The Dometic RM7851 (also known as the RM7851L) is a premium 3-way absorption refrigerator from Dometic's highly regarded 7-Series range. Commonly fitted to larger caravans and motorhomes throughout Australia and Europe, the RM7851 combines generous storage capacity with flexible operation on LPG gas, 12V DC and 240V AC power.
Although the RM7851 has now been discontinued, many units remain in service, creating ongoing demand for replacement parts and maintenance components.
About the Dometic RM7851
The RM7851 is a large-capacity upright refrigerator with a dedicated freezer compartment and Manual Energy Selection (MES) controls.
Key Specifications
Capacity
- Total capacity: 175 litres
- Freezer compartment: 31 litres
- Two-door refrigerator and freezer configuration
Overall Dimensions
- Height: 1245 mm
- Width: 525 mm
- Depth: 626 mm
Installation Cut-Out
- Height: 1248 mm
- Width: 530 mm
- Depth: 565 mm
Weight
Power Sources
- LPG Gas
- 12V DC (170W)
- 230-240V AC (190W)
Key Features
- Silent absorption cooling
- 3-way operation
- Manual Energy Selection (MES)
- Electronic gas ignition system
- Automatic gas re-ignition
- Separate freezer compartment
- Interior light
- Large door storage bins
- Adjustable shelving
- Travel door locks
- Reversible door configuration
How the RM7851 Works
Like other Dometic absorption refrigerators, the RM7851 operates without a compressor. Instead, it uses heat generated from gas or electric heating elements to drive the cooling cycle.
This provides several benefits:
- Completely silent operation
- Reliable off-grid performance
- Efficient LPG operation
- Minimal moving parts
- Long service life when properly maintained
The fridge performs best when installed correctly with adequate rear ventilation and when the vehicle is parked reasonably level.
Replacement Options
The Dometic RM7851 has been discontinued, however many units can be repaired cost-effectively using replacement parts.
If a complete fridge replacement becomes necessary, the closest modern successors are generally:
Dometic RMD8501 / RMD8505 Series
These later-generation absorption refrigerators offer:
- Similar two-door configuration
- LPG, 12V and 240V operation
- Improved electronics
- Enhanced cooling performance
- Modern control systems
Dometic RML and RUA Series
For caravans retaining a 3-way absorption refrigerator, later Dometic RML and RUA models became the natural evolution of the RM7851 platform.
Compressor Refrigerator Upgrades
Many owners upgrading to lithium battery systems and solar choose modern compressor refrigerators such as the Dometic NRX series, which offer:
- Faster cooling
- Superior hot-weather performance
- No levelling requirements
- Reduced maintenance
- Increased electrical efficiency
Before replacing an RM7851, it is often worth assessing whether repair is more economical, as many common faults involve easily replaceable components.
Spare Parts Available
We stock a wide range of Dometic RM7851 spare parts, including:
- 12V heating elements
- 240V heating elements
- Thermostats
- Thermocouples
- Burner assemblies
- Gas jets
- Ignition modules
- Electronic reignition components
- Main door seals
- Freezer door seals
- Door shelves and bottle retainers
- Interior shelves
- Vegetable bins
- Interior light components
- Travel locks and latches
- Door handles
- Hinge assemblies
- Ventilation components
- General service and maintenance parts
Many components are shared across the wider Dometic RM7-Series refrigerator range.
Keeping Your RM7851 Running
The RM7851 remains one of Dometic's most respected caravan refrigerator platforms due to its quiet operation, generous storage capacity and dependable 3-way functionality. In many cases, replacing a heating element, thermocouple, door seal, shelf, gas component or ignition module can return the fridge to reliable operation for a fraction of the cost of a replacement unit.
Whether you're maintaining a long-serving touring caravan or restoring an older motorhome, our range of Dometic RM7851 spare parts can help keep your refrigerator operating for years to come.