Today, well look at some of the common problems you might encounter with a Dometic RV fridge and how you can troubleshoot them. Is It Safe to Have a Wood Stove in an RV? You state that you do not have any blown fuses. FTC Disclosure:I get commissions for purchases made through some of the links in this articlefor more information, visit ourAdvertising Disclosure Page. Confused by all the different types of RVs? The gas absorption refrigerators from Dometic must be level for gravity to help them stay cool. So if you are driving on an incline, its better to just turn the fridge off to save fuel. However, Electric RV fridges also have their plus points when it comes to the overall safety and optimal performance conditions. Just turned my fridge on for the first time. what are the costfor RV refrigerators? If youre not familiar with using a multimeter or uncomfortable working with electricity, you should get a professional to look at your system. DC Compressor RV Refrigerator with RH Stainless Steel Doors, Dometic CoolFreeze Refrigerator 3 Way Power, Black, Americana II / Americana II Plus Refrigerator Door Panels, Black, Fits DM 2872/2882, 8 cu. Changing inverter cured that problem and both are working as they should now. Both, Electric and propane fridges have their pros and cons. Return to the Everything About RVing Home Page. They also rely on a 12-volt battery, and they drain the life out of the battery so quickly that it needs to be replaced pretty frequently. Found mechanics of unit to be excellent. The thoughtfully designed stainless steel door sets a new Dometic DMC4081RH RV 12V DC Electric Refrigerator / Freezer - 8 C/F Gas-powered refrigerators require a certain amount of know-how to hook up, operate, and maintain. Can I Register My Car At A Different Address? I unplugged the AC power in the control compartment and tested it and the plug was dead as was an undercounter plug beside the fridge. You may need to install the right type of plugin for it, but it is convenient because you can move it outdoors to your campsite (hooked up to outdoor power) instead of constantly filling up coolers to store food and beverages. Thanks for all the help you provide to help us NEWBIES out.lol, I have no lites on fridge up top auto gas electric all power is good I found bad high limit switch the reset able one I jumped it out lites came one pilot lit started cooling but put it to electric mode not cooling disconnected gas silenoid to valve. It can be a tough pill to swallow should you need to replace one. One of the factors you may want to consider when purchasing or replacing your RV refrigeration system is whether its powered by gas (propane) or electricity. They have lower emissions and better fuel economy that end up saving you money in the longer run. While 200 watts would be the minimum for basic power needs, including LED lighting, propane refrigerator electronics, and a radio. Some models have it inside the fridge near the compressor in the back. I'm a Dad to 3 awesome daughters, Astrid, Jolie, and Layla. Motorhomes sometimes have propane tanks of up to 80-100 pounds which could run a refrigerator consistently for 48-60 days. Therefore, its a much quicker and more efficient cooling process than gas-powered refrigerators can provide. If you spot a yellow, sulfuric buildup, you have a serious situation on your hands. How to get a heating element out of an RV refrigerator. All that is needed is a multimeter and access to the two wires that come off the heating element. how do you test the electric heating element for the frig?? Ive used both kinds of refrigerators and lean towards propane RV fridges more. Other problem as with my 2 6 volt batteries not charging as they should. This is especially helpful when youre in a warm environment, and your refrigerator struggles to stay cool. Luckily I found this website , I took the cover off the back of the trailer on the outside where the refrigerator is and what do I find but a plug not plugged in. Make sure you have proper airflow not only for optimal operation but also to avoid any unnecessary heat build-ups. Take the plastic cover off so you can see the components that keep your fridge running. The amount of propane a refrigerator uses depends on its size and age. Of course, not everything is simple, there are certain factors that directly affect the efficiency of a propane fridge. 1 gallon of propane can usually run a refrigerator for approximately 61 hours. The Freeline 115 by Isotherm represents an evolution of the Indel Webasto C085RNGIT Isotherm Cruise 85 Clean Touch Stainless Steel Electric Refrigerator/Freezer - AC/DC - 3.0 C/F 4. RV refrigerators are important if you plan on traveling with food, beverages, frozen, or other perishable items to enjoy while camping or driving. