Dometic RV Refrigerator Cooling Unit Replacement

Today I return to being an RV Tech. It's 115 degrees F and the Dometic RM2652 stopped keeping the owner's food refrigerated. I ran through many options with the owner and they decided to just replace the cooling unit on their Dometic refrigerator. So I'm happy to have you join me as I work through the repair with only a minimum number of issues on this replacement that went surprisingly well. Please note that this video is only for entertainment purposes and the replacement can be dangerous.
Thanks for watching!
Not sponsored but here is Nordic Cooling Units website:
www.nordiccool...

[@robertwenker3712]

James, thank you for the very detailed step by step installation of a new Dometic RM2652 cooling unit. You are a talented pro. First time doing this and after watch the video a few times and writing the steps down, I am ready to install my new unit that just arrived yesterday. My unit is also an Dometic RM2652 that lasted 21 years before it failed. Again, many thanks for your great video!!!!

[@scottfirman]

Watching a pro work on one of these, and discussing your earlier experiences and facts tells me you have years of experience. To me, thats more important than any textbook or college education out there. You have been there and done that. This was how I learned small engine repair and like you, I can go through a repair in a fairly quick time frame with fewer mess ups( except hardware failure). After a while, I learned to carry a few extra parts, especially knowing from past experiences what usually fails during a process. Awesome video. I personally would have replaced the whole refrigerator as the owner of that camper. As you said, you are only doing what the owner wanted.

[@michaelbabella1103]

My '92 winnebago warrior 25' class a, they had to take the fridge out the dinette window when I had it replaced in 2012...fridge was $1,100...removal and install just $100...rv doors are no longer made wide enuf to get a fridge out of...my previous rv, a '77 winnebago chieftain 25' class a on the other hand, fridge came right out the door as it was wide enuf n I replaced that one myself. Great tutorial Sir, another great video!

[@AZExpert]

Thank you!

[@andrewspies1968]

I'm going in to take advanced classes to become a certified Tech starting 8/8. I'm looking forward to having the talent and confidence to do this. You are incredibly skillful and I enjoy watching your videos. I learn a lot from you

[@AZExpert]

Hey Awesome!

[@THEBOSS-vn2ky]

30 years from now you'll be certified. Lol Good luck with that.

[@KenP-x9l]

Very professional, I am not worried about changing my unit out next week. Great job I will watch this a few more times before then. Thank you 🙏

[@badgerpa9]

Cool install... Glad to see you always do a leak test. Stay safe and healthy.

[@AZExpert]

CYA. Always :)

[@robertburgess6100]

Some times you have to do what the customer wants. Great job James.

[@AZExpert]

That is true

[@pross263]

I know AZ stands for Arizona, but you really know everything from A to Z. I really look forward to seeing your videos. With or without a sweet spot.....

[@AZExpert]

LOL Thanks

[@edyoung6573]

Your a Pro brother!! I ended up putting in a "bigger" dorm type fridge in my old 1999 Lance 1030, I swear they built the truck camper around the dometic!! It did suck not have it run on propane but I did have a onboard Onan genny. Got rid of the 99 due to the black tank was falling out of it and so many soft spots. (purchased it in 2020) now have a 1997 Lance Legend 880 with a working Dometic Royale (cooling unit looks new) Picked that up this March, the 97 was garaged for 16 years when not used, solid as a rock. Anyways fantastic job!!!

[@TrailToughTrailers]

James you have more talent in your one hand than I have in both of mine and a friend helping me. The things you can do while filming blows my mind. Also, THANK YOU for showing us what/how a great Tech does things....!!!

[@AZExpert]

Wow, thanks

[@CAROLUSPRIMA]

Agreed. I’m a little disappointed however. I kept waiting to see the roof😊

[@gereshomeE]

You are an AMAZINGLY accomplished Technician! ☺

[@ernestwilliams3112]

Yikes !

[@markstench4470]

That was awesome James thank you, I have a 2672 so very similar. Need new door handles and those are 75 days out from Dometic. Thank you for educating me

[@AZExpert]

Everything takes forever to get

[@DoneRightReviews]

After labor, disposal, parts... this feels like a repair that surpassed the cost of a new unit!

[@AZExpert]

Its not

[@mikemaj8467]

A new unit is not the same quality as a new unit.

[@JeffinTD]

Great job. Gotta do what fits customer’s needs, budget and time table.

[@AZExpert]

Truth!

[@jaydegelder2964]

Wow, big job , well explained, well executed!!! Thanks, I'm learning. Thanks for posting.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@paullesho2693]

Thank you. I am replacing the one I have, My Maden voyage On a RM3662. This really helps. I see there is a bike on your website. I love your fault free ending, I can relate.

[@evanmitton5007]

Awe what a job James, you got more patience than me, if our dometic goes out come on residential fridge, just put in a variable thermistor from a company called clip the tip and it's freezing the food trying to find the sweet spot to place the thermistor.we are in Ennis Montana for the summer hope your surviving the heat ok😅

[@richardbelisle4807]

Had mine replaced about three years ago…by a company owned by Amish….and of course great work…and works great.

[@AZExpert]

Awesome!

[@Shane_Little]

When you started yanking that unit out and the whole camera shook I laughed audibly. lol. I am doing my first one now, two weeks ago I removed it, new cooling unit was damaged so now, two weeks later, I get to try and figure out where all the damn pieces-parts go. I'm dreading tomorrow but I'll get through it. Stay well and thanks for the video and the chuckle!

[@reedprior4255]

How did it go?!?!

[@reedprior4255]

Great video! Thanks for the step by step details and photos!

[@josephharrell5724]

Another great job and video. I can't imagine that they saved much by replacing the cooling unit over buying a new frig. Is it difficult to find an absorption frig now? I prefer 12V frig now but you do need enough battery to take you between charges. Still a good video to see how its done.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@oldmanronerickson2221]

I started a group on Facebook. And it's just Winnebago Outlook rigs only. We now have 243 members, and I mention you all the time. And I stress your roof repairs constantly. Thank you for being so diligent with your videos. You've taught many of us how to maintain a good watertight roof and other small repairs. Thanks again. Oh, we winter in Yuma every year. How do we contact you? I know you're super busy, but it would be nice to contact you for work if needed. Thanks again.

[@-TheMillenniumFalcon]

The risk/reward on that project seems hard to justify. Seems like there are way too many ways for that to go bad. You’re a talented and kind person to fix that fridge.

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@pauljohnston7700]

Hey there James, Paul from Tucson here. been on the road for 2 months. I thought of you last week in Montana when I walked by a Beaver and told the owner that I liked his Beaver, he chuckled. Too bad bout Wally:(

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching, Paul!

[@jancash2944]

Now I know how a demetic ref. Works! Great job

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Jan!

[@ianrobinson4501]

After watching this I know why I like my 12 volt fridge

[@AZExpert]

lol

[@mildredlackey1938]

My gosh, what a job, your work is so good and your such a patient man, 👍

[@AZExpert]

Thank you! I appreciate that

[@dodgeguyz]

Yes, a residential fridge is the way to go! And what I will do when the time come to replace the fridge!

[@AZExpert]

Excellent

[@EfficientRVer]

