Dometic Electronic Fridge Impressions?

We just had a 2354 put in after our 2004 quit working. I like the electronic controls; very convenient that it automatically switches from AC to propane, and the temperature control is easy to use and accurate. Have only had it a few weeks, but so far we're very pleased. Our's came from PPL and DIDN'T COME WITH A FRONT PANEL! That was going to be an additional $80! The old panel didn't fit because the new model has a slight curve. We went to Lowe's and paid $10 for a piece of white sign-board that slid right in the slots on the sides. Plan on "decorating" it with postcards,etc. during each trip.

Well steve27 it looks like your right. I did some resurch on the 2354 and it does require continuse 12 volt power to operate continuesly on propane even after start-up. It seems I purchased the 2354 proir to changeover to full electronic operation of the control panel. My control panel looks the same as the 2310 model I was replacing. The temperature control knob as well as the mode selector knob were now electronc contacts rather than the mechanical that twisted a long rod to the rear of the unit. No more peizo lighter on the newer 2354 as it tries to ingnite the flame automatically. It even has a "limp mode" that will lock out the elctronic system and default to some factory presets that will keep the unit operating till the problem part is replaced. Nice feature. Incidentely the power consumption on the 12 volt battery when on propane operation is tiny as to be considered a non-issue. Someone better versed than I might want to weigh in on that assumption. This is the complete operating document of the 2354 and others in the series. http://www.dometic.com/QBankFiles3/EPiServer/Dometic/US/Manuals/RV-manuals/Refrigerators/Americana-AmericanaPlus-Installation-Operating-Manual_17602.pdf

Hi Chaine,

My 1997 Xplorer has the 2310 & it's still running strong. As I do a lot of boondocking I like the fact that it draws no power from my battery when running on propane. I bet that 2354 does draw power with it's electronic control. I'm not changing.

Having replaced a 2310 dometic with the 2354 your asking about I can answer your question with first hand knowledge. The 2310 was in our 89 xplorer owned sinc new, and your right that the controls on the bottom are a pain. The model you currently have is in the same series and is identical in size. The 2354 still had the pizo (spark) ignitor for activating the gas option. And the controls are on top as you indicated. Much handier. Quite frankly we do not have any issues with it's operation. I did the exchange work myself and it was time consuming but straight forward. The color issue was ours as well but was resolved via the removal of the large door panel of the refridgerator. It's a formica panel inserted for desired color in our case it was woodgrain. Easily done. If the newer model being only in black then I think the metal trim might be black also but ours 2310 and the 2354 was with aluninum color trim. If Dometic is now painting the door black they probably left the narrow track that held the formica in place. Then your panel would slip right in. YOU SHOULD UPGRADE if for no other reason than the unit is on very borrowed time as a 10 to 15 year life seems average. Ours failed while on the road and that was in 2005. It gave no warning accept an amonia smell when fridge door was opened. But then it was too late. If you decide to DIY on the exchange I'd be glad to explain the procedure as we have same body style motorhome.