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Get exclusive tips and tricks to save your money and time in the RV lifestyle! Keeping your food fresh during travel is a huge plus, especially if your kids love to eat ice cream after dinner. Sign Up with Good Sam Today! The Dometic Coolmatic refrigerators are 4060 S Grant St. #114 If you are planning a trip to naturally hot regions, its better to have an electric RV fridge. ft. 2-way, Left Swing Door (NA7LXL). If all is good there, youll need to venture outside to the side of your RV, where you can find the back access panel of your RV fridge. Older refrigerators are also a bit less efficient and may use more propane. But even if you could put a regular fridge in your Hi! As it boils, the ammonia steam goes into the condenser where it turns back into liquid. Norcold electric refrigerators are durable enough for off-road Indel Webasto F115RSAAS Isotherm Cruise 115 Freeline Silver Elegance RV AC/DC Electric Refrigerator / Freezer - 4.1 C/F Some run off of propane. Mine is a 2013.butane/250 I believe.Yes im a female, but mechanically inclined. Comparing propane RV fridges with their electric counterparts is necessary if you are looking to get a new one for your RV. Other models have it just inside the door. Dometic refrigerators typically come with a reset switch. Those things are not always on and running though like your stocked refrigerator likely would be, so they are likely less of a hazard. Food should be toward the top of any good packing list for a camping trip. Check the breaker box if youre not getting power to your fridge. Join me as I dive into RV tips, parenting on the road tips, remote learning & schooling, and much more! Its compressor refrigerators are an excellent option for those looking to power their refrigerators without battery and solar power. Luckily I have a comparison of a Class A motorhome and a travel trailer. RV Trip Wizard: Our Secret Weapon For Trip Planning, Why You Should Skip the Thousand Trails Medina Lake Campground. They dont rely on fuel heating up to get their cooling power. The Dometic Coolmatic refrigerators are Dometic (Coolmatic) CRX-1110S Electric Refrigerator Freezer - AC/DC - 3.8 C/F Well, I originally created this blog as a way to share what I've learned by experimenting with the RV lifestyle, and I want to help others develop in life through new skills and opportunities. Are you sure you want to remove the following product from the cart? My RV's Fridge Will Not Work On Electric, What Is Wrong With It? Electric RV refrigerators use environmentally friendly refrigerants that are not flammable, and there is no gas line connected so theres no chance of a gas leak, and no need to worry about ventilation or flammability of incendiary gases. An RV propane fridge requires at least a 10.5 V battery to get it started. You can install additional fans to help circulate air in the refrigerators components. I plug the main cord into wall outlet and flip the 120 volt switch on & it doesn't work. Most RV owner's biggest complaint is the tiny fridge. Use Up and Down arrow keys to navigate search results. So, which is better? I'm Jeff Campbell. Are you sure you want to remove all products from the cart? My Dometic fridge will cool with propane but will not cool on electric only. The auto is set for both. Dometic is a Swedish company and one of the leading manufacturers of RV products. They cannot cool efficiently if their air temperature is already high. Electric RV fridges can stay colder for a longer period of time. The liquid ammonia combines with hydrogen gas which turns it back into gas again, and this process cools the refrigerator. This product carries a 1-Year Warranty to the Original Purchaser with Dometic. Airflow is also necessary for the propane refrigerator to work efficiently. Related reading: How Many Watts Do I Need to Run a Camper AC? Electric RV refrigerators are also becoming more common and more popular for reasons other than performance: theyre safer, easier to use, more efficient, and they allow for more flexibility and spontaneity when traveling. Runs on electric and then will go to gas while driving on the road. Carefully examining their features, maintenance, cost, and usability will help you decide what the best option for you is. Refine by Brand: Equator Advanced Appliances, Price Range $30.00-$49.99 is not selectable, Price Range $100.00-$199.99 is not selectable, Price