Re: [A/S] Dometic Replacement Refrigerator Selection

["overlander_64" <overlander64@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings Funky!

A suggetsion that I might make based upon my experience with RV 
refrigerators since 1980, would be to consider the Dometic model 
with 3-Way operation -- the 12-volt feature is wonderful for 
traveling (I will actually almost be happy when my Minuet needs a 
new refrigerator so it can be upgraded to what it should have had 
from the factory -- a 3-Way Dometic RV refrigerator -- my Minuet was 
produced about the time that the 3-Way refrigerators were being 
introduced).  

The only caution that I would make is that when using the 12-volt 
feature, it is imperative to pre-cool the unit with one of the other 
fuels (I have done this for 25 years with great success with my 
first new coach, a 1980 Nomad with two other Brand X coaches and now 
my refitted '64 Overlander -- it was missing its original Dometic 
when I purchased it so a new Dometic 3-Way refrigerator was on the 
top of my "must do" list).  It can be something of a hassle to run 
the wiring for the refrigerator and possibly the need to upgrade the 
12-volt charge line from the tow vehicle; but it can be done as I 
have a '65 Dodge that was successfully wired to tow with this setup 
as well as my '75 Cadillac and '99 GMC Suburban.  The 12-volt 
operation is a modest upgrade when purchasing a new refrigerator 
that I have found to provide much peace of mind when traveling -- I 
have always traveled with the valves on my LP tanks turned off.  
Both the Americana and Royale series of Dometic refrigerators are 
available in models with 3-Way operation.  

For information on the Americana series see:

http://www.dometicusa.com/Market/Lo%20Res%20PDFs/OS2149%20Americana%
20Refer%20LR.pdf

For information on the Royale series see:

http://www.dometicusa.com/Market/OS2151%20Royale%20Refrigerator.pdf

Since I am not mechanically inclined and generally trust my repairs, 
upgrades, restoration/refurabishment to my regular Airstream dealer 
or one of the well-know restoration specialists; I can't be of much 
help in suggesting a source for a refrigerator by mail-order.  What 
I would mention, however, is that warranty work may be somewhat 
easier if you purchase from a local dealer or Dometic repair center 
as they may be more inclined to assist with problems, should any 
arise -- with four different Dometic 3-Way refrigerators in the past 
25 years, I have yet to have any warranty issues -- in fact the only 
cost that I have had with these units is the annual 
inspect/clean/service operation.

Good luck with your refrigerator selection!

Kevin D. Allen
WBCCI/VAC/Free Wheelers/Computer Club #6359
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban (7400 
VORTEC/4.10 Differentials)
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre/1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (8.2 
Liter V8/2.70 Final Drive)