Thanks to everyone who has posted information about the Dometic recall. Our TT was manufactured in December 2002. We have a Dometic model RM2652 two-way fridge and our serial number was in the range posted. We have moved to another state since we bought the TT new four years ago, and I figure there was little chance a notice from Dometic or the dealer would have reached us.
I’ve called the Dometic recall number and they gave me the name and number of the nearest dealer who can make the modification. I’ve contacted that dealer already, but of course they can’t do anything until they get the parts from Dometic.
I just went out and checked the impedance of the heating element in our fridge. At about 40 degrees F ambient temperature, I get a value of 38.0 ohms. Therefore, I definitely want to change that to the new electric element to (hopefully) prolong the life of the fridge, plus extra insurance against a fire.
Note: The label inside the door said 120V, 2.7 amps, but the label on the cover of the printed circuit said 2.9 amps!
As I understand the problem, using the fridge on 120VAC with the too-hot electric element can cause a leak (due to corrosion/cracked weld?). The refrigerant can then be ignited by the flame if the fridge is thereafter being run on LP gas.
We have used the fridge very little on 120VAC, one week at a commercial campground in 2004 and maybe up to 24 hours prior to departure from home each time we’ve gone camping, less than a dozen times overall. Except for that one week, we have used the fridge on LP gas while boondocking in National Forest campgrounds for one or two weeks at a time.
Currently, we have no signs of leakage. No fluid, no ammonia smell, fridge works fine.
We plan on using the TT for several weeks soon (spring trout fishing) before the “fix” is effected by Dometic and I hate the thought of having to use ice chests. OTOH, I’m not anxious to take any chances of a fire.
Question: Does anyone have reliable information as to how much usage on 120 VAC is necessary in order for the too-hot element to cause the leakage problem?
Or, if I pulled the cover every day to check while camping, would I detect leakage before there was a chance of fire?
Thanks again!
