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Topic: 1995 280 gv fridge replacement (Read 416 times) previous topic - next topic

1995 280 gv fridge replacement

The time has come to replace the fridge. Searching posts for options ,but my question for now will the dometic 7130 go through the door for removal. Thanks, Mark
Mark Freeman 1995 grand villa, Brimson Mn
8.3 Cummins  G95 4709 40 WTBS U280 WE21

Re: 1995 280 gv fridge replacement

Reply #1 –
You might want to think about a new cooling unit.. That can be done inside the RV.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: 1995 280 gv fridge replacement

Reply #2 –
A cooling unit is an option, I checked with a local RV repair shop and they didnt think the cooling unit for my model was available. They were going to call around but I have not heard back.
Mark Freeman 1995 grand villa, Brimson Mn
8.3 Cummins  G95 4709 40 WTBS U280 WE21

Re: 1995 280 gv fridge replacement

Reply #3 –
You can minimize the package going through door by removing fridge doors, brackets and then pull off the cooling unit from the back of fridge. Once stripped down it will be easy to remove out door.

Getting new fridge in depends on what you choose. I removed doors, brackets and all internal shelving going in as well. Makes it a lot lighter.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: 1995 280 gv fridge replacement

Reply #4 –
Who knows what will or wont be found by "calling around". By calling JC Refrigeration in Indiana you are likely to find a cooling unit that you replace by laying your refrigerator face down on the kitchen floor after you verify the door gasket and the remaining parts of the old fridge are still good.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: 1995 280 gv fridge replacement

Reply #5 –
Thank you Realmacoy, that was the info I was hoping to hear. Searching lots of old posts and some made it sound like I had to remove a side window, something I don't want to do.
Mark Freeman 1995 grand villa, Brimson Mn
8.3 Cummins  G95 4709 40 WTBS U280 WE21

Re: 1995 280 gv fridge replacement

Reply #6 –
Phones have been down here in northern MN due to flooding, but today I got threw to JC and they can update to compressor style, that might be the way to go for me.
Mark Freeman 1995 grand villa, Brimson Mn
8.3 Cummins  G95 4709 40 WTBS U280 WE21

Re: 1995 280 gv fridge replacement

Reply #7 –
Quote from: mark f –
today I got threw to JC and they can update to compressor style, that might be the way to go for me.

I've read good things about their compressor conversions.  We asked if they could do one on the fridge in our LTV, but they didn't offer it.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: 1995 280 gv fridge replacement

Reply #8 –
Quote from: mark f –
A cooling unit is an option, I checked with a local RV repair shop and they didnt think the cooling unit for my model was available. They were going to call around but I have not heard back.
Google is your friend....
cooling unit dometic 7130 - Поиск в Google
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: 1995 280 gv fridge replacement

Reply #9 –
Mark, we replaced our Dometic RM7130 with a residential unit Haier. The old fridge will fit thru the door opening with the doors and handles removed also remove the vertical seals around the door piano hinge (you can glue those back on later ) and the wood entry hand rails (2 screws each).Any questions feel free to contact us.
Hans
Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
SKP#139131
Motorcade#17579
2006 Honda Element (towed)

Re: 1995 280 gv fridge replacement

Reply #10 –
Good hints on how to take parts off the old so it MAY fit through the front door. How about hints on how to fit a new replacement through the door. . . But just replacing the rear with 12v compressor or new gas units can eliminate moving the box through the door.

Re: 1995 280 gv fridge replacement

Reply #11 –
Thanks for all the tips, I have to use the coach for a few weeks then I will decide the way to go. The fridge still works, but does not get as cold as it used to, i've done all the tests, it looks like it is time to replace or repair the cooling unit or the whole thing.
Mark Freeman 1995 grand villa, Brimson Mn
8.3 Cummins  G95 4709 40 WTBS U280 WE21
 

Re: 1995 280 gv fridge replacement

Reply #12 –
We replaced ours in the U280 with a Norcold one but my DW hates it.  Not as much room as the old Dometic. Do over I would have switched out the cooling unit.
 
  Ours was complicated by the Covid supply chain and we wanted an ice maker. 
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR