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Vt_Rv's avatar
Vt_Rv
Explorer
May 28, 2016

Refrigerator not working. Leaving for 3 week trip

We're just getting ready to leave on a three week trip and I started the refrigerator only to find it isn't working.

It's a Dometic RM2852, the control panel lights up and the vent stack gets hot so I know the LP is working. Also there is plenty of LP in the tank. The inside of the refrigerator gets warm instead of cold and there is an ammonia smell when I open the freezer door. I also have it plugged in so it should work on AC but seem to go right to LP.

I checked the vent and there is a yellow powder around the base of it.

I'm guessing I need to replace either the cooling unit or the whole thing. The problem is, as I stated, we're leaving this afternoon for the first leg of the trip taking us to Fort Myers, Florida from Vermont.

I'm looking for any suggestions or advise on either how to get it working or the best options for replacing it while on the road. Also should I be looking for an exact replacement or other models that will fit in the hole?

Thanks in advance for the advise.
Class A
  • Vt_Rv's avatar
    Vt_Rv
    Explorer
    May 28, 2016
    Thank you all for the advise. I'm checking in with Camping World to see about a replacement.

    I've considered a residential but feel a time crunch to get this replaced. Also we boon dock quite a bit so I'd be looking at an inverter
    and more batteries and or solar. No sure I want to make that jump.

    Definitely will be using the broken one as an ice box for the tip down and until we come up with a replacement.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    May 28, 2016
    For this trip treat it as an icebox. Use dry ice if you can find it.
  • TNGW1500SE's avatar
    TNGW1500SE
    Explorer
    May 28, 2016
    Vt Rv wrote:
    .........there is an ammonia smell when I open the freezer door.........


    Ammonia smell means it's leaking. Big bucks to fix. If you don't boondock and have a generator, I'd look at HomeDepot for a residential unit. Just keep in mind that whatever you buy would have to come through the door.

    We did this:

    http://www.homedepot.com/p/Frigidaire-12-cu-ft-Top-Freezer-Refrigerator-in-Black-FFTR1222QB/205423910
  • garymunson's avatar
    garymunson
    Explorer
    May 28, 2016
    If you smell ammonia, the cooling unit has failed. In areas of high humidity, it's probably from rust (although metal fatigue from vibration on the road can also crack the tubing). I still like the gas type units because of few moving parts. When we lived in Florida, common practice was to leave the fridge running on 110v to keep the system warm and deter rust. They use very little electricity compared to the cost of replacing the cooling unit and there is really nothing to 'wear out' by doing that. Cheapest way is to have the cooling unit repaired, quickest is to hit a Camping World and have them install a new one. At least with Camping World there will be many places to go if the new one has a problem.
  • Scottiemom's avatar
    Scottiemom
    Nomad
    May 28, 2016
    midnightsadie wrote:
    yep its junk. BUT theres a shop in indiana that rebuilds them better than new,which wouldn,t take much,


    Shipshewana. . . National Refrigeration. . . aka fixyourfridge.com

    Dale
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    May 28, 2016
    yep its junk. BUT theres a shop in indiana that rebuilds them better than new,which wouldn,t take much,
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    May 28, 2016
    No way to make it work if the ammonia leaked out.
    I'd hate to have it replaced on the road. If you ever have a problem you don't have good options for taking it back to them.
    Do you have a local repair place that you trust. I'd delay my trip a day or two before I got it fixed far from home.
  • Teacher_s_Pet's avatar
    Teacher_s_Pet
    Explorer
    May 28, 2016
    Hate to say it, but your best option is a bunch of dry ice and call ahead to a Camping World along your route. I'm not a fan of Camping World, but this is one thing they should handle easily and should have in stock.

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