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Old 08-09-2022, 08:21 AM   #1
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Absorption fridge life expectancy

Hey guys! New to the forum. We have a Dometic RM2652 that is 25 years old this year, and still going strong. That got me to wondering if there is a certain life expectancy from these fridges? I know they don’t last forever unfortunately.
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Old 08-09-2022, 10:14 AM   #2
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They do not come with an expiration date.

So many variables that affect how weel an absorption fridge functions and how long it will remain operational.
How well it was installed, Operating off level, Lack of routine maintenance, Low propane pressure, AC voltage out of range, Draft/airflow across backside of fridge etc

25 yrs is outstanding.
Could go many more years or die tomorrow.
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Old 08-09-2022, 10:18 AM   #3
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I have a 25 year old Norcold that is still going strong. With the rate things go out on this motorhome, always makes me wonder…. Got to love old motorhomes. Never a dull moment!
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Old 08-09-2022, 12:53 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by therhett17 View Post
Hey guys! New to the forum. We have a Dometic RM2652 that is 25 years old this year, and still going strong. That got me to wondering if there is a certain life expectancy from these fridges? I know they don’t last forever unfortunately.
Usually within 3 months of 'wondering' something like that !
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Old 08-09-2022, 01:07 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by 96 Wideglide View Post
Usually within 3 months of 'wondering' something like that !

That's Ben for you ; always the optimist.

Now back to the OP's question .

As Old-Biscuit has posted , there are many variables , my Dometic had a cooling unit replaced 6 years after it was new , and is operating fine 16 years later . Since I purchased the coach the fridge is operating 5 1/2 to 6 months a year ( in the desert SW 12 seasons ) so no exposure to damp salty air .
Best advice I can give is to look for parts supply and have a plan; be it Amish cooling unit , 12 volt DC compressor conversion or residential install ; make up you mind what you would do in the event of failure and be ready to institute the plan .
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Old 08-09-2022, 02:36 PM   #6
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That's Ben for you ; always the optimist.
Hey, I just received an ARP Fridge Defend for my '07 Dometic that's still on it's original cooling unit!

I call that pretty optimistic
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Old 08-09-2022, 05:36 PM   #7
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I've got 22 years on my Dometic NDR1292 and still going strong. I just pulled the refer to service the ice maker supply line. Got me thinking about how much longer this thing will last. I'm debating now if I want to go the Amish route or replace with residential when the time comes.
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Old 08-09-2022, 07:17 PM   #8
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I have a Dometic that is 25 years old and still working great. Working better than most people describe theirs as working. That being said I have ordered a new Dometic 12 volt refrigerator to replace the old unit. I plan to keep the old unit until I fully test out the new one, but I went the 12 volt route as a plan to also add more solar and eventually better batteries.

While refrigerator fires are rare I have 2 dogs that stay inside my RV and a wife that will euthanize me if there is a fire while the dogs are inside. That and the fact that it doesn't always need to be level helped make the decision to replace the old unit. I know I am on borrowed time so why not just bite the bullet and replace it before it fails instead of on a trip when I need it.
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Old 08-09-2022, 07:23 PM   #9
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My Norcold started dying at ~17 years and finally gave up the ghost at 18 years. But it was a slow costly death, don't know how much $$$ in food I lost.
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Old 08-09-2022, 07:27 PM   #10
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We had a Norcold go out at at 24 years old. Leaked all the liquid out.. Stunk up the MH horrible as we tried to get to our destination... We had Towels wrapped around our heads... The looks we got from other drivers.. !
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Old 08-09-2022, 08:45 PM   #11
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29 years now on a Dometic 2852, used fulltime since 2012. I installed an ARP back in 2014. I've been really careful about leveling.
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Old 08-09-2022, 09:54 PM   #12
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I swapped out our 4 door Norcold for residential in 2020 and our motorhome build year was 1997. The Norcold still worked fine.
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Old 08-09-2022, 09:59 PM   #13
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Our Dometic 2652 is now 26 years old.

Like old-Brisquit said do the maintenance, andiron it level.

We make sure ours is level, before we fire it up.
If we get stuck in traffic on a steep mountain road (has happened) we turn it off.
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Old 08-09-2022, 10:41 PM   #14
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OK I'll bite - what maintenance?
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