Recently my Dometic fridge model DMR 702 has not been cooling at the same temps as on AC mode. It was manufactured in 2013 for 2014. AC mode the fridge temp is between 36 and 38 degrees. Freezer at 0 degrees. On LP fridge temps are around for 47 with high reading at 53 later in day. Daytime temps have been averaging between 79 to 82 degrees with average humidity here in upstate New York. Things I did was to check the fridge pilot, burner assembly, and 12 volt fan. All seemed to be working fine.

I cleaned out some rust debris particles that were under burner assembly. One thing I have been noticing is a stronger than usual propane smell in the outside dual tank compartment. Did a leak check everywhere even under the stove top connections but no leaks. Can it be a bad regulator??

Poor ventilation for the refer is a common problem why it does not cool. Yours is in a slide that makes it worse. There should be less then an inch between the outside wall and the cooling unit tubes. On top of many top vented refers is a void that causes the heat to have problems going out upper vent. You can install a curved piece of sheet metal to make a deflector to come better. I used a piece of split metal duct.Yes, your regulator diaphragm could have a small pin hole.

Is the fridge level? The pictures have a noticable lean, but that could be the angle of the camera. Is your fridge on the humid mode? Is the fridge full? They cool better when more fully loaded. Did you add the fan or did the manufacturer? Can you vacuum the compartment. It seems to have a lot of rust and debris.

put that fan at the top exhaust vent and add three more cooled mine down a hole lot. ventilation is your problem.

Moved from the TC Forum.WayneModerator

Dometic Fridge not cooling properly on LP mode | Good Sam Community

34 Replies

billyray50
Explorer
Mar 22, 2018
**Update** Well after awhile My Dometic fridge still has fluctuating temps especially on propane. I purchased a Dometic air flow baffle off of Ebay and installed according to a couple of pics on sellers site. Does anybody ever installed one of these on their RV? Installed in upper vent in slide portion of my RV. Wanted to make sure I installed correctly. It is a truck camper.

Ebay seller pic

My TC.
billyray50
Explorer
Aug 17, 2017
****UPDATE*****

Finally figured out the problem with the fridge LP woes. I replaced the regulator and hoses and It is fixed!! Fridge temp is now 30 degrees and freezer below zero. Vast improvement in burner flame height.

Before regulator replacement

I am still going to add fans to upper vent in slide though. Thanks for all the helpful suggestions.
enblethen
Nomad
Jul 13, 2017
When we are dealing with very low pressure even the smallest leak can cause problems.
That would be a good size leak!
billyray50
Explorer
Jul 13, 2017
Thanks sidecar.
SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Jul 13, 2017
I see that. I don't believe it would impact the pressure that much but, the leaking gas is explosive however..... I would take the fitting apart and check the tubing flare and compression ring and fix or replace as necessary. Should be a warranty item, let them repair it...
billyray50
Explorer
Jul 13, 2017
I went out this morning before the rain came in and took the TC off truck. Did another leak check on all the LP fittings in tank compartment. No leaks. Then went to other side of TC where slide and Fridge is and the fitting in the rear of TC where this line runs I believe up to fridge in slide has a slide leak. Tried to tighten it but would not budge. Should I back it off and then retighten. Would this slight leak effect the pressure to the fridge?
SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Jul 13, 2017
I'll put my money on a faulty Chinese regulator. 2 stage switch over regs are 34 bucks on e-trailer.
billyray50
Explorer
Jul 13, 2017
dougrainer wrote:
I am always amazed at how people perceive a problem. The OP states it works on 120 but not on LP. He then states he would like to "BURP" the refer? WHY???????????????????????????? If it works on 120 but not on LP you have a LP caused problem. The refer operates the same on 120 or LP. Doug

I never said I would do the burping...Would never attempt it..Just commenting on how I read about it. My TC is still under complete warranty since it was purchased last October. 2014 model but never sold. If I cant figure it out will call AMLV next week and get authorization for diagnostic.
dougrainer
Nomad
Jul 13, 2017
I am always amazed at how people perceive a problem. The OP states it works on 120 but not on LP. He then states he would like to "BURP" the refer? WHY???????????????????????????? If it works on 120 but not on LP you have a LP caused problem. The refer operates the same on 120 or LP. Doug
billyray50
Explorer
Jul 13, 2017
Yes I agree. KISS principle.