Refrigerator replacement 2019 337RLS

[RETFIREMAN]

Good evening,

A while back I read a post where someone replaced the fridge with a counter depth residential unit. Our absorption unit is failing and we are looking for something better. I see some 12v units but they seem quite costly and possibly too deep. I found a Haier unit that looks like it will work with minimal work. Currently on seasonal site and I figure I can add a inverter if we start to roam about.

Mike

 

[Second Chance]

I would highly recommend looking into this:

https://jc-refrigeration.com/

Rob

 

[DragonDriver]

So far I've been able to add fans and extra seals to keep the absorption fridge in our 337RLS going ...

Last year, when I thought it might be drawing it's last amp, we looked into alternatives and also found the 12v option to be costly. We don't need to make that major of an investment!

Hadn't considered just sticking a "regular-old vanilla" 120v fridge. Hmmm. Outside from needing to install some kind of door locks I would also be concerned about the constant vibration as well as heat build up while the fool thing is sitting when not used. Residential refrigerators don't deal with either of those well.

 

[RETFIREMAN]

I would highly recommend looking into this:

https://jc-refrigeration.com/

Rob

Thanks Rob,

I have looked into the JC units and they do seem to get very good reviews. However for our unit it would be $1500 plus my labor to do the conversion and we would still have the same amount of space in the fridge. I can get the Haier unit for $1000 and my labor and gain space. I will add an inverter if we ever start to travel camp with it down the road (hopefully) I would go with one of the 12v units that are available now but they are very proud of them as well LOL.

Thank You for the input.
Mike

 

[JKellerJr]

So far I've been able to add fans and extra seals to keep the absorption fridge in our 337RLS going ...

Last year, when I thought it might be drawing it's last amp, we looked into alternatives and also found the 12v option to be costly. We don't need to make that major of an investment!

Hadn't considered just sticking a "regular-old vanilla" 120v fridge. Hmmm. Outside from needing to install some kind of door locks I would also be concerned about the constant vibration as well as heat build up while the fool thing is sitting when not used. Residential refrigerators don't deal with either of those well.

They’ve been putting in residential refrigerators for years. I’ve had one since 2017 (well 2, one in our 2018 and another in our 2021) we converted my dads over to a residential a couple of years ago. Cools down so much faster and much more consistent temps. I’ll never go back.

I don’t see anywhere near the problem posts with residential’s as with absorption units. Though there are significantly less residential’s on the road.

The 12v units may be a good compromise but they need a longer track record to see how they hold up.

 

[Hoopy Frood]

"The 12v units may be a good compromise but they need a longer track record to see how they hold up."

It's my understanding, from what I've read, that the 12V refrigerators have been in use on boats for quite a few years.

 

[JKellerJr]

"The 12v units may be a good compromise but they need a longer track record to see how they hold up."

It's my understanding, from what I've read, that the 12V refrigerators have been in use on boats for quite a few years.

Good to know the tech is solid. Now can Furrion make a reliable unit is the question They seem to be the only OEM option for almost anything anymore.

 

[Hoopy Frood]

Good to know the tech is solid. Now can Furrion make a reliable unit is the question They seem to be the only OEM option for almost anything anymore.

Considering Furrion seems to have issues with a lot of their appliances, it remains to be seen.

 

[Scousers]

our JC conversion has been outstanding!!!!

 

[Big G 56]

What conversion did you go with from JC?

 

[triplethreat]

our JC conversion has been outstanding!!!!

Ours has too. Norcold 2118 and was modded by JC Refrigeration in mid May of 2022. 12VDC Twin Compressor unit put in and it works great.

 

[Steven@147]

We are getting the JC conversion July 24th at the factory near Shipshewana. It's a 12V dual compressor conversion for a Dometic absorption/propane. I don't recall reading any negative reviews about JC conversions and reviews from owners here on this forum have been positive. Ones I did read about with problems they praised JC for their help in resolving the situation.

We are not looking for increased size or capacity to store more items in the fridge, just getting it more reliable. Yes it will be @ 2000 and they are doing all the labor and adding the necessary upsize 10 gage wiring. They estimate less than 2-3 hours for the conversion and they test everything out. You can stay overnight at their facility with power hookups prior to your conversion.

 

[Scott'n'Wendy]

Now can Furrion make a reliable unit is the question They seem to be the only OEM option for almost anything anymore.

I doubt it. They have good stylists for their stuff, but reliability and functionality takes a backseat to price and looks...in my humble opinion.
I would not look at Furrion for replacement stuff

 

[Scousers]

We went with the 12V dual compressor for our Dometic. Right now we are in Mancos CO and the fridge is performing very well, 0 in the freezer, 35 in the refer. Last week we were in Kingman AZ, same boring performance. Lifie is good.

Len

 

[JFF&KRN]

is there anyone in arizona that does the conversion or do you have to go to their factory.

 

[Scousers]

Not that I know of, we did it ourselves. Delivery was prompt and it was easy enough to follow their EXCELLENT instructions. Biggest deal was we have the double door Dometic, so space was a premium and it was HEAVY!!!

Would not recommend doing it in July in AZ! You mat find a mobile tech who will do it...good luck, the coversion is well worth it

Len

 

[JFF&KRN]

yes we have the double door as well.
space is tight you say, but will it still go back into its spot?
freon or anything to have charged up etc?
thanks

 

[Scousers]

yes we have the double door as well.
space is tight you say, but will it still go back into its spot?
freon or anything to have charged up etc?
thanks

The unit will go back in although we had to trim back the rear grills. The unit comes fully charged so just install it and have a cold fridge in 4 hours or less.

Need to upgrade the electrical supply most likely...not a big deal but you have to fight the GD wiring mess.

Len

 

[JFF&KRN]

The unit will go back in although we had to trim back the rear grills. The unit comes fully charged so just install it and have a cold fridge in 4 hours or less.

Need to upgrade the electrical supply most likely...not a big deal but you have to fight the GD wiring mess.

Len

do you still use all the same controls, and electronics?
Mine is going in today to evaluate my electronic issue, just wondering if i should just do the upgrade now, if it is worth it.
thanks

 

[Scousers]

do you still use all the same controls, and electronics?
Mine is going in today to evaluate my electronic issue, just wondering if i should just do the upgrade now, if it is worth it.
thanks

The only thing you retain is the cabinet. All new cooling system and controls.

We went with the DC system, figured there were various backups to always having DC, your situation may be different.

It is the best thing we ever did (well almost, but let's not go there), I check the temps for fun now, not in fear and trepidation!

Len