not in my capacity to DIY and I've done a lot of building, repairing, and fixing everything in our RVs over the past 6 years!

  • @dwightoverman3250
    @dwightoverman3250 Рік тому +8

    This was the most informative and professional presentation on the replacement of a cooling unit. Dwight

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  Рік тому

      Thanks! The gentleman who installed it wanted to make sure that it was just that!

  • @BrianM-g4p
    @BrianM-g4p 29 днів тому +2

    I will like to hire him too. My fridge is dying now.

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  10 днів тому +1

      Unfortunately part of his deal was not to promote him or his business as he said he already stays busy enough. We're reaching out to see if he'll change his mind!

  • @brenyz5013
    @brenyz5013 27 днів тому +1

    It’s a miracle you found that guy

  • @nmartin5551
    @nmartin5551 6 місяців тому +2

    Nice to see the education with the repair! thanks for sharing! Great that this guy is tossing in some tips for we Norcold owners! LOVE the dolly tip!

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  6 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching! Glad it helped!

  • @daviscrt
    @daviscrt 7 місяців тому +3

    For $475 plus $100 for shipping, the Cooling Unit its defiantly worth it doing yourself. For me I like boondocking so a propane fridge is defiantly a way to go. Thanks Don

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  6 місяців тому +1

      It’s DIY if you have the tools and are comfortable taking everything apart like this. For most people, DIY is beyond them. I’m fairly handy and I wouldn’t take this project on

    • @kengilliskg
      @kengilliskg 3 місяці тому +1

      what cooling unit replacement company does he use?

  • @MrBassinhuntin
    @MrBassinhuntin Рік тому +3

    WOW what a great teaching video with an expert installation.

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  Рік тому

      Glad it was helpful! He’s definitely a great teacher so we are glad we captured it!

  • @jonamoon150367
    @jonamoon150367 27 днів тому +1

    Great educational video !!. Thank you for that well taught insight.

  • @SalteeChick
    @SalteeChick 23 дні тому +1

    The tech makes me want to pack up my 5th wheel and drive to him for my repair.

  • @lcar9871
    @lcar9871 Рік тому +4

    Great video! I'm repairing the same model Dometic fridge today. I chose one of the Amish-built cooling units from JC Refrigeration. It comes with an excellent 50+ page installation manual but it is still useful to see a good RV tech do the job. One great take-away is that Harbor Freight hydraulic platform. I had no idea just how heavy and bulky the fridge was until I had wrestled it out - not a good surprise! I have a HF platform that I use for installing heavy window AC units. You bet I will be using it to put the camper fridge back in the hole!
    This guy is a good instructor. I think the comment he made around 24:15, where he said, "If you ever want to do this for a job..." was very telling. Like the other trades, RV repair is desperate for more techs and guys like him can't keep up with the demand. He needs an apprentice

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  Рік тому +1

      Hope it works out for you! He’s a great teacher which is why we put the very long version out there!

    • @Thinker2-truth
      @Thinker2-truth Рік тому

      The #1 cause of fire in an RV is the Propane Fridge. Solution: Convert to 12VDC Compressor type which is 100W not 300W efficiency.

    • @nmartin5551
      @nmartin5551 5 місяців тому

      @@Thinker2-truthI have heard that the number cause of camper van fires is the battery/solar set up. Everything has risks.

    • @Thinker2-truth
      @Thinker2-truth 5 місяців тому

      @@nmartin5551I did not mention camper van. I'm talking Class A Motor Home and Propane. Electrical is always a risk, especially home built.
      I have a Dometic that needs a 300W Pure Sign Wave inverter to run on DC, and a SunDanzer Freezer that uses 100W @ 12VDC

    • @nmartin5551
      @nmartin5551 5 місяців тому

      @@Thinker2-truth I appreciate that. Just felt like saying that everything has a risk. Is SunDanzer the model You use?

  • @goingoffgridfromscratch
    @goingoffgridfromscratch Місяць тому +1

    Thank you for this video it will help me a lot when I replace my cooling system

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  10 днів тому

      As long as you have confidence and know what you're doing, it should be helpful!

