RV Refrigerator Repair: Fix It or Replace It?
Quick Answer
Repair your fridge if the problem is a simple component (door gasket, thermistor, control board) on a fridge under 8 years old—total cost is usually under $500 and you'll get years of service. Replace if the cooling unit has failed (ammonia leak) on a fridge over 10 years old, or if accumulated repairs exceed 60% of new fridge cost.
When your RV fridge fails, the first question isn't just "what's wrong," it's "is it worth fixing?" A new RV fridge costs $1500–$3500; repair can range from $30 (door gasket) to $1500+ (cooling unit replacement). Age, failure type, and total repair cost matter. This guide covers the most common RV fridge failures, what they cost to fix, and helps you decide: repair or replace. Sometimes a $200 thermistor replacement gives you another 5 years. Sometimes a $1200 cooling unit replacement isn't worth it on a 12-year-old fridge. We'll help you make the call.
Cooling Unit Failure: The Costliest Problem
The cooling unit (sealed absorption chamber with ammonia) is the heart of your RV fridge. When it fails—usually due to an ammonia leak, internal corrosion, or seal degradation—the fridge cannot cool regardless of other components working fine. There's no repair for a failed cooling unit; it must be replaced. Your options: (1) replace the entire fridge ($1500–$3500 new, $800–$1200 used), (2) replace the cooling module alone if your fridge design allows ($800–$1200 part, plus $300–$500 labor, total $1100–$1700), or (3) scrap the fridge. A full fridge replacement makes sense if your RV is new or you plan to keep it long-term. A cooling module replacement is a middle ground if available for your model. Scrapping is the last resort. Cost calculation: if your fridge is 5 years old and otherwise well-maintained, a cooling module replacement might be worth it (you'll get another 8 years for $1500 total). If your fridge is 12 years old, replacing the entire fridge ($2000 new or $1000 used) is often more economical than $1500 in parts and labor for a repair that might fail again soon. Used RV fridges are readily available on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and RV forums; inspect carefully for proper cooling, clean interior, and functional modes (gas and electric) before buying.
Door Gasket Seal Replacement
The door gasket (rubber seal around the fridge door) is one of the cheapest repairs: $30–$80 for the part, 10 minutes for DIY installation. A worn gasket causes air leaks, reducing cooling efficiency and causing the fridge to work harder than necessary. Check the gasket by closing the door on a dollar bill; if the bill slides out with no resistance, the gasket is loose. Replacement is straightforward: remove the old gasket (it usually slides out of a groove) and slide in a new one. If your gasket is glued on, peel it off and apply a new adhesive-backed gasket. This is the easiest fridge repair and a great first DIY project. If done, the repair pays for itself in reduced energy costs within a year. Always keep a spare gasket on hand if you have a house-call technician visit for other repairs—it's cheap insurance.
Control Board or Thermostat Replacement
The control board (the electronic brain) or thermostat (the temperature selector) can fail independently of the cooling system. A failed board manifests as: unresponsive buttons, display not lighting, fridge not responding to mode changes, or repeated error codes. Control board replacement costs $300–$500 for the part, plus $200–$300 labor, total $500–$800. This is expensive but much cheaper than replacing the fridge ($1500+). On a fridge under 8 years old, a board replacement is usually worth it—you'll likely get another 5–7 years of service. On a fridge over 12 years old, board replacement might make you question the value; if other components are aging simultaneously, replacement might be the better financial choice. A thermostat alone (if that's the only failed component) is cheaper to replace ($150–$250) than a full board.
Thermistor (Temperature Sensor) Replacement
The thermistor is a temperature sensor that costs $80–$150 and is one of the most common RV fridge failures (especially Norcold and Dometic models after 5–7 years). A failed thermistor causes intermittent cooling, inability to cool to target temperature, or constant cycling. Replacement is straightforward for a technician ($100–$200 labor) and brings total cost to $200–$350. On any fridge under 10 years old, a thermistor replacement is an excellent investment—it's cheap and usually solves the problem entirely. If your fridge was cooling intermittently and a technician replaces the thermistor, you should see immediate improvement. If the thermistor is under warranty (some Norcold models have extended coverage), replacement might be free or heavily discounted.
Cooling Fan Motor Replacement
The evaporator fan (inside the fridge) or condenser fan (outside) can fail after 8–10 years of use. A failed evaporator fan means uneven cooling or no cooling to one compartment. A failed condenser fan means the compressor overheats and shuts down. Cooling fan replacement costs $150–$300 for the part, plus $150–$250 labor, total $300–$550. On a fridge under 8 years old, fan replacement is definitely worth it—fans are usually reliable after replacement for another 10 years. On a fridge over 12 years old, if the fan has failed, other components are probably aging too, making replacement more attractive. However, if the fan is the only problem, a $500 repair is cheaper than a $2000+ fridge replacement, so fix it.
Repair vs. Replace Decision Matrix
Use this framework to decide: First, identify the failure type (cooling unit, board, thermistor, fan, gasket). Then, know your fridge's age. Finally, calculate total repair cost and compare to replacement cost. Rule 1: If repairs exceed 60% of new fridge cost, replace. Rule 2: If the fridge is under 5 years old, repair almost any single component failure (you'll get years of service). Rule 3: If the fridge is over 12 years old, only repair if the part is cheap (gasket, thermistor) or you're willing to accept higher failure risk from aging components. Rule 4: If the cooling unit has failed, only repair on fridges under 8 years old (repair cost is $1200+, not worth it on older units). Rule 5: Check your warranty and any applicable recalls—sometimes repair is free. Example calculations: Fridge is 6 years old, thermistor failed, repair cost $250. Replacement cost $2000. Repair is the clear choice (12.5% of replacement). Fridge is 14 years old, cooling unit failed, repair cost $1500. Replacement cost $1200 (used) or $2500 (new). Replace with a used unit. Fridge is 8 years old, door gasket failed, repair cost $100. Replacement cost $2000. Repair obviously. Use this logic to guide your decision.
When to Call a Pro
Call a technician to diagnose component failures (thermistor, control board, cooling unit), to confirm whether repair or replacement is recommended, and to perform repairs involving refrigerant, electrical work, or disassembly beyond your comfort level. A technician's diagnostic visit ($50–$150) is money well spent if it helps you avoid a $2000 mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth repairing a 15-year-old RV fridge?
Only if the repair is cheap (gasket, thermistor: under $300). If the cooling unit fails on a 15-year-old fridge, replace rather than repair—repair would cost $1200–$1500, almost as much as a used replacement ($800–$1200). Check for used fridges on Craigslist or RV forums; they're plentiful and often have years of life left.
How much does it cost to replace an RV fridge?
New RV fridges range from $1500 (basic models) to $3500+ (high-end Dometic). Used fridges are $800–$1200. Installation costs $200–$400 in labor. Total budget for a replacement is $2000–$4000 for new, $1000–$1600 for used. Some RVers DIY installation if they're handy with plumbing and electrical.
Should I buy a used RV fridge to save money?
Yes, if inspected properly. Verify the fridge cools on both electric and gas modes, has no ice buildup, smells normal (no ammonia), and the door seal is intact. Ask the seller how long they owned it and if there were any issues. Used fridges are usually reliable, especially premium brands like Dometic and Norcold, and can save $1000+ compared to new.
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Last updated: 2026-02-18