Range $200.00-$299.99 is not selectable, Price Range $300.00-$499.99 is not selectable, Price Range $500.00-$999.99 is not selectable, Price Range $1000.00-$1999.99 is not selectable, Price Range $2000.00-3999.99 is not selectable, Refine by Special Offers: Members-Only Specials, Dometic Americana II Refrigerator, 6 cu.ft., DM2672RB1, Furrion Arctic 10 cu.ft. The Isotherm Cruise 85 Clean Touch Stainless Steel is the latest Dometic Coolmatic CRX-1080U/F Electric Refrigerator Freezer - AC/DC - 2.7 C/F This should be the first step any time you experience a failure with electronics. Keep food, drinks, and other perishables fresh for the duration of your trip. How Do I Reset My Dometic RV Refrigerator? I read many posts and the fine print solved the problem. Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay and Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay. Hi, I'm Mike, co-founder, and editor of RV and Playa. To give you a better idea of why electric RV refrigerators perform better, you have to understand the gas heating process. They have sturdier fabrication and are more durable than their non-mobile, residential counterparts. I got so desperate I even made an appointment with a Camping World, that is desperate. Certain things will always be electric, like the AC, lights, and TV, but oftentimes the stove, heat, and hot water heater will be gas. Troubleshooting Guide, link to Pros and Cons of a Residential Refrigerator in an RV. 3. 4 Pack Refrigerator Airing Device RV - Refrigerator Door Prop Open Kit - Exact Replacement Door Prop Clips with Part Number 3850781026 Compatible with Dometic Models DM26XX, DM28XX,RM37XX,RM39XX, Refrigerators, FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon, DOMETIC DM2882RB Americana Plus Refrigerator - 8 cu.ft, Right-Handed, (Part New) Genuine OEM WP Refrigerator Light Housing WPW10313917 + all other models in the description, AdZzz DA64-03364A refrigerator distributor control stack DA64-0364A applicable refrigerator accessories Genuine OEM part, Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner, 13,500 BTU - Polar White (B57915.XX1C0), Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner, 15,000 BTU - Polar White (B59516.XX1C0), DOMETIC 651816CXX1C0 Penguin II Heat Pump 15 - Polar White, 15,000 (651816HXX1C0-01), DOMETIC 94002SP WH-GEA RV Gas/Electric Water Heater - 6 Gallon , Silver, DOMETIC AIR CONDITIONERS 640310CXX1J0 Standard Dometic Penguin II Low-Profile Upper Unit RV Air Conditioner-11.000 BTU, Black, Dometic Air Conditioners H551816AXX1C0 Blizzard Nxt Hp 15.0 Wht Upper, DOMETIC DM2862RB 8.0 Cubic Feet 2-Way Refrigerator, Dometic 302320081 320 Series Standard Height RV Toilet, White, DOMETIC 94001SP WH-6GA RV Water Heater - 6 Gallon, Gas Only, Dometic 000-13522-001 Sanitation 302310081 310 Toilet White Std, DOMETIC 3315332.000 Shroud Assembly Brisk Air II - Polar White, Dometic Brisk Air II 15,000 BTU Rv Ac Complete ND System W/Heat, Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner, 13,500 BTU - Black (B57515.XX1J0), Dometic Brisk II Rooftop Air Conditioner, 15,000 BTU - Black (B59516.XX1J0), Dometic 640315CXX1J0 Penguin II Black 20 Amp Low Profile Rooftop Air Conditioner, Atwood | Dometic WH-6GEA Water Heater #94002BP, Dometic 302651001 White 510 Plus China Toilet, DOMETIC CFX3 75-Liter Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator and Freezer, Powered by AC/DC or Solar, Dometic CFX3 95DZ, 95 Liter Dual Zone Portable Refrigerator and Freezer, Powered by AC/DC or Solar, Dometic Coolmatic CRX 50TFP3 Compressor 3-in-1 solution, Highly Efficient Refrigerator for Freightliner Cascadia P3, Domestic Sanitation 302310083 310 Toilet Bone Std, Atwood | Dometic WH-6GA Water Heater #94001BP | RV Water Heater | Camper Water Heater, DOMETIC 8273000.401B Universal Plus Hardware - Tall Straight Side, Polar White. Theme designed by Papathemes. Here at Camping World, we stock a premium selection of RV refrigerators and freezers designed specifically for RVs and built for the road. Hold the reset button for approximately 10 seconds and then release it. My power cord got water in it and shorted everything.Replaced among other things, the converter now all is back to nomal but the fridge wont work on elec. Started by putting a. I recently had to change the converter on a 2019 heartland north trail and now neither of my refrigerators will work on electricity. It offers noiseless absorption appliances that use gas and minimize your dependence on electricity. If youre deciding between an electric or a gas-powered refrigerator for your RV, keep reading for an in-depth explanation