New Dometic Recall Initiated March 11, 2008
Thanks to the members who have provided info on this new one. Dometic has a new recall for refrigerators made between June 1, 2003 through September 30, 2006. Many of these are the same models as w...
Forum Discussion
Here's the email I just sent to Dometic's "contact us" address.
I will pass along any reply that I happen to receive.
Having received the recall notice on my model RM2852 refrigerator, I took it to an authorized dealer and had the remedial work performed.
This leaves me with several questions:
1. Does Dometic plan to reimburse affected customers the costs involved with this recall work? In my case, I am out more than $32 in fuel and tolls for the trip to the dealer, plus the better part of two days' work.
2. The recall notice states that "a fatigue crack may develop in the boiler tube..." I interpret that to mean that the refrigerator may fail prematurely. Does Dometic plan to extend warranty coverage, or at least offer partial reimbursement for refrigerators that fail prematurely? My experience with two previous trailers is that a refrigerator lasts well in excess of ten years.
3. What is the probability that, should I decide to replace this refrigerator prior to its failure, the replacement Dometic model will have a similar reliability problem? Specifically, what has the company done to change the design so fatigue cracks are less likely to occur?
4. A MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for anyhdrous ammonia (presumably used as the refrigerant) states that exposure causes potential health risks, as well as potential chemical reactivity problems. (See http://www.airgasspecialtyproducts.com/UserDyn/laroche/4001msds-r-07-18-2008.pdf). The recall notice should, at the very least, provide this information. Nowhere does the notice mention that in the event of a refrigerant leak, it may not be safe to occupy the RV in which it is installed.
I will pass along any reply that I happen to receive.
Having received the recall notice on my model RM2852 refrigerator, I took it to an authorized dealer and had the remedial work performed.
This leaves me with several questions:
1. Does Dometic plan to reimburse affected customers the costs involved with this recall work? In my case, I am out more than $32 in fuel and tolls for the trip to the dealer, plus the better part of two days' work.
2. The recall notice states that "a fatigue crack may develop in the boiler tube..." I interpret that to mean that the refrigerator may fail prematurely. Does Dometic plan to extend warranty coverage, or at least offer partial reimbursement for refrigerators that fail prematurely? My experience with two previous trailers is that a refrigerator lasts well in excess of ten years.
3. What is the probability that, should I decide to replace this refrigerator prior to its failure, the replacement Dometic model will have a similar reliability problem? Specifically, what has the company done to change the design so fatigue cracks are less likely to occur?
4. A MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for anyhdrous ammonia (presumably used as the refrigerant) states that exposure causes potential health risks, as well as potential chemical reactivity problems. (See http://www.airgasspecialtyproducts.com/UserDyn/laroche/4001msds-r-07-18-2008.pdf). The recall notice should, at the very least, provide this information. Nowhere does the notice mention that in the event of a refrigerant leak, it may not be safe to occupy the RV in which it is installed.
