UPDATE: A little over a month after I first called Dometic, I still haven’t received the information packet on the recall, so I called again this morning. They had no record of me. I gave them the info again and they said, again, that they would send me the recall packet.
I told them my understanding that the problem is due, primarily, to an out-of-spec electrical heating element, which overstresses the boiler tube and can lead to a crack and leak of the coolant fluid. The lady to whom I spoke conceded that this sounded logical. I also noted that I had heard that the recall consisted mainly of baffles to separate the flammable coolant from the gas fire, to prevent a fire. I expressed my disappointment in Dometic for not replacing the out-of-spec heater element as part of the recall. Maybe if enough people complain, they will rethink their decision not to replace the element.
I called the authorized dealer to whom I had spoken a month ago to make sure he still had info on me. He said he had spoken to Dometic and had been told that he would not be receiving the recall kits until at least April 16, and probably not before April 30. I told him that my understanding is that the cracking of the boiler tube is due to the too-hot out-of-spec heater, and that replacing it is not part of the recall. I asked if they stocked replacement heater elements and what they cost. He said they usually have them in stock and that, without looking it up, he thought the price was about $20 or $30. I plan to have this replaced if a new element is not part of the recall. Either way, I will check the new element before it is installed to make sure it is within spec.
In the meantime, I have a two-week fishing trip beginning April 1 during which I will be using ice chests. Thank you, Dometic. :(
Wayne