That wasn't a service call, that was a labor of love and an act of kindness for people wanting to continue living in the past. It is crazy that anyone wants an RV fridge using propane fuel or ammonia refrigerant in 2022. Especially anyone plugged into 120V power in an RV park! The only reasonable choices are 120V fridges, with a plan for using (a generator or) solar, LiFePO4 battery, and inverter when boondocking..... or 12V compressor fridges which of course come with a 120V power brick also. I wouldn't do an even trade of two copies of my $253 Alpicool-clone 50 liter fridge with LG compressor, for that old-school setup. They could use one as a freezer, one as a fridge. I normally use mine as a freezer set to -4F, and move some frozen water bottles from it into a soft-sided cooler bag as my fridge. When I'm on the road, I always have water and Gatorade bottles frozen/freezing in the freezer and unfreezing/drinkable in the cooler bag. The side benefit is cold drinks with their own internal ice supply that doesn't even dilute them. Figuring out what dorm/apartment fridges can be retrofit into the space of various multi-way fridges like that, rebadging them as "AZ Expert Compressor Fridge Conversion Kits", and figuring out trim-kit solutions, might be an idea you could turn into a product line. Ditto for just coming up with solutions to use the guts of a dorm/apt fridge or 12V compressor fridge to cool the metal plates on existing fridges like this one. I realize that removing the fridge and removing the old guts to do a conversion, would still be a nasty job, just without the "praying I don't screw into the ammonia refrigerant lines" problem. But it's much more kit-worthy and DIYable than reconnecting the propane and installing the new ammonia lines. Last but not least, I can vouch for the fact that it's nice waking up to see that money has arrived in your online merchant account, and you just have to get something shipped out, or better yet drop-shipped by someone else. Manual labor can be challenging and fun, but there's only one of you. You can't do 50 jobs a day, but you can click the mouse enough times in an hour to have stuff shipped to 50 paying customers.

[@AZExpert]

That's an idea for sure! I just need 46 more hours in the day

[@brycegreen1257]

Thank you for the help! Great video man.

[@airmailman1971]

Wow, a lot of work.

[@pauljohnston7700]

My pleasure. You're the best of the best!!!!!!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Paul!

[@kencraig7308]

Wonder if people really know just how dangerous anhydrous ammonia really is ? From what a fireman told me you can only be exposed to to about 35 parts per million, I'm sure this is not a common problem but a few years back I was exposed to to 35000 parts per million and yes I will say that that much is just about as close to death as you want to get. Good job and be safe out there Bud 👍

[@AZExpert]

I'm doing my best to stay safe

[@LayloNewt]

Thanks James We appreciate all your talent and wisdom. I too am like Hersh. LOL

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@sandiebock8035]

A LOT to remember and understrand but ... got to get it done if I am going to RV School Level 2

[@terrysmith7076]

Nice job looks like a lot of work. ☮️

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@markbarber1920]

Absolutely great video! I just can't believe it didn't come with the 120 volt heater?

[@AZExpert]

:) Thanks for watching!

[@CrowMagnumMan2024]

In 2021 I never replaced the cooling units because of the decent prices on fridges.....this year the price of the fridges is off the charts and the Nordic cooling unit prices make it a better option than it was a year ago......

[@CrowMagnumMan2024]

Thanks a million for your videos.....I appreciate your badass attitude in tackling the tough jobs.....in miserable heat no less......

[@fcbrants]

SO much useful information in this video, thank you James!!

[@AZExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@loydalexander154]

You are one crazy dude taking that fridge apart like that he'll have them buy a new one like you said

[@bookooc5605]

Wow, what a job.

[@AZExpert]

Yes it was :)

[@carmencolon3520]

Great video. Thanks for everything you do and shared with us. Please wear a back Support brace. We need to keep you in excellent shape .

[@AZExpert]

It's too hot for that lol

[@carmencolon3520]

@@AZExpert I know but it will save you another comfortable day at work.

[@christopherrasmussen8718]

I do like the 2 way fridges. The hysterics of years ago ours 4 door was pulled out and a nice domestic put in. Be one of the little angel little devil be talking to me

[@christopherrasmussen8718]

I do know several owners who lost wonderful coaches to the old style fridges. Should not have called it hysterics

[@AZExpert]

I do too

[@RebeccaRaven]

Excellent as always!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks Rebecca!