  • @FordRVRefrigeration
    @FordRVRefrigeration 4 місяці тому +2

    Good video ! thanks for helping educate RV owners. GBYAY

  • @thehonestmechanic
    @thehonestmechanic Місяць тому +1

    WD stands for water dispersant. And it does work great on electrical

  • @randy1203
    @randy1203 Рік тому +4

    Great video. It seems to me, I would rather replace the unit with new! A lot of confusion just to replace the melted or damaged part. I think I would also build out a new framed area for a residential fridge!!

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  Рік тому

      Great point! If we didn’t know the installer we would have gone with a residential and we would have had to build a special frame for whatever fridge we put in. Unfortunately this guy didn’t want to be mentioned but if you can find an installer who is knowledgeable it’s worth it. But if you feel confident with framing the residential, then you don’t have to worry about being level. And the residential power is a fraction of the amo draw in 12v dc

  • @gereshomeE
    @gereshomeE Рік тому +3

    Amazing find that he was right there and able (willing) to help you! ☺

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  Рік тому +1

      We had to go out of our way to get to him. But we made it part of our itinerary as we needed it fixed! But yes, it was fortunate he took us on as customers!

    • @gereshomeE
      @gereshomeE Рік тому

      @@CalledToWander I prefer 3-Way propane refrigerators to just only electric.

    • @TrustInHim777
      @TrustInHim777 Рік тому +3

      @@CalledToWander where is this guys located?

    • @TheArtDeva
      @TheArtDeva Місяць тому +1

      ​@@CalledToWander what is his contact info?

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  Місяць тому

      @@TheArtDeva he didn’t want us giving out his contact info. But he’s in the Phoenix AZ area. Just do a google search

  • @ronpetroski7203
    @ronpetroski7203 Місяць тому +2

    Being a mechanic. I will let the rv pro do this one.

  • @marleneflanagan7137
    @marleneflanagan7137 Рік тому +1

    this came at the perfect time. I think we messed ours up running it when the unit was not level.

  • @edithkelley6739
    @edithkelley6739 Рік тому +2

    Great video🙌🙌🏽🙌🏼

  • @johnbolton9368
    @johnbolton9368 Рік тому +1

    I'll standing knowledge I really enjoyed your video definitely made me think I knew what I was doing😅

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  Рік тому

      It was beyond our ability to do on our own. We thought it would be helpful because a lot of people say this is DIY- but you definitely have to know what you’re doing to DIY

  • @whatfreedom7
    @whatfreedom7 9 днів тому

    I have a dometic rm2351 that never has cooled well. Bought the TT brand new about 3 years ago and it’s always sucked. It will cool but no better than 40° and once you start actually using it in real conditions where your opening it it will be sitting at 50°. This week it’s been sitting at 45° not in normal use. 1:04:37 Not safe for any meats,milk etc. I’ve tried,themister,leveling,now I’m testing a new 140mm twin variable titan fans to see how it’s going to work. If it helps great but I don’t have much hope for this fridge at this point. I’m probably going to end up having to replace the cooling unit or swap the whole fridge to something that works better. My local repair center wants $80 to diagnose and $160 a hour to work on it which is fine if they can actually fix it.

  • @weloveups831
    @weloveups831 Рік тому +1

    Awesome video!
    Thanks to this professional, fantastic job of being helpful and informative.
    The one question I was left with on his rebuild. Is how he formed the form around the rebuild evap. By its color it looked like it was still an original from a prior unit!

    • @lcar9871
      @lcar9871 Рік тому

      If you mean the stovepipe-like duct around the boiler tube, at around 38:45 you see him begin to take apart and transfer the duct from the failed unit onto the new one. I'm in the middle of doing this same job right now, but installing a new Amish cooling unit. The new one came with the duct, except for the removable panel which covers the heating element opening

    • @weloveups831
      @weloveups831 Рік тому

      @@lcar9871 That is not what I am asking about. The foam already formed around the evap coils. I am curious if a new/ rebuilt unit come that way.
      Thank you for responding!

    • @lcar9871
      @lcar9871 Рік тому +1

      @weloveups got it! I bought new, from JC Refrigeration, and it came with the foam formed around the evap tubes. Others I've seen also came with the foam in place

    • @weloveups831
      @weloveups831 Рік тому

      @@lcar9871 thank you

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  Рік тому +2

      This is a refurbished (original) that he refurbished himself using his experience in aerospace tech. Not sure how he did it but it’s held up wonderfulky

  • @paullesho2693
    @paullesho2693 10 місяців тому +1

    Thanks!

  • @bradhigginbotham4157
    @bradhigginbotham4157 2 місяці тому +1

    this guys good, I know that because Im good!

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  10 днів тому

      We'd love to be able to confirm how good you are, but good recognizes good so we'll take your word on it! He really is amazing!

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  10 днів тому

      We'd love to be able to confirm how good you are, but good recognizes good so we'll take your word on it! He really is amazing!

  • @natelarge
    @natelarge 3 місяці тому

    awesome video

  • @hermanbrown5190
    @hermanbrown5190 Рік тому +2

    Hello and thanks for the great video. I have one question regarding the new unit. Could you tell me the model or where you purchased the new cooling unit.
    We look forward to your reply.
    Thanks,
    Herman

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  Рік тому +2

      It’s a refurbished cooling unit off a dometic RM 2652. This guy that did the install refurbishes the cooling units he takes off of your fridge, that’s all I know.

  • @jena1307
    @jena1307 2 місяці тому +3

    Hi. Thanks for all you do! i live in Nova Scotia, Canada in my 2003 Glendale Titanium . My fridge just went - I could smell the ammonia so I knew the cooling unit was finished. Unfortunately where I live there are no reliable and competent professionals that I would trust to swap out the cooling unit, so I am going to try it myself. Would you happen to have recommendations on where to purchase a new or refurbished cooling unit? I think you mentioned you had suggestions, but I didn't see it here in the notes. Thanks so much and I hope I can do this!

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  Місяць тому +2

      jc-refrigeration.com not sure if they ship to Canada, this company refurbishes the fridge cooling units and also makes a 12 volt compressor unit that you can convert your fridge to if you wanted. Hope this helps

    • @TheArtDeva
      @TheArtDeva Місяць тому +1

      ​@CalledToWander thank you!

  • @ooeybc
    @ooeybc Місяць тому

    Excellent video thanks. You mentioned the guy helping you was a fridge expert from British Columbia. Well, I'm in BC and I need a fridge expert. Mine is a 3-way Norcold 662 out of a '92 C Class motorhome. The fridge still works on gas but the DC and the AC are kaput. Please post the guy's info, either here or by DM. Thanks.

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  28 днів тому +1

      @@ooeybc he actually asked us not to mention his business. The guy who diagnosed our fridge as dead is from BC but this guy who installed the new cooling unit is from Phoenix AZ. If you do a google search for RV fridge cooling unit repair or refurbished in phoenix his website should pull up.

  • @richeyfoss3826
    @richeyfoss3826 Рік тому +1

    Did you have a place where you can by the unit .great video and very helpful

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  Рік тому

      No, unfortunately our friend asked us not to share his information. You can do a quick google search to see if there is anyone that may be able to help: remanufactured RV refrigerator cooling unit

    • @richeyfoss3826
      @richeyfoss3826 Рік тому

      @@CalledToWander ok thanks again

  • @hermanbrown5190
    @hermanbrown5190 Рік тому +2

    Hello,
    What is the name of the cooling system you purchased. Trying to stay away from the Chinese brand.
    Thanks

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  Рік тому +1

      It’s a refurbished cooking unit. We got ours through a friend of a friend. But you can search for Amish refurbished cooling units.

  • @phonemd1
    @phonemd1 Рік тому +1

    can I ask ?? I just cleaned the burner on my dometic DM 2652 it works great, but I noticed the igniter gets red hot when the flame is on, is that normal? is it supposed to get glowing red hot? thanks in advance for your answer!....

