How important is a refer thermistor?

hotjag1 wrote:
I have read on this forum that the thermistor is critical to proper refer temps because it controls the cooling cycle. Our refer starting running about 10 degrees warmer than usual(44 degrees) in 80 degree temps. I adjusted the thermistor up and down at different intervals and the temps didn't change.

Is the fridge 10 degrees warmer than it was before when the ambient temperature was 80? or 10 degrees warmer than when the ambient temperature was 70?

An absorption fridges ultimate cooling ability is related, although not directly related in terms of a degree cooling for every degree ambient, to the ambient temperature. Once the ambient is above 80, even more so if the sun is on the side of the rig with the fridge, the fridge starts getting incapable of supporting those interior temps in the 30's no matter the thermistor position, brand, age, or anything else.

Add to that the RV manufacturers are notorious for building the compartment wrong instead of following the fridge manufacturers guidelines, so they don't naturally draft enough. That or they jam them in a slide with no ability to use a roof vent.

Adding 12 volt fans to vent the space is the cheapest and best mod one can make to any absorbtion fridge. If you have a Dometic with the OEM fan, it's a noisy POS anyway or it will be given time. If you add some good fans you can kill the OEM one.