of why electric RV refrigerators work better, the differences between the two, as well as some pros and cons of each. A propane fridge works more like an air conditioner than a regular electric refrigerator. With a gas-powered RV refrigerator, increased motion (vibration, driving over bumps) can cause sparking, which is worrisome since propane gas is flammable. Just click that link to read it on my site. My second guess is that the Refrigerator Control Board has gone bad.Unless you are comfortable replacing these items yourself, you may still have to take your RV in and have it checked out and repaired by a qualified RV Technician.Do you have any suggestions or comments on this topic? You can easily stretch it out over a week even if you are using the heater, cooking stove, hot water, and RV fridge. You dont want to go poking around your RVs electrical system if you dont know what youre doing. Designed for the rough waters found in the marine environment. Having access to an RV fridge also allows you to store meat safely for longer periods of time. Your email address will not be published. Motorhomes, RVs, and travel trailers can also use a propane fridge. , just started up our new propane refrigerator off-grid living New Mexico pic.twitter.com/UCq5LhXSRU, chuckjines67 (@ChuckJines67) April 19, 2017. It is a Norcold my unit is a 2004 Fleetwood Excursion lm pretty sure it's a 2 way since it runs off the generator but then it could be 3way because on the panel it has LP, AUX, and AC. You may need to flip a breaker or replace a fuse to restore power to your equipment. I want my refrigerator to work on electric only and when I turn on my refrigerator it clicks like it is trying to fire the gas up. This results in the refrigerator working perfectly for years. Its very common now to have an RV fridge that can switch back and forth between gas and electric, which may intrigue you if youre camping in varied environments, but the simplicity of electric refrigerators that dont rely on gas is highly sought-after. If you dont see any obvious reasons for your unit not functioning correctly, youll need to use a multimeter to ensure power is flowing correctly. RV refrigerators can cost anywhere between $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the type and model. So, if youre driving up a mountain, that incline is going to decrease your gas refrigerators performance! Propane is also produced right here in the USA. But just like home, sometimes RV refrigerators develop issues, leaving many RV owners wondering why is my Pros and Cons of a Residential Refrigerator in an RV. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2022, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. RV Parenting is owned and operated by Jeff Campbell/Middle Class Dad. Finally, youll also want to ensure youre not overloading your fridge. Designed for the rough waters found in the marine environment. You can then restore power to your RV to finish resetting the refrigerator. Many RV refrigerators come with warranties that last a few years, but after that, youre on your own. A propane fridge doesnt require a ton of electricity to function properly. You can buy a refurbished one to save some money. So either shore power, generator, or an inverter for the house batteries will be needed. Shop the Dometic Store. Test to make sure 120-volt and 12-volt power are making it to the fridge and that all the electrical connections are getting either 12-volt or 120-volt. Middle Class Dad is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies, but in no way increases the cost to you if you opt to make a purchase from my links. You wont be getting super frozen ice creams with this fridge, but it will run for longer periods of time without requiring any maintenance. RV Weather Stripping: The RV Maintenance Youre Probably Forgetting, The Best Camping Spots in and Around Ojai. Found proper size at hardware. It will cool a few minutes but not stay on. Putting too much in your fridge prohibits air from circulating to allow your fridge to cool down. Dometic DMC4101 brings a fresh design to the RV kitchen. RV refrigerators are on the pricey side because theyre built with the road in mind. Not a Good Sam member yet? Required fields are marked *. Enjoy free shipping on all orders over $99 or, for Good Sam members, orders over $69! Simply click here to return to Ask An RV Question. This test can help identify any failures or bad connections. link to Can I Register My Car At A Different Address? Norcold electric refrigerators Dometic DMC4081LH RV 12V DC Electric Refrigerator / Freezer - 8 C/F