[@stevejansky9913]

So Norcold cooling unit wires up to Dometic control board without any changes? Norcolds do not have climate control switch but normally once every 24hrs shut down for frost control. Eyebrow controls are the same between brands? I did not see any wiring specifics in video. I went with Amish 12 volt unit to replace our Norcold 8 cuft in our Carriage Cameo LXI - they have updated control system now to bypass original control board and thus some of the stand by power usage in old boards

[@claytonterry1895]

I have the same model fridge, and on mine the freezer is only getting like 40 degrees and the fridge is only getting like 60 degrees. Only advice on what may cause that? Thanks.

[@ColinBarrett001]

Thanks for sharing. I learned a lot. Thank you!

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@yyzonlinevideos]

We recently installed our Dometic 2 way fridge. We tested today on propane and it ignites and see nice blue flame. The tube at the top of the fridge (back of freezer area) are hot to touch but then they get room temperature near fins. We haven't felt the fridge getting cold. What we haven't done yet is build the frame around the fridge to ensure zero clearance on sides and allow the venting through roof. Fridge has open air all around. Could this be the issue? Does the air really need to get blown up in a closed air chamber for the system to work?

[@Dani-rx1sv]

if a refrigerator won't fit out the door, how does one change out a sofa or armchairs? I see some diesel pushers I am interested in, but I don't like the chairs or the sofa. How do they fit out the door? Great informative video!

[@AZExpert]

Some come apart, some are just the right size that they can fit out the door. Worse case--cut it if it's trashed. They DO make RV sized couches but they are RIDICULOUSLY expensive

[@cwshumate914]

Great job! How far back do those kits go in age of the fridge. I have a very old one in a family camper that needs replaced.

[@AZExpert]

You'd have to check with the manufacturer

[@diverm2371]

Wow that was involved. Never just the fuse eh!

[@AZExpert]

If you're lucky it is

[@rdrose61]

James, if you ever take sponsorships, the first should be that glass cleaner manufacturer :)

[@AZExpert]

It's really great stuff!

[@djmjr77]

Would it be better to do the propane leak down before you touch anything? Just for a CYA scenario?

[@AZExpert]

Sure, but the check after is the CYA, if it fails and the leak isn't at the refrigerator, then it was pre existing.

[@cullenmiller8170]

I’m not looking forward to the day the big double door Dometic New Dimensions will quit in my RV. Hopefully after the controller in the Aqua Hot went out, the vacu flush vacuum generator quit and the basement ac went out in a matter of ten days I spent enough money.

[@AZExpert]

Don't tempt Murphy lol

[@sandiebock8035]

VERY GOOD!!

[@agentorange2554]

That was insane. Had to cost quite a bundle.

[@AZExpert]

Nothing having to do with an RV is cheap

[@kas10163y]

Okay, it take a truck to hit me before I figure I’m in the road, but what is an Amish unit? Is that a reference to a certain brand name that nobody wants to mention, or is it a type of refrigerator?

[@davelamb5895]

Hmmmmm,,,,,,,so, let me ask your opinion on something...I have the same issue in an 07 Flagstaff Super Lite...same model fridge/freezer...an independent RV tech in Quartzsite who I trust told me it would cost between $1300 to $1700. to replace, labor included, and would be an all day job...I told him to forget that, I would buy a dual power 45qt. Alpicool for $350 and be done with it, which I did and it is serving my needs well! Does those prices sound right to you.....an all day job, and the price would be higher if the tech ran into issues....for all I know you may be the tech he was going to farm the job out to, as my guy doesn't do cooling units.

[@vernonsteinkamp1088]

I'd go with a home unit like you mentioned earlier, if my Dometic goes out. I know it works with electricity but I'm not sure about the propane side of it.

[@AZExpert]

It's cost effective choice

[@Stubones999]

A few videos ago, you had a catalog or magazine with RV parts or supplies. Can you tell us what that was? I'd like to find a replacement panel door for my Raptor RV, if there is a good supplier available.

[@virgilsmith5792]

so if you didn't need it "right now", what would YOU have chosen for this?

[@AZExpert]

A small residential refrigerator

[@troymcnett3019]

2019 Grand Design Imagine. Fridge went out. Yellow residue and smell of ammonia and Fridge won’t cool but gets really hot. Can you replace with the. Ew DC fridges?

[@AZExpert]

You can replace it with any refrigerator that fits the opening.

[@wesleychriswell8429]

Does that come apart as a rm2862 ? I am not a refrigerant person but I can't afford to have someone help me but if you want to talk about auto parts iam the person😅

[@George-xs2ms]

Really enjoy your videos, I have a question for you. I have a norcold N611, Does it have a clue baffle or some other device ?? Why I ask is because my parts book does not show one.

[@jekylltraveler]

Replaced mine with an apartment fridge.

[@AZExpert]

How do you like it

[@cooperdstravels3547]

Hi James I have a dometic dm 2852 It’s -5 in the freezer Top shelf in fridge 35 ish Bottom of fridge is 45 ish There’s usually 5 to 10 degree between the top and bottom And don’t know why Everything I ck according to videos all seem to ck out I took it into a shop and they said I need a new fridge so we’re going for second opinion Any ideas what to look for

[@joehittle8078]

Hi James, do you work on equalizer systems jacks? Class A DP - if not can you recommend in Phoenix area? Thanks for all the great videos!

[@timk.9827]

Another great job.

[@AZExpert]

I appreciate that

[@amsmithonline]

James, how can you even think straight in that heat?

[@AZExpert]

I'm used to it but sometimes it's difficult

[@amsmithonline]

@@AZExpert at least you didn't say "But it's dry heat!"🤣

[@ImpalamansGarage]

Curious to know how many of these you've done over the years.

[@santiagojimenez8912]

Hey I have a question for you that I am thinking to change my refrigerator for the residential One what do you think

[@AZExpert]

I think its the best decision unless boondocking is your most common use of the RV

[@graywolf2694]

yeah i should of replaced my fridge with a standard compressor fridge, having the propane is neat but i leave it plugged in 99% of the time

[@AZExpert]

Never too late

[@KevinCoop1]

I’m not understanding! The new unit is working right? Then you MUST have installed it correctly!

[@AZExpert]

yes it is working. I am shipping the old unit back as a "core" Thanks

[@1hasbeen531]

For an expensive component it's a shame so many old parts have to be reused, or replaced at additional expense.

[@AZExpert]

Nothing lasts forever

[@lutomson3496]

Propane is always s better choice those compressor refers chow down the power

[@AZExpert]

They do

[@danielreed5965]

How do I contact you to schedule work on my motor home? I have a couple of issues that would make great videos.

[@AZExpert]

I'm not currently taking any new work but I appreciate the offer!

[@TimothyMichaels]

I have propane/electric fridge. How difficult to replace with residential electric one?

[@TimothyMichaels]

Live in CA, unfortunately, don't know if it matters. Am I allowed to drive while running Onan propane generator for roof air conditioner? Dash air doesn't work.

[@AZExpert]

I've had to do that before, yes

[@cascadehiker50]

How many hours does the flat rate guide give for that?

[@AZExpert]

I don't know, I work for myself. Warranty work is garbage

[@cascadehiker50]

@@AZExpert Do you charge actual time spent then?

[@AZExpert]

I generally quote the job rather than a flat rate schedule before starting the job and will update if I run into an issue along the way, more like a contractor and less mechanic as I work for myself and in mobile settings flat rate makes customer's unhappy if a job pays 2 hrs but I'm done in one. Thanks!

[@hillbillyrv]

Dometic still pays a whopping $40 to do those recalls. Can't believe you didn't snag those big bucks.

[@AZExpert]

I believe it. But $40 for labor and paperwork and liability seems less than motivating to me :)

[@hillbillyrv]

@@AZExpert Your lose....ha ha

[@shutupstoopid4518]

Didn't need an oscillating tool for that...bummer

[@AZExpert]

Thanks for watching!

