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Topic: Look what I found today (Read 804 times) previous topic - next topic

Look what I found today

Looking at old records and ran across this.... Guess my U270 dodged a bullet back in 2003.
I take it that if the fridge develops a ammonia leak it's not a guaranteed fire.
1996 U270 36'

Re: Look what I found today

Reply #1 –
It is my understanding that many an RV fridge has leaked the coolant without a resultant fire. If it is on electric, chances of a fire are pretty slim but if it leaks while on gas and the coach is not moving to allow the gas to be blown away, the chances of a fire are much better.

I agree that residential fridges are much safer but if RV two way and three way fridges were so dangerous their use would have been discontinued years ago.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Look what I found today

Reply #2 –
Beth & I were discussing the eventual change-out of our fridge unit in Forrest.  We think that we will stick with an absorption unit as we boon dock often for long periods of time.  We would have to invest in solar power supplement.  Then again, Beth likes shady spots as well, so there goes the solar idea out the window.  Also most parks that do not have electric also limit the use of generators, so leaving the genset in auto start over night is a no-no.

There is always the option to R&R the cooling unit as a PM item sooner rather than later.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Look what I found today

Reply #3 –
Peter, we agree with your conclusion. I think the absorption unit fits our needs the best also. The RV Cooling Unit Warehouse, RV Cooling Unit Warehouse LLC Home Page, has some very good cooling units from what I have heard and read, better than original. The deciding factor seems to be the condition of the old refrigerator itself, the shelves, the seals, and the door covers. One additional plus is no remodeling cost.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Look what I found today

Reply #4 –
Our original equipment refrigerator suffered a rupture as we drove. The unit was operating on propane. We smelled ammonia a couple of times over the period of about an hour. I was not smart enough the shut down the unit. We had no fire. I replaced the cooling unit unit with a new one from Cooling Unit Warehouse. I have been satisfied with the choice. The repaired unit will probably last longer than our travels.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Look what I found today

Reply #5 –
Mine leaked and no fire. Was not scared, too stupid.
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Look what I found today

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Peter & Beth –
There is always the option to R&R the cooling unit as a PM item sooner rather than later.
Peter, After our unit failed, I replaced the cooling unit with a new cooling unit. Eighteen months ago total cost to replace was about $700. It was "so easy" I was able to do it by myself. (I leave most projects to the experts.) I dropped the refrigerator face down in the salon and installed the new cooling package. With some strong help, it would be even easier. There are some videos that show how to do it.

If you do it yourself, take care never to stand a door on the edge with the handles. Trust me. It is easy to break a latch on the handle. (Oh, yeah. I think the job may have eventually cost $725. ;)  )
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Look what I found today

Reply #7 –
Per Kents statement, No remodeling cost if an exact fit unit is available. In my coach, there was less remodel cost going to residential than the recommended dometic.

In my case I would have gone new cooling unit. Started down that path with my 1989 OREG, them decided on new absorption.

Will posture on subject later, but just went 20.6 CF French door stainless counter depth Haier ($1,284 including tax, picked up from Hhgreg in tampa), installed by Parliament in Clearwater for $990, with required cabinet mods. All finish trim required was milled from door inserts from Dometic. Neat solution, perfect match, no staining required. Think I saved $1,000 vs, absorption.

Twice the space inside vs replaced unit, wife very happy, so am I.

Everyone will do what fits them best, and your mileage may vary. But having had a leak once I am very happy to have residential. Time will tell if I feel the same a year from now. May full time In future, not stressed re electrical usage now.

FWIW, Parliament doing 1-2 residential swaps a week, was told they have a lot of working absorption units laying around
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Look what I found today

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Tim Fiedler –
FWIW, Parliament doing 1-2 residential swaps a week, was told they have a lot of working absorption units laying around
Looks like the scare tactics are working.
Rick

Re: Look what I found today

Reply #9 –
I really think that the practicality and economics are compelling. DW is Ecstatic!!!! I lived with the "fire risk" for 10 years, and had an ammonia release (fridge was off at the time).

To each their own, but anybody "on the fence" on the subject should see Dave M's, John S, my coach or someone's residential conversion in person before deciding.
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Look what I found today

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Tim Fiedler –
Mine leaked and no fire. Was not scared, too stupid.

Same with my fridge in the old 5th wheel: twice. Was working - but on electricity - one time. Replaced the cooling unit; 3 years later it went bad again (but not "on" at all) and I sold the RV. New owner put in a residential fridge since he planned to use it only in parks (construction worker).

I am planning on replacing the fridge in our U225 when I can get to it. I do not think they are "scare tactics" as, frankly, no one has anything to gain from that. Residential refrigerator manufacturers are not all rushing to produce replacement RV units; in fact finding one that does the job in an RV is not easy. But solar panels are pretty much a necessity; along with a decent inverter.

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."

Re: Look what I found today

Reply #11 –
Not to mention enhanced saleability (sp) with residential conversion
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)
 

Re: Look what I found today

Reply #12 –
when our fridge whent on the blink I priced the cooling unit from the Amish site and it was $1200 plus shipping and with all the same work taking it out and in. I bought the Whirlpool for $350 and seperate inverter for $250. Did it myself and gained a lot of storage and far better cooling. No scare tactics involved just common sense and a large saving too. This money helps toward my solar installation and I do not have to think about smelling Ammonia!! Power needed to run it is very low.
If a person knows they are not going to have a fire from an absorbtion unit then maybe they should throw out the smoke and carbon monoxide detecters too as they are no doubt also not going to have a problem with gas etc inhalation!!
John H
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.