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.

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.

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.

yep its junk. BUT theres a shop in indiana that rebuilds them better than new,which wouldn,t take much,

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.comDale

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.

Refrigerator not working. Leaving for 3 week trip

Bird_Freak
Explorer II
May 29, 2016
No way would I trust CW to do anything in a timely manner. Call th CG your going to and get the # for the mobile guy they use. Call him and I bet he can work out a solution for you by the time you get there and I bet cheaper.
Jim
Explorer
May 29, 2016
Camping World is definitely NOT known for quality workmanship. I'd stay far far away from their shop. If you must use CW, at least check RVServiceReviews and check your local shop for any complaints about them first. That will also show you other local shops and their reputations.

Personally, I'd look for a local Mobile RV tech to do the job and buy a coil assembly online and have it shipped where I'll be a week or two.
TANDDANDBIGE
Explorer
May 29, 2016
Had failed fridge last year, just before 3 week trip. Ice for ice chest and drinks for 3 weeks in warm weather = $72.00. Amish unit for 4 door NOCