Domectic Fridge doing my head in

TCG

Joined
Jul 6, 2017
Posts
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Location
Salford Priors
Funster No
49,363
MH
Autotrail Delaware
Exp
2016
We have the RMD 8555 pile of junk. I am really at the end and seriously thinking about scrapping this pile of rubbish and replacing the whole fridge (2013)

This weekend we were off down to Van bitz to have an inverter fitted

Preparing for the journey – Fridge connected via electric, Drive not level – but within two days fridge down to zero 0c.

Sunday 9th – weather OK but not overly warm really - Packed the fridge with pre -cooled items and some frozen goods – Drove 87 miles ( 2Hrs) fridge reading 13 degrees C when we get there

Levelled the van (E&P Jacks) fridge on Electric – 3 hrs later fridge still 13 degrees – put fridge onto gas – 3 hours later down to 7 degrees



So basically, my Fridge is Useless on either gas or battery when travelling. I do have fridge vent fans and must confess that when we are in Europe I always use gas for running the fridge as using electric would give me food poisoning.



Questions please

  • Would it help if I changed the 240 volt element
  • Would it help if I changed the 12 volt element
  • If I am changing one, might as well change the other while accessing the rear of fridge
  • What temperature cut in / out should the fridge vent fans be set to
  • Any other thoughts?


Thanks for your assistance
 
Can you test what power the fridge is taking when on mains? Should be about 130w or half an amp.
 
Or a more simple test.. Is there heat coming out of the top vent outside?
 
Can you test what power the fridge is taking when on mains? Should be about 130w or half an amp.
Hi Richard, yes the fridge got down to zero while on my drive, which tells me it can work when it wants to. but when out and about it is just useless... i think i will change the elements both 12 volt and 240 and if that doesnt work, its a new fridge
 
I do not know if it would cause your problem but there is a temperature sensor that could be worth checking , the information about it is in Resources , Manuals for Motorhome stuff section, Dometic 8xxx series Service Instructions .

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Hi Richard, yes the fridge got down to zero while on my drive, which tells me it can work when it wants to. but when out and about it is just useless... i think i will change the elements both 12 volt and 240 and if that doesnt work, its a new fridge
The elements aren't cheap though.
If you like the fridge you can always remove all the 3 way stuff and fit a compressor kit. Mine was less than £400 to buy the kit and all the bits and bobs 👍
They have gone up a bit now though.
 
Some folks have replaced the thermal conductive paste at the rear of the fins which seems to work. There are threads on fun somewhere .
 
Also, Dometic fridge shelves made of clear brittle plastic which break regularly are a pain. Anyone know where good ones are available that don’t break.
Thanks
Phil
 
The thermal plastic route worked for me, if the freezer is working and fridge failing. Very simple, remove approx 7 hex screws from the ally fins. Gently pull the fins off, the sticky mastic holds it on. Replace a very thin coat of mastic along the cooling pipe to convey the cold to the fins. Firmly screw the hex screws back. Job done.
 
Be aware that 12v operation does not cool the fridge, it only helps maintain temp once chilled.
I would suspect that maybe your mains element could be faulty or not operating/ powered so needs more investigation.
Replacing the thermal paste ( a few threads on here ) may help. I have done mine twice now and it has helped.
Regarding gas, just check you have a clean flue and burner and a good flame. (y)

I now also use a compressor portable fridge in my garage, works a treat.
It's even better at cooling beer than some others Ditcha Steve and Denise :wink::rofl::rofl:

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