  • @whatfreedom7
    @whatfreedom7 3 дні тому

    What kind of labor should people expect to pay for this?

  • @greigmarshall7801
    @greigmarshall7801 8 місяців тому +1

    He said he was going to show how to repair a broken fin on the heat exchanger, but must have forgotten or it was edited out. Any chance of getting that information?

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  6 місяців тому +1

      Sorry, he didn’t end up showing it. Wasn’t edited out- just don’t have it!

  • @aliciaadams4629
    @aliciaadams4629 Рік тому +1

    How much did it cost to hire a professional? Looking at a camper that needs a new cooling unit

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  Рік тому +2

      We were fortunate that this was just under $1,000 - well below the replacement cost for a new fridge. Of course, rates and availabilities vary depending on where/when you are looking for help. Just keep in mind that these specialized experts are not always easy to find. General RV repair people may know how to tinker with different components but may not how to replace (or know whether it is even necessary) the entire cooling unit. Hope you find someone that works for you!

  • @jeffmill6683
    @jeffmill6683 Рік тому +1

    I wish I seen this before I ripped out my old fridge.

  • @DaveScott-rl7qb
    @DaveScott-rl7qb 3 місяці тому

    I have a semi newer model Norcold N811. The fridge quit working so I checked the voltages at the 120 and the 12v (13.1vdc). When I power it, I here the contacts click but no spark, no gas valve energizing, no nothing. The inside reads and does all the things but the outside acts like it's not being told to come on. I do HVAC and the board is basically the same as spark ignition control boards on those but I'm at a point where I'm stumped. I did change the control board because I was pretty confident in my diagnosis. It does the exact same thing as the old. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  3 місяці тому

      Sorry we’re not the experts. We were fortunate to find someone who was!

  • @Glich_plays_games
    @Glich_plays_games 2 місяці тому +1

    How do I know if replacing the coming unit is what I need to do?

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  2 місяці тому +1

      Typically you will see a yellow crystallization forming on the pipes or underneath the baffle if you take a few screws off. Thats the ammonia leaking out.

    • @Glich_plays_games
      @Glich_plays_games 2 місяці тому +1

      I removed the panel and there's nothing yellow and no smell. It has power for the electric but does not cool. I turn propane on and it starts cooling. Will not cool on electric

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  2 місяці тому +1

      @@Glich_plays_games the heating element is most likely bad. Search your fridge model number and “heating element” and you should be able to buy one. Amazon sells them too

    • @Glich_plays_games
      @Glich_plays_games 2 місяці тому

      @@CalledToWander thank you so much

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  2 місяці тому

      @@Glich_plays_games Not sure what this could mean aside from perhaps the motherboard is bad. You could try and replace that (send it back if not). We replaced our motherboard at one point for another issue and it was literally plug and play. Number the fuses as you take them off and it's usually just 2 or 3 screws. Another option if it works on propane is just to run it on propane. If you stay anywhere for a longer period of time, install an Extend A Stay propane adapter like this and use an external tank you can take and refill/swap out. My money is on the motherboard for the electric, but that's only because it seems evident it is not the propane system. amzn.to/4dS2cnv

  • @jackieestrada9747
    @jackieestrada9747 Рік тому +1

    Do you have any video how to fix a hole in the roof of rv.?

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  Рік тому

      Unfortunately we do not. We always steer clear of buying RVs with roof damage and have not taken on any major repairs that involve that. I’m sure there’s someone out there with some information. Depending on the damage it may be repaired with Dicor lap sealant, eternabond tape and Henry Tropi-cool paint. We do have a video on roof maintenance using these.

  • @Thinker2-truth
    @Thinker2-truth Рік тому

    The #1 cause of fire in an RV is the Propane Fridge. Solution: Convert to 12VDC Compressor type which is 100W not 300W efficiency.

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  11 місяців тому

      We’re good. Thanks

    • @Thinker2-truth
      @Thinker2-truth 11 місяців тому

      @@CalledToWander Full coverage! Ah?

