Goodbye Dometic RMD8505, hello Thetford T2160

[StillGoing]

My absorption fridge/freezer is 4 years old and I’ve never been happy with it. I installed extraction fans (which worked well) and replaced the heat sink paste. Despite this I found the freezer temperature varied considerably (probably because the thermostat is in the fridge). The freezer wasn’t cold enough for ice cream or keeping some foods cold enough. I didn’t like the fridge at the bottom as I had to get on my hands and knees to access food at the back of the bottom shelf. I didn’t like the way the freezer food had to be packed. The fridge took a long time to get down to temperature and cooling was very uneven.

Well, the cooling unit at the back gave up. The cost of replacing it, assuming you can still get them (which would involve removing the fridge/freezer), was the excuse I needed to ditch the RMD8505.

I’ve replaced it with a Thetford T2160 compressor fridge/freezer. It has the same external dimensions as the RMD8505 so is a straight swap. The fridge is at the top, it has an internal fan, the interior light that actually shows what’s in the fridge and it comes with a full set of shelves (unlike the RMD8505). The 3 star freezer is a pullout drawer, making it easier to pack and access food, and it is cold enough for storing ice cream! I was concerned about the noise it might make but it hasn’t woken us up. The cost of it is significantly cheaper than the Dometic replacement (which I believe is a different size requiring modifications to the cabinet).

I wish I’d done this change a long time ago.

It uses about 45Ah over 24 hours. I have 210Ah of LiFePO4 (2 x Fogstar 105Ah), 240W solar, 30A B2B (Votronic VCC 1212-30). So far, so good.

I will be posting some Dometic fridge/freezer items for sale over the next few days.

 

[haganap]

nice job, can you put me down for the PCB board, sure my fridge is the same. How mcuh was the new one by the way? I like the idea of the freezer at the bottom as it's accessed less.

 

[StillGoing]

I will contact you separately later this week about the PCB.

Jackson Leisure have it for £1,395.

 

[Ditcha]

I been looking at doing the same but our RMD8555 does okay plus I have invested in a 12v compressor cool box. I was looking at this and just running it through the inverter not decided yet.

WILLOW WTM118B Top Mount Fridge Freezer on OnBuy

Ample Storage – With a net capacity of 118L (fridge is 85L and freezer is 33L) there is plenty of room for your food. This fridge...

www.onbuy.com

 

[Steve and Denise]

I been looking at doing the same but our RMD8555 does okay plus I have invested in a 12v compressor cool box. I was looking at this and just running it through the inverter not decided yet.

WILLOW WTM118B Top Mount Fridge Freezer on OnBuy

Ample Storage – With a net capacity of 118L (fridge is 85L and freezer is 33L) there is plenty of room for your food. This fridge...

www.onbuy.com

I am just waiting for mine to give a problem and it will be gone but up to now it’s performed ok, not a bit like the last one all I had to do was whistle and the fridge was out for repair

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[Two on Tour]

I been looking at doing the same but our RMD8555 does okay plus I have invested in a 12v compressor cool box. I was looking at this and just running it through the inverter not decided yet.

WILLOW WTM118B Top Mount Fridge Freezer on OnBuy

Ample Storage – With a net capacity of 118L (fridge is 85L and freezer is 33L) there is plenty of room for your food. This fridge...

www.onbuy.com

Just had a look at the Willow WTM118B and the efficiency rating of F is a bit naf is it not?

 

[Ava the Adria]

It uses about 45Ah over 24 hours. I have 210Ah of LiFePO4 (2 x Fogstar 105Ah), 240W solar, 30A B2B (Votronic VCC 1212-30). So far, so good.

Looks good.
We have a similar 12v set up to yours, but at first glance 45Ah/24h seems a large proportion of the available battery capacity. If you're moving every couple of days, which we also usually do, then fine, but losing the gas powered option seems a big "risk" to me without increasing the battery capacity. Touring Europe we do move every few days and generally it is sunnier, so no problem but we spent 5 nights on a rural UK CL with no EHU in August and only ran the batteries down to 60% because we could run the fridge on gas. Wish you luck with it, but I don't think a compressor fridge would work for us, especially when in the UK, without upping the battery capacity as well. And that opens a whole new raft of issues like where to fit it and wiring!

 

[Ditcha]

Just had a look at the Willow WTM118B and the efficiency rating of F is a bit naf is it not?

They all seem to be around that figure don't know what the 12v dometic rating is. What would be the difference between a A rated and a F rated ?
The power is for free and the price is nice at under £200 could by alot of power for £1100 price difference between that and the 12v dometic.

 

[ontheroadagain]

but I don't think a compressor fridge would work for us, especially when in the UK, without upping the battery capacity as well

We also have a compressor fridge which is great.
We only have two 100ah AGM batteries with 230w of solar, but we were able to survive without EHU for a full week in the UK this summer.
This was on a THS and we didn't move, so no additional charging from the engine.
I think we may struggle from now on if going for more than a few days without EHU, but over the summer months we had no issues.

 

[oldieish]

"I’ve replaced it with a Thetford T2160 compressor fridge/freezer."

Hello, did you install the replacement compressor fridge yourself? If yes, did you run the feed directly from the leisure battery and what gauge wire please. I ask because I'm in the process of doing this myself but am unsure what size wire and inline fuse to use.

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[Sheddy]

From the installation manual.
I used 6mm² for a 4m run and Installed a fuse holder with 15amp fuse adjacent to the batteries.
Cheers

 

[Lenny HB]

Looks like a good option but I think you need to double your battery power for use outside of high summer.

I think you have been a bit unlucky with the 8505 we have had two vans with then current one is 6½ years old not had any problems with them. If there was a fault I'd find it as I'm not a fan of Dometic products.

A bit unfair blaming the fridge for the installers faults, the bottom level in our one is fine as its mounted over a foot above floor level, and the number of shelves is what the converter specifies, some converters fit 3 shelves some fit 4.

 

[oldieish]

View attachment 813266
From the installation manual.
I used 6mm² for a 4m run and Installed a fuse holder with 15amp fuse adjacent to the batteries.
Cheers

Thank you, just the information I needed. Fuse on the positive or negative? Answered my own question using Google. Fuse on the positive.

 

[StillGoing]

"I’ve replaced it with a Thetford T2160 compressor fridge/freezer."

Hello, did you install the replacement compressor fridge yourself? If yes, did you run the feed directly from the leisure battery and what gauge wire please. I ask because I'm in the process of doing this myself but am unsure what size wire and inline fuse to use.

I did do it myself. Hymer had already installed a suitable 12V supply as I was able to run the RMD8505 off the leisure battery with the engine off (it took about 15A), so I didn’t need to install new cables.

If you haven’t already done so I recommend reading the T2160 installation manual. Section 7 gives details of the cable size and fuse size.

Thetford T2000 manuals

 

[StillGoing]

Looks like a good option but I think you need to double your battery power for use outside of high summer.

I think you have been a bit unlucky with the 8505 we have had two vans with then current one is 6½ years old not had any problems with them. If there was a fault I'd find it as I'm not a fan of Dometic products.

A bit unfair blaming the fridge for the installers faults, the bottom level in our one is fine as its mounted over a foot above floor level, and the number of shelves is what the converter specifies, some converters fit 3 shelves some fit 4.

Sadly I don’t have room for more batteries. I did look at how we have used the motorhome over the last four years before converting. Based on that the battery capacity should be fine (famous last words ).

If it was Hymer who decided to only supply me with 3 shelves then fair enough but the price Dometic charge for an additional plastic shelf is obscene and taking advantage. The mark up must be way over 90%.

Dometic also sells a fan for the fridge. Again, it is way overpriced for an item that should really come as standard.

The poor design, poor reliability, lack of spares and overpriced accessories has completely put me off Dometic. I just hope I’m not back here in 4 years saying the same about the Thetford!

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[Lenny HB]

The poor design, poor reliability, lack of spares and overpriced accessories has completely put me off Dometic. I just hope I’m not back here in 4 years saying the same about the Thetford!

Hate to say it but Thetford 3 way fridges have a worst rep than Dometic, hopefully the compressor ones are better.

 

[StillGoing]

Hate to say it but Thetford 3 way fridges have a worst rep than Dometic, hopefully the compressor ones are better.

I used to have a VW T5 which had a Waeco (Dometic) compressor fridge. It died out of warranty and couldn't be repaired.

I don’t seem to have much luck with Dometic fridge/freezers.

 

[StillGoing]

Thank you, just the information I needed. Fuse on the positive or negative? Answered my own question using Google. Fuse on the positive.

I assume you’ve also considered how to cap the existing gas supply?

 

[oldieish]

"I assume you’ve also considered how to cap the existing gas supply?"

I've cut the pipe, used an end cap and gas tape; also make sure the supply tap is off. Should be sufficient(?). Will probably invest in a gas detector spray as an additional precaution.

 

[Jez1966]

Ironically have you read the post currently above yours re 30A B2B (Votronic VCC 1212-30)?

Votronic 1212-30 B2B - *warning*

I know a few here have these, so just a word of warning. Seems to be a design fault that causes an internal fuse to melt and potentially burn (!) If you look in the LHS of the unit look for any heat damage or melted case on the side. Our unit stopped working - said charging - but no voltage...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

The fridge is not the only cost though, the lithium upgrade is not cheap.
Personally we're work round the "poor" fridge temp rather than throwing money at it, small qty buy ice cream and consume.
We're currently 5 months into 1 year in the USA living with 110ah lead acid and 100w solar, max 3.5amp if we turn all the lights on, we don't.
Use laptop (Chromebook so 7+ hrs on single charge) & phones to watch stuff, Domestic on gas 24/7.
Have a small inverter in 12v socket to charge laptop while driving, phone us USB sockets.

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[oldieish]

My absorption fridge/freezer is 4 years old and I’ve never been happy with it. I installed extraction fans (which worked well) and replaced the heat sink paste. Despite this I found the freezer temperature varied considerably (probably because the thermostat is in the fridge). The freezer wasn’t cold enough for ice cream or keeping some foods cold enough. I didn’t like the fridge at the bottom as I had to get on my hands and knees to access food at the back of the bottom shelf. I didn’t like the way the freezer food had to be packed. The fridge took a long time to get down to temperature and cooling was very uneven.

Well, the cooling unit at the back gave up. The cost of replacing it, assuming you can still get them (which would involve removing the fridge/freezer), was the excuse I needed to ditch the RMD8505.

I’ve replaced it with a Thetford T2160 compressor fridge/freezer. It has the same external dimensions as the RMD8505 so is a straight swap. The fridge is at the top, it has an internal fan, the interior light that actually shows what’s in the fridge and it comes with a full set of shelves (unlike the RMD8505). The 3 star freezer is a pullout drawer, making it easier to pack and access food, and it is cold enough for storing ice cream! I was concerned about the noise it might make but it hasn’t woken us up. The cost of it is significantly cheaper than the Dometic replacement (which I believe is a different size requiring modifications to the cabinet).

I wish I’d done this change a long time ago.

It uses about 45Ah over 24 hours. I have 210Ah of LiFePO4 (2 x Fogstar 105Ah), 240W solar, 30A B2B (Votronic VCC 1212-30). So far, so good.

I will be posting some Dometic fridge/freezer items for sale over the next few days.

View attachment 812236 View attachment 812237 View attachment 812238 View attachment 812239 View attachment 812240 View attachment 812241 View attachment 812242 View attachment 812243 View attachment 812245 View attachment 812246

Did you insert the new fridge directly into the void, or does a compressor require some form of insulation at the back?

 

[StillGoing]

Did you insert the new fridge directly into the void, or does a compressor require some form of insulation at the back?

It went directly into the void. I had to cover the two external vents as they are no longer required.

 

[ianto999]

It went directly into the void. I had to cover the two external vents as they are no longer required.

what did you use to cover external vents?
Thanks

 

[Tricky One]

what did you use to cover external vents?
Thanks

Easiest way is to keep the vents but just blank them off on the inside of the detachable vent grille moulding. A piece of thin aluminium cut to size and bonded in with silicone or the like. You don't need the external vent for the evaporation process as the vent for the compressor fridge is drawn from inside the van. You could simply put the Winter Covers on permanently, though you might run the risk of some thieving B taking them.

 

[StillGoing]

what did you use to cover external vents?
Thanks

I used some radiator reflective foil stuck to the inside of the vents to give a bit of insulation. On the outside I fitted winter covers.

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[Polly55]

My absorption fridge/freezer is 4 years old and I’ve never been happy with it. I installed extraction fans (which worked well) and replaced the heat sink paste. Despite this I found the freezer temperature varied considerably (probably because the thermostat is in the fridge). The freezer wasn’t cold enough for ice cream or keeping some foods cold enough. I didn’t like the fridge at the bottom as I had to get on my hands and knees to access food at the back of the bottom shelf. I didn’t like the way the freezer food had to be packed. The fridge took a long time to get down to temperature and cooling was very uneven.

Well, the cooling unit at the back gave up. The cost of replacing it, assuming you can still get them (which would involve removing the fridge/freezer), was the excuse I needed to ditch the RMD8505.

I’ve replaced it with a Thetford T2160 compressor fridge/freezer. It has the same external dimensions as the RMD8505 so is a straight swap. The fridge is at the top, it has an internal fan, the interior light that actually shows what’s in the fridge and it comes with a full set of shelves (unlike the RMD8505). The 3 star freezer is a pullout drawer, making it easier to pack and access food, and it is cold enough for storing ice cream! I was concerned about the noise it might make but it hasn’t woken us up. The cost of it is significantly cheaper than the Dometic replacement (which I believe is a different size requiring modifications to the cabinet).

I wish I’d done this change a long time ago.

It uses about 45Ah over 24 hours. I have 210Ah of LiFePO4 (2 x Fogstar 105Ah), 240W solar, 30A B2B (Votronic VCC 1212-30). So far, so good.

I will be posting some Dometic fridge/freezer items for sale over the next few days.

View attachment 812236 View attachment 812237 View attachment 812238 View attachment 812239 View attachment 812240 View attachment 812241 View attachment 812242 View attachment 812243 View attachment 812245 View attachment 812246

 

[Polly55]

Hi hope you can help, Just bought a thetford t2160 fridge freezer from Jackson leisure very happy with the inside. But the outside door panels have a 2.5mm gap. I was wondering if you have the same problem

My absorption fridge/freezer is 4 years old and I’ve never been happy with it. I installed extraction fans (which worked well) and replaced the heat sink paste. Despite this I found the freezer temperature varied considerably (probably because the thermostat is in the fridge). The freezer wasn’t cold enough for ice cream or keeping some foods cold enough. I didn’t like the fridge at the bottom as I had to get on my hands and knees to access food at the back of the bottom shelf. I didn’t like the way the freezer food had to be packed. The fridge took a long time to get down to temperature and cooling was very uneven.

Well, the cooling unit at the back gave up. The cost of replacing it, assuming you can still get them (which would involve removing the fridge/freezer), was the excuse I needed to ditch the RMD8505.

I’ve replaced it with a Thetford T2160 compressor fridge/freezer. It has the same external dimensions as the RMD8505 so is a straight swap. The fridge is at the top, it has an internal fan, the interior light that actually shows what’s in the fridge and it comes with a full set of shelves (unlike the RMD8505). The 3 star freezer is a pullout drawer, making it easier to pack and access food, and it is cold enough for storing ice cream! I was concerned about the noise it might make but it hasn’t woken us up. The cost of it is significantly cheaper than the Dometic replacement (which I believe is a different size requiring modifications to the cabinet).

I wish I’d done this change a long time ago.

It uses about 45Ah over 24 hours. I have 210Ah of LiFePO4 (2 x Fogstar 105Ah), 240W solar, 30A B2B (Votronic VCC 1212-30). So far, so good.

I will be posting some Dometic fridge/freezer items for sale over the next few days.

View attachment 812236 View attachment 812237 View attachment 812238 View attachment 812239 View attachment 812240 View attachment 812241 View attachment 812242 View attachment 812243 View attachment 812245 View attachment 812246

My absorption fridge/freezer is 4 years old and I’ve never been happy with it. I installed extraction fans (which worked well) and replaced the heat sink paste. Despite this I found the freezer temperature varied considerably (probably because the thermostat is in the fridge). The freezer wasn’t cold enough for ice cream or keeping some foods cold enough. I didn’t like the fridge at the bottom as I had to get on my hands and knees to access food at the back of the bottom shelf. I didn’t like the way the freezer food had to be packed. The fridge took a long time to get down to temperature and cooling was very uneven.

Well, the cooling unit at the back gave up. The cost of replacing it, assuming you can still get them (which would involve removing the fridge/freezer), was the excuse I needed to ditch the RMD8505.

I’ve replaced it with a Thetford T2160 compressor fridge/freezer. It has the same external dimensions as the RMD8505 so is a straight swap. The fridge is at the top, it has an internal fan, the interior light that actually shows what’s in the fridge and it comes with a full set of shelves (unlike the RMD8505). The 3 star freezer is a pullout drawer, making it easier to pack and access food, and it is cold enough for storing ice cream! I was concerned about the noise it might make but it hasn’t woken us up. The cost of it is significantly cheaper than the Dometic replacement (which I believe is a different size requiring modifications to the cabinet).

I wish I’d done this change a long time ago.

It uses about 45Ah over 24 hours. I have 210Ah of LiFePO4 (2 x Fogstar 105Ah), 240W solar, 30A B2B (Votronic VCC 1212-30). So far, so good.

I will be posting some Dometic fridge/freezer items for sale over the next few days.

View attachment 812236 View attachment 812237 View attachment 812238 View attachment 812239 View attachment 812240 View attachment 812241 View attachment 812242 View attachment 812243 View attachment 812245 View attachment 812246

My absorption fridge/freezer is 4 years old and I’ve never been happy with it. I installed extraction fans (which worked well) and replaced the heat sink paste. Despite this I found the freezer temperature varied considerably (probably because the thermostat is in the fridge). The freezer wasn’t cold enough for ice cream or keeping some foods cold enough. I didn’t like the fridge at the bottom as I had to get on my hands and knees to access food at the back of the bottom shelf. I didn’t like the way the freezer food had to be packed. The fridge took a long time to get down to temperature and cooling was very uneven.

Well, the cooling unit at the back gave up. The cost of replacing it, assuming you can still get them (which would involve removing the fridge/freezer), was the excuse I needed to ditch the RMD8505.

I’ve replaced it with a Thetford T2160 compressor fridge/freezer. It has the same external dimensions as the RMD8505 so is a straight swap. The fridge is at the top, it has an internal fan, the interior light that actually shows what’s in the fridge and it comes with a full set of shelves (unlike the RMD8505). The 3 star freezer is a pullout drawer, making it easier to pack and access food, and it is cold enough for storing ice cream! I was concerned about the noise it might make but it hasn’t woken us up. The cost of it is significantly cheaper than the Dometic replacement (which I believe is a different size requiring modifications to the cabinet).

I wish I’d done this change a long time ago.

It uses about 45Ah over 24 hours. I have 210Ah of LiFePO4 (2 x Fogstar 105Ah), 240W solar, 30A B2B (Votronic VCC 1212-30). So far, so good.

I will be posting some Dometic fridge/freezer items for sale over the next few days.

View attachment 812236 View attachment 812237 View attachment 812238 View attachment 812239 View attachment 812240 View attachment 812241 View attachment 812242 View attachment 812243 View attachment 812245 View attachment 812246

Hi
Just taken delivery of new thetord t2160 fridge freezer, can you tell me if there is a gap between the panels on the door as the one i have has a 2.5mm gap on the fridge and freezer doors thetford claim this is normal Ive taken photo. Many thanks polly

 

[1967bowesj]

I would contact Jackson leisure and ask them to replace, you covered under distance selling.
Shouldn’t have that gap.

 

[Tude]

My absorption fridge/freezer is 4 years old and I’ve never been happy with it. I installed extraction fans (which worked well) and replaced the heat sink paste. Despite this I found the freezer temperature varied considerably (probably because the thermostat is in the fridge). The freezer wasn’t cold enough for ice cream or keeping some foods cold enough. I didn’t like the fridge at the bottom as I had to get on my hands and knees to access food at the back of the bottom shelf. I didn’t like the way the freezer food had to be packed. The fridge took a long time to get down to temperature and cooling was very uneven.

Well, the cooling unit at the back gave up. The cost of replacing it, assuming you can still get them (which would involve removing the fridge/freezer), was the excuse I needed to ditch the RMD8505.

I’ve replaced it with a Thetford T2160 compressor fridge/freezer. It has the same external dimensions as the RMD8505 so is a straight swap. The fridge is at the top, it has an internal fan, the interior light that actually shows what’s in the fridge and it comes with a full set of shelves (unlike the RMD8505). The 3 star freezer is a pullout drawer, making it easier to pack and access food, and it is cold enough for storing ice cream! I was concerned about the noise it might make but it hasn’t woken us up. The cost of it is significantly cheaper than the Dometic replacement (which I believe is a different size requiring modifications to the cabinet).

I wish I’d done this change a long time ago.

It uses about 45Ah over 24 hours. I have 210Ah of LiFePO4 (2 x Fogstar 105Ah), 240W solar, 30A B2B (Votronic VCC 1212-30). So far, so good.

I will be posting some Dometic fridge/freezer items for sale over the next few days.

View attachment 812236 View attachment 812237 View attachment 812238 View attachment 812239 View attachment 812240 View attachment 812241 View attachment 812242 View attachment 812243 View attachment 812245 View attachment 812246

I have the same fridge it’s fantastic you can set the freezer to -6 -12 or -18 you can also turn the freezer off and just run the fridge on a lot less amps.have you tried the night setting that uses less amps and it’s near silent.

 

[WESTY66]

Uncle Lenny HB we need to have a chat about putting one of these in my van when the season is over

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