[@chriscameron723]

Stop touching the toilets lol

[@THEBOSS-vn2ky]

Next time, I think I would just tell the customer buy a new fridge. (cheaper.)$$$$

[@AZExpert]

I did, but they wanted this.

[@TheMinnow101]

Looks Like that customer is a bit of a pack rat. Funny how a customer will spend over $1000 for a replacement cooling unit but won’t spring another $50 to replace the rotted plywood the fridge sits on.

[@AZExpert]

I'm not here to judge what people will or won't spend money on. Just here to help them out as best I can.

[@BillyCurtis-z8y]

Wouldn't it be easier n just as expensive after labor to just replace the fridge? This is insane

[@llspragulus]

I love the outtakes! They always make me laugh; especially when you get a little frustrated. Totally laughing with you. 😆

[@AZExpert]

LOL Thanks. It's too hot to think right now

[@MikeAndNary]

1st!! What did I win?

[@AZExpert]

thank you!!

[@bitlifter]

Excellent tear down video. I loved the seeing the safety check for propane leaks and the little notes along the way for making it easier to replace such as taking out screws before removing the unit from the shelf. All those little things def add up. Thank you for sharing this!

[@Tony_in_AZ]

I hope my Norcold 1210 does not go up in flames.. The interior wall opposite of the fridge heating tube does feel warm .

[@AZExpert]

I hope so too

[@smokeskull]

Our neighbors have a 1980 Motorhome and the fridge gave up the ghost. They are buying a new rv

[@blobscott]

If every tech was this thorough, we would be in a different (and better) world. Great repair and great very helpful video. I think it's good you fixed the old fridge.. nice not to always just replace things these days.

[@TrailToughTrailers]

James... would it be in your best interest to test the pressure of the propane system BEFORE you start on the refer? I'm thinking, what if you did find a leak that was already a problem that you were not made aware of.... it might save you the hassle of that existing problem becoming yours because you did the refer.

[@Joe-rv3ei]

James. I was actually thinking about going to JC refrigeration in Indiana to have my rv refrigerator converted to their Dutch Air 12 volt compressor system. Do you have any thoughts in that regard? Would you be interested in doing the conversion? It would definitely save me a trip to Indiana.

[@daniaann]

I did this myself 3 days ago. Glad to have a cold fridge again, been a month

[@shaunarnold499]

I personally went with a Amish built 110 unit self installed pretty straight forward couldn't be happier. Works like a champ and doesn't guzzle power 💪

[@AZExpert]

Awesome!

[@lowbudgetbob1155]

I went to RSI in 1986 and that's one of the first things we learned, an a/c system is not blowing cold air, it's removing the heat. Once you comprehend that, learning the basics isn't hard.

[@billz410]

One month into my new job learning the RV technician trade after nearly 30 years in heavy truck/transportation industry. Sure enjoy your channel and all your adventures!

[@Thesaltymedic36]

First 😂

[@AZExpert]

LOL

[@Mrradio01-15]

Nice video! One question: are there aftermarket parts for the Dometic RM-2201 refrigerator?

[@jaymeese7714]

my dometic is from 1995 and still going after 11 years of my fulltime use. I had a fire in the back, but luckily it shut off. It was a blocked burner tube/ oriface. clean the flue tube! I will not be replacing it when it fails. i will go with a dc refrigerator to run off my solar system. or a residential off an inverter. i check mine often to make sure the burner is not blocked and the oriface is clear. to me fixing an old refrigerator makes little sense due to safety and the fact that other parts are just old and will probably fail soon.

[@mikemaj8467]

The owners were smart to want to repair versus buy a dorm type refrigerator. Nothing beats having the option to run propane as you are driving or boondocking where electricity isn't available.

[@colleenellis6577]

Great video. ??? I have a 3 burner stove and both the back burner knobs only turn to high after they light. No can't adjust to low. Why both seems odd that both the outer knobs are the same. The middle knob is fine. Thanjs

[@rogergraves242]

U Did A fine job.