Some sources I've read say around 30 to 35 ohms is right BUT then I've read(for my model) that about 80 to 90 is correct. They arent influenced by external factors but can have regular maintenance costs add up. FREE shipping over $99.Good Sam members: FREE shipping over $69. Usually, 200 to 400 watts of generating solar cell panels will be sufficient to recharge the RVs batteries (assuming the sun shines). But RV refrigerators arent always like the ones we have at home. The Electric RV fridges on the other hand work on 120V AC or 12V DC and can provide consistent and faster cooling. This will turn over by itself can you help. Designed for the rough waters found in the marine environment. Dometic requires the product to be tested for defects by an Authorized Dometic Service Center. Propane RV fridges on the other hand require optimal conditions to work. (Do This Now). | Join Now. So, doing simple math, we know a 20lb tank can run a fridge for 12 days. So fewer points of mechanical or electrical failure are present. We can assist you in filing a manufacture warranty by providing manufacturer contact information and an original invoice. So, if youre in a campsite thats way uneven, make sure you use your leveling jacks or the refrigerator may not work properly. Designed for the rough waters found in the marine environment. However, if you are worried that youll need to put a strain on your RVs main battery, rest easy. My passion is traveling (with my RV) and enjoying the day at the beach (Playa)! As a general rule, propane refrigerators are more expensive to purchase than electric refrigerators. We are an Informative website dedicated to helping customers solve their consumer-related questions from a wide range of services, products, finance, and industries Car not starting? Why will 12 volt DC work but not 120 volt AC? document.getElementById("copyright_year").innerHTML = new Date().getFullYear(); Just like comparing an RV and a motorhome and gauging whats great for you. He writes extensively on both RVs, campgrounds, parenting on the road tips, remote learning & schooling, and much more! Dometic DMC4101 RV 12V DC Electric Refrigerator / Freezer - 10 C/F. *Please note that I am not liable for quotes, products, claims or any work performed through BuyerZone or its suppliers. Gas RV refrigerators are hooked up to a gas line, and you have to wait for that gas to heat, evaporate, interact with the other cooling elements, and then cool and regenerate. Key Differences Between Electric and Gas RV Refrigerators? ft. 12V Built-In Refrigerator. A 20lb tank holds 4.6 gallons of propane. How? If you find a tripped circuit breaker, reset it and try running the fridge on electric again. Middle Class Dad also participates in affiliate programs with Siteground, Clickbank, CJ, BuyerZone, ShareASale, and other sites. First you need to locate the repair manual for your fridge. Neither Dometic or Panther RV Products offers an expedited option for warranty services. Related Searches: Vacuum & Steam Mops | RV Kitchen & Dining | RV Bedroom | ACs & Heaters. How Many Watts Do I Need to Run a Camper AC? The thoughtfully designed stainless steel door sets a new standard Dometic DMC4081RH RV 12V DC Electric Refrigerator / Freezer - 8 C/F Generally speaking, you are not able to register your vehicle at an address that is in a different state from the one that you reside in. If you're looking for more in RV appliances, check out our pages on: washers and dryers, ranges and cooktops, refrigerator door panels. Everything About RVing Does not sell personal information. If Gas was on the fridge would use it whether you wanted it to or not. Lets get started! 15 Unique RV Decorating Ideas Anyone Can Do, 5 Mistakes People Make When Showering in an RV. If you dont get an infinite reading, it doesnt mean your element is good though. and you may need a generator to power it if you are off-grid camping so be sure to do your homework to ensure this is a good way for you to save a little money. Is the Good Sam Mail Service Actually Good? Modern RVs come with all the conveniences and luxuries of a regular home these days, and this includes their refrigerators (and other appliances). Refrigerator with Cold Weather Kit, Right Swing Door, Norcold Polar 3-Way AC/LP/DC 7 cu.ft. It kept looking for gas even on auto with the gas off and the 120 plugged in. I assume that your fridge is a two way fridge; it either works off of propane or off of 120 volt electricity. If your model is supposed to test at 60ohms but tests out at only 30 then your element probably has a problem. I'm no expert here so feel free