1992 Fleetwood Jamboree - 55,000 miles - Sweet!

[RVfixit]

Thank you! This will work. So, there is a website that sells used RV parts called "Young Farts RV Parts" , here is the link to your parts- https://youngfartsrvparts.com/products/rv-interior-light-fixture-double-pd772-no-switch?_pos=2&_sid=55fa1579a&_ss=r

They have used bodies with the lenses for about $12.00 which is the cheapest I have found so far for two lenses. Take a look!

Crazy name, I wonder how long it took to come up with that!

Safe Travels!

Larry

[RM Art]

Here's another item... As we bring "Honey"... this really well cared for 1992 26' Fleetwood Jamboree back to her full glory!

Soooo - On our recent 4 day trip the freezer/fridge stopped working very well. In that... sometimes it would cool well on either electric or propane and sometimes it would not cool at all. For one period of about 12 hrs it would not cool at all with either energy source. Then all of a sudden it would cool right down. This happened with the RV level and not being moved.

I opened the outside service door and gently smacked the big black container in hopes of getting the freon jumped up a bit. Not sure if that worked or not.

I feel it may simply be low on freon??

Here's the Fridge name/number:

1991 Servel by Dometic / Silhouette S820

I'll be speaking with a refrigerator repair person tomorrow morning.

Any suggestions as to why it would work fine for a day and then freak out and not keep cooling... and... then all of a sudden begin cooling again.

BTW, sometimes when it began cooling again for hours it was not getting very cold. Then suddenly it would get freezing cold.

[RVfixit]

The first voyage is always interesting! So a couple of things, RV refrigerators have a sealed cooling unit that uses ammonia instead of Freon. The cooling unit is not serviceable but are replaceable as a unit but before you go there, some diagnostics need to happen. I need to mention that your fridge is really old and may not be worth fixing even if parts are available. At first thought it sounds like a controller issue but will need more information on that unit.

Do you have a model number? Also, is this a three way fridge meaning it will run on propane, 12v and 120v? Is the Silhouette #820 what you have found as the model number? Thanks

[RM Art]

Thanks RVF

It ran fine for the first three day trip a couple weeks ago. This four day trip it was fine till the last day and a half. We agree with you that because of its sporadic good-cooling/non-cooling for the last 1.5 days it may well be the controller.

I called Dometic HQ this morning. Most if not all parts have been discontinued with no stock available. I have all the original books on this unit. Model # S820 - 120v and propane - not 12v.

If I can't get this resolved what brand do you recommend as replacement? Think Youngfarts would have a good used unit to purchase? If not... what do you recommend as a good new brand?

Best regards, Art

Originally Posted by RVfixit

The first voyage is always interesting! So a couple of things, RV refrigerators have a sealed cooling unit that uses ammonia instead of Freon. The cooling unit is not serviceable but are replaceable as a unit but before you go there, some diagnostics need to happen. I need to mention that your fridge is really old and may not be worth fixing even if parts are available. At first thought it sounds like a controller issue but will need more information on that unit.

Do you have a model number? Also, is this a three way fridge meaning it will run on propane, 12v and 120v? Is the Silhouette #820 what you have found as the model number? Thanks

[RVfixit]

So, first let me say that parts are still out there but it takes some searching. Below is a link to the control board that is in stock-

https://getrvparts.com/dinosaur-sr1-...circuit-board/

If you plan on keeping the fridge, I would buy this part anyways as a backup for future.

There are several things that can cause your symptoms. Heres a list of things to check-

1) Does it act the same on both propane and electric?
2) If so, does it completely shut down or just get warmer but is still cool?

Things that need to be checked-

1) Thermistor- this controls the fridge temperature
2) Door seals- are they intact and in good condition
3) Coils behind fridge- Make sure they are clean from top to bottom. You may need to pull the fridge out to clean thoroughly
4) Control panel- when the fridge starts to warm up, does the control panel outside the fridge show any warnings, amber lights?

Let me know, Thanks

[d23haynes57]

Originally Posted by RM Art

Thanks RVF

It ran fine for the first three day trip a couple weeks ago. This four day trip it was fine till the last day and a half. We agree with you that because of its sporadic good-cooling/non-cooling for the last 1.5 days it may well be the controller.

I called Dometic HQ this morning. Most if not all parts have been discontinued with no stock available. I have all the original books on this unit. Model # S820 - 120v and propane - not 12v.

If I can't get this resolved what brand do you recommend as replacement? Think Youngfarts would have a good used unit to purchase? If not... what do you recommend as a good new brand?

Best regards, Art

Is there a fan on the condenser and is it working? The problem could also be inadequate draft or air exchange. A fan can be added. Get one of those infrared temp guns and become familiar with the rear compartment and coil temperatures when it is working or not. If the flame or heater is on and the unit is not colling it is not a control problem. If there is a fan and it is not working the unit will not cool in warm weather and you can damage it working, it that way.

[RM Art]

Soooo - I've a traveling expert fridge guy in communication... may come to our home to help install new fridge. Otherwise... I'd need to go it alone. Also spoke with tech wiz at Dinosaur Electronics [541 994 4344] and with other persons too. Have emailed questions in Seek Adventures Inc. [rvfridgeguys.com]. Thanks to you and the others my learning curve is straight up on RV refrigerators/freezers.

Looks like best thing to do is replace this 33 year old Dometic fridge/freezer.

Tech wiz at Dinosaur Electronics described to me what is happening in its ammonia-mix cooling unit. To have the cooling temps [for seemingly no reason] to jut up and down from cold to warm so often there are restrictions occurring inside the old container of the ammonia.

