1981 Bigfoot fridge replacement - Fiberglass RV
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Old 07-08-2014, 09:55 AM   #1
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Name: geoff
Trailer: bigfoot
Saskatchewan
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1981 Bigfoot fridge replacement

Our fridge is leaking propane from the control panel, and I've been told by the service tech that replacement parts are not available and would actually cost more than a new fridge (they stated that the current fridge is older than the camper). They want $1000 for a new 3way fridge plus $300 install. Can anyone tell me if these prices are reasonable? Does anyone know of a RV wrecker that sells used parts/appliances - preferably in Canada?
Thanks!

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Old 07-08-2014, 11:04 AM   #2
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you have other options.....

it all depends on how you usually use your trailer.....

yeah, a replacement 3 way fridge costs the moon...

my problem was the "power board" (cooling unit fine, no propane leaks either)....I was able to find an RV guy who had a bunch of used boards salvaged from scrapped fridges....he had one that fit/worked....cost me 150 bucks with the fridge front panel (turned out to be a 2 way...3 way are hard to find apparently....and my alternator could not keep up with the fridge anyway so I never used the DC mode)

You could try to find a used one, the same size as yours (cabinet opening)

You could get one of those smallish coolers, runs on 12V or 110AC

Or you could build yourself a real good ice box....(that's what I'd do I think) a block of ice will last 5-6 days in a well built ice box....How long do you usually stay out?.....dunno where you live but around here blocks of ice are available at every corner store/gas station.....pretty handy....find the right container and you could make your own ice at home

good luck
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Old 07-08-2014, 11:08 AM   #3
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and forgot to mention...

with the last two options you would have some cubic footage (space) left over that you could use for something else....more space...always nice
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Old 07-08-2014, 11:09 AM   #4
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Beautiful campsite picture, Francois.
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Old 07-08-2014, 12:17 PM   #5
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Klaklakama Lake....

sounds just like Hawaii don't it?.....LOL..but it's on northern Vancouver Island....

click on pics...
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Old 07-10-2014, 06:32 AM   #6
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Like franswa says, it depends on how you use the trailer. My choice would be to switch to a compressor fridge so it gets cooler faster and leveling is not as critical.

You might try an eBay and Google search of the control panel part number. That's what the used parts guys do.
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Old 07-10-2014, 09:19 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by Roger M View Post
Like franswa says, it depends on how you use the trailer. My choice would be to switch to a compressor fridge so it gets cooler faster and leveling is not as critical.

You might try an eBay and Google search of the control panel part number. That's what the used parts guys do.
Thanks for the suggestions. While i like the idea of a compressor fridge, I also like to be able to run on propane when there is no electricity available. I did try searching ebay and google for parts for the Insta-matic IM30, but since they went out of business around 1980 (yes, the fridge is older than the Bigfoot), parts are few and far between.

I also searched kijiji in all the western provinces for a used fridge, and found more people looking to purchase used fridges than people trying to sell them, especially here in Saskatchewan. So, we have ordered a new Dometic RM2354 3-way to be installed next week.

*** If anybody wants the Insta-matic let me know - it still works on electricity.
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Old 07-10-2014, 12:23 PM   #8
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Ouch....

and how much was that I wonder???.....seems like the biggest "hit" one can take with these RVs (all of them) is fridge problems/replacement....I feel your pain....but warm beer is the pits...
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Old 07-10-2014, 03:38 PM   #9
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What is the name of this camp ground?

Yes, these photos are wonderful. Can you tell us the name of the campground?
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Old 07-10-2014, 09:47 PM   #10
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it's called...

"Upper Klaklakama rec site".....that's what the "BC Backroads Map Book" (Vancouver Island edition) calla it.....but there's no sign.....and it's all of TWO sites there...the one I'm parked in (picture) and one more beside it in the trees.....and one outhouse
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Old 07-10-2014, 10:32 PM   #11
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81 Bigfoot fridge

Quote:
Originally Posted by spartacus View Post
Our fridge is leaking propane from the control panel, and I've been told by the service tech that replacement parts are not available and would actually cost more than a new fridge (they stated that the current fridge is older than the camper). They want $1000 for a new 3way fridge plus $300 install. Can anyone tell me if these prices are reasonable? Does anyone know of a RV wrecker that sells used parts/appliances - preferably in Canada?
Thanks!

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$300.00 for a install is to much to pay. You could do it yourself.
Chuck
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Old 07-10-2014, 11:15 PM   #12
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price.....

well if you look on eBay....for a RM2354 they want 950.....your canadian price sounds ok...even good actually........2351s (2 way) are 100 to 150 bucks cheaper.......I never used mine on DC, alternator couldn't keep up....so you could save a couple of bucks there maybe

300 for install sounds expensive...the guy ain't doing you any favors that's for sure....but there could be some reworking of the cabinet that I don't know about....(?)

how about traveling with a good cooler for a while and keep looking for a "deal".....you might come across an RV that somebody is parting out

me, I certainly wouldn't part with a grand "without a fight"....and certainly not the 300 (household plug for the 110, connect two wires to a block on the back for DC, connect the propane line and check for a leak)

(both fridges need a DC connection for the control board....even the 2 way) good luck
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Old 07-11-2014, 01:53 AM   #13
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Geoff, all RV refers are big $$$ new and nobody wants to have to replace one. But, sometimes it just has to be done. I had to replace one about 15 years ago. Yes I could have had it fixed for $600, but as it was 15 years old some of the plastic parts were starting to crack on the corners and replacement plastic parts were only available used. I went ahead and had a new one installed, LP and AC only for $1200. Turned out to be a good move as it would be cold in two hours.
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Old 07-11-2014, 06:00 PM   #14
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What are the dimensions of your IM30 ?
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Old 07-13-2014, 06:44 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe MacDonald View Post
What are the dimensions of your IM30 ?
Lol... I have no idea, but presumably the same as a dometic RM2354 [URL]http://www.dometic.com/enus/Americas/USA/RV-Products/refrigerators/Refrigerator-Product-Display/?productdataid=71135/[URL]

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