    • @jeremywallace5961
      @jeremywallace5961 11 місяців тому +1

      You seem to be trolling

    • @Thinker2-truth
      @Thinker2-truth 11 місяців тому

      @@jeremywallace5961 So stating facts is "trolling" in your world?

  • @kimmortensen4553
    @kimmortensen4553 6 місяців тому

    I'm in British Columbia. We Have a 1987 Prevost. Cooling unit fried. would love to hire this gentleman to help me install a new cooling unit. Any chance of reaching out to him?

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  6 місяців тому

      Unfortunately part of the deal was he said he does not need/want the work but would show all the details to us in the video. Sorry!

  • @SalteeChick
    @SalteeChick 23 дні тому

    Where did the installer purchase the cooling unit? I need to replace mine, but definitely don't want the China version that won't last long.

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  19 днів тому

      @@SalteeChick he takes the old broken ones off his customers unit and refurbishes them. He says the newer dometics are all Chinese crap and the older ones were from Sweden. He only refurbishes the Swedish ones I believe.

  • @JJRiggsEquipment
    @JJRiggsEquipment Рік тому +1

    I have a question for that tech if you know how to reach him.

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  Рік тому

      Sorry but he asked to remain anonymous in exchange for being so thorough in the demonstration.

  • @johnnylucero586
    @johnnylucero586 2 роки тому

    My unit just went last week. Can you tell me where I can get the replacement unit and the cost?

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  Рік тому +1

      Unfortunately our friend does not want or need the business and only allowed us to film and share because he wanted people to understand the challenges involved. There are certified RV mechanics out there who will replace units for you. Look up the Amish for cooling unit replacement as well. Sorry we can't offer any other specific info.

  • @stevenlight8929
    @stevenlight8929 10 місяців тому

    If i was worried about a rusted screw I sure wouldn't hammer it with a impact.

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  10 місяців тому

      He’s a professional and did exactly what he knew to do

  • @verdigo5892
    @verdigo5892 2 роки тому +2

    Where is this guy and how much does he charge?

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  Рік тому +1

      Unfortunately a deal for being able to film was not disclosing this information. Our friend has all the business he wants and needs. But he wanted to show viewers the challenges in going DIY and what to look for if you went that route. There are RV mechanics out there who will do these replacements. You just have to search and perhaps drive a few hundred miles if necessary.

    • @verdigo5892
      @verdigo5892 Рік тому +1

      @@CalledToWander Understood. Thanks for the reply.

  • @marcibowman1603
    @marcibowman1603 Місяць тому

    Call to Wander, does he have UA-cam channel?

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  10 днів тому +1

      He does not. He has a very interesting perspective of the world, which is part of why he was willing to share his expertise but not market his business or person in the process.

  • @cavaleiro95
    @cavaleiro95 Місяць тому

    Wow these refrigerators are so dam complicated and a night mare , why don’t they just install a residential fridge ??

    • @DUCKSAREEVILLLLLLLL
      @DUCKSAREEVILLLLLLLL 28 днів тому

      You can't run generators in a lot of places after dark.

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  10 днів тому +1

      These refrigerators were first built years before modern technology provided energy-efficient options. Residential fridges now are very energy efficient. But, for example, running this fridge on electric is very inefficient. However, these fridges (pre-2000s) were built like tanks and for having the efficiency of propane, they were a great option. The newer residential fridges cannot handle the road as well as these and I doubt any fridge you buy in 2024 will still run like this one does 25 years later. To directly answer your question, we looked at the pros and cons of residential fridges and when we found this guy we confirmed that it is better to repair the older, better-built fridge than to put in something we might have to replace 2 or 3 times in the life of our RV.

  • @pwtimbie
    @pwtimbie 2 місяці тому

    Dude! Just get too the repair, You talk a bit too much.

    • @CalledToWander
      @CalledToWander  2 місяці тому +1

      You don't have to watch. This was a literal step-by-step DIY repair done by a professional for people to know how to do it. Thanks for watching!