What brands/models do you recommend. Our 26' C Class is not with big battery bank so we'd stick with just propane and 120V... no need for battery operation capability.

Thanks! - Art and Linda

Originally Posted by RVfixit

So, first let me say that parts are still out there but it takes some searching. Below is a link to the control board that is in stock-

https://getrvparts.com/dinosaur-sr1-...circuit-board/

If you plan on keeping the fridge, I would buy this part anyways as a backup for future.

There are several things that can cause your symptoms. Heres a list of things to check-

1) Does it act the same on both propane and electric?
2) If so, does it completely shut down or just get warmer but is still cool?

Things that need to be checked-

1) Thermistor- this controls the fridge temperature
2) Door seals- are they intact and in good condition
3) Coils behind fridge- Make sure they are clean from top to bottom. You may need to pull the fridge out to clean thoroughly
4) Control panel- when the fridge starts to warm up, does the control panel outside the fridge show any warnings, amber lights?

Let me know, Thanks

[RVfixit]

Originally Posted by d23haynes57

Is there a fan on the condenser and is it working? The problem could also be inadequate draft or air exchange. A fan can be added. Get one of those infrared temp guns and become familiar with the rear compartment and coil temperatures when it is working or not. If the flame or heater is on and the unit is not colling it is not a control problem. If there is a fan and it is not working the unit will not cool in warm weather and you can damage it working, it that way.

This unit is from 1992 so I don't think it has a condenser fan, at least I didn't see it in the parts list for this unit but not a bad idea to add one, even if its turned on and off manually on hot outside days.

[RVfixit]

Originally Posted by RM Art

Soooo - I've a traveling expert fridge guy in communication... may come to our home to help install new fridge. Otherwise... I'd need to go it alone. Also spoke with tech wiz at Dinosaur Electronics [541 994 4344] and with other persons too. Have emailed questions in Seek Adventures Inc. [rvfridgeguys.com]. Thanks to you and the others my learning curve is straight up on RV refrigerators/freezers.

Looks like best thing to do is replace this 33 year old Dometic fridge/freezer.

Tech wiz at Dinosaur Electronics described to me what is happening in its ammonia-mix cooling unit. To have the cooling temps [for seemingly no reason] to jut up and down from cold to warm so often there are restrictions occurring inside the old container of the ammonia.

What brands/models do you recommend. Our 26' C Class is not with big battery bank so we'd stick with just propane and 120V... no need for battery operation capability.

Thanks! - Art and Linda

That really is the best choice, the technology has come a long way since then. I have always had Dometics and still prefer them since I have really had no issues with them. I am one that cleans the coils yearly and replace the electric heating element every other year, but thats just me. As far as model number goes, that depends on the size of opening you have. Here's a catalog for you to look thru, I highlighted your model number-

dometic-replacement 1.pdf



Good Luck and Safe Travels!

[FootballBatt]

As a fellow RV vintage owner I can whole heartedly endourse the Young Farts. I have sourced them for discontinuted parts.

Oh yeah, need pictures of the RV...

[RM Art]

Photos

[RM Art]

Originally Posted by FootballBatt

As a fellow RV vintage owner I can whole heartedly endourse the Young Farts. I have sourced them for discontinuted parts.

Oh yeah, need pictures of the RV...

Now... Let's see picts of your RV!

I'm taking "Honey" to a shop for final inspection as to whether or not the 33 yr old Dometic fridge/freezer can be repaired to cool consistently. After discussion with a few pros over phone I'm afraid she's cooked!

If so... I'll get a new fridge/freezer. Probably have a shop install it... as the 1992 unit layout and 2025 layout for fridge/freezer is night and day difference.

That way I get to while they do it correctly and I get a guarantee too!

Cheers! Art

[RVfixit]

And there it is! Looks to be in great shape for its age!

Safe Travels!

[RM Art]

Originally Posted by RVfixit

And there it is! Looks to be in great shape for its age!

Safe Travels!

Thanks,

We found her in excellent [interior/exterior condition for a 33 yr. old greatly well laid out "Party Plan" interior.

I get anal about improvements on any already good condition rig we purchase [not necessarily required and not all completed yet. Incompletes are bold]... so... here they are:

- Calk and coat all suspect seams/areas. Done
- Install all new exterior white edging plastic. Done
- Simonize exterior. Done
- Touch up and thoroughly clean all interior portions [not much work needed.] 75% completed!
- Place TV in position. Soon!
- Build locations increased storage, hat hanging and artistic looks In process!
- Replace all shocks. Done!
- Rebuild even slightly worn front end parts. Done!
- Install 2,500 lb. rear leaf spring assist-leafs. Fairly soon!
- New rear end gear fluid / Trany fluid and filter refresh / Oil and filter change / Grease-Pack front wheel bearings / Flush and replace antifreeze cooling liquid. Next Tues. 5/13
- Front door access 48" L x 14" W x 20" H; aluminum diamond plate tool box atop rear bumper, [to store lots of items... mostly light weight things and with door down provide work-shelf]. Soon after 2,500 lb. leaf spring assists are installed.
- New fridge/freezer. In a week or two! The original [33 year old Domatic] fridge failed at end of our second 4 day jaunt
- A few new color strips on exterior. Eventually!
- Replace one radio speaker. Soon

Then - Party Baby!!!... For years of no fuss no muss with a classic/vintage more that three decades old 460 powered, 26', E350, Fleetwood Jamboree, party layout - Cherry RV... with little to no high tech computer chips aboard!!!

Happy RV Daze!!! - Art and Linda