to double check the accuracy of my advice. Price and other details may vary based on product size and color. The 10 Best Thousand Trails Campgrounds in Florida, The Best Books to Help With Your School Bus Conversion, 15 Country Songs You Have to Listen to on Your Next Road Trip. Original problem was when turned on, it would not switch to AC when hooked up. Propane fridges are extremely efficient compared to electric ones and can run continuously for more than a week on just 20lbs of propane. Keeps food cold and freezer at excellent temperature even on the hottest days. Place the level on the fridge itself or on a shelf/counter to see if it is flat horizontally or not. All Rights Reserved. If you have no tripped circuit breakers then my first guess is still that the Electrical Refrigerator Heating Element has gone bad. How? Simply click here to return to. DOMETIC 3308046.014 Polar White Penguin Replacement A/C Shroud. And while having to tow a trailer is hopefully obvious, there are a lot of similarities too. In fact, 90% of the propane we need is produced in the country. The bigger it is, the more fuel it will need. How do I get my electric to work only. Dometic also has electrical models if youre not looking to venture off the grid. LEARN HOW TO RUN 2 RV A/Cs ON A 30 AMP CONNECTION, by Chris Wenzl A Dometic refrigerator also requires a good amount of airflow for the condenser fins to do their job. I also have power coming to the control board and fuse and also the heating element wires. It doesnt hold very much, and it lacks the functionality of the fridge you have at home. RVandPlaya.com also participates in affiliate programs with CJ and other sites. While you may be able to tolerate your RV being unlevel, your fridge might not be as forgiving. Norcold N2090R RV Electric Thin Refrigerator Freezer - 12V DC - 3.2 C/F Yes, these are rough estimates, and your mileage may increase if, lets say, you are not using the stove or heating. ), and then shop around. Make sure to take your measurements, determine which features are important to have (do you need an ice maker? It will detail what each wire and component is and give you the electrical tests you can do to find the problem. My Norcold 4 door stopped working on electricity. If you get an infinite reading, your element is bad. No screws for mounting the external hardware or securing fridge to RV. By the looks of it it had never been plugged in, probably that way from the factory. No fuses blown. The level of the fridge also matters a lot. Some older RVs had three way fridges that worked off of propane, 12 volt electricity and 120 volt electricity.You state that you do not have any blown fuses. that's what happened to mine. Fill out the form below to receive The Free, Everything About RVing Does not sell personal information. Join in and write your own page! Don't worry. Of course, different pieces of equipment last longer than others, but in a recent article, I cover all major pieces of equipment in most RVs and not only give you the average lifespan but tips on how to extend that. If none of these options help cool down your refrigerator, you may have faulty components or failing parts that need replacing. Safety of Electric RV Refrigerators vs. Gas Ones? Dometic DMC4081 brings a fresh design to the RV kitchen. Disconnect the heating element wires from the electrical board(very easy, just gently pull them off), touch a multimeter probe to the end of each of those two wires and check the ohms. Some RV refrigerators also use the battery for front control panels if they are available. Once youve found the switch, make sure to disconnect your RV from all power sources. Panther RV Products is not responsible for any manufacture defects or warranty issues. Propane-powered RV refrigerators work by heating up ammonia until it reaches a boil. As weve already mentioned, even though propane powers the fridge, you still need an electrical source too. You can store medicine and food inside without the worry of interruptions. You can add them to this page by clicking on the "Click Here To Post Comments" link located near the bottom of this page.Happy RVingRVing Al. We were at a campsite with electricity and we ran out of propane and I couldn't get the check light to go off . If youre only a novice or casual recreational camper, this might be the factor that appeals to you most. Instead of calling in a professional or towing your RV to the dealer, there are a few things you should check yourself. Lets explore propane vs. electric for an RV fridge. Electric ones are more plug-in-and-go, or set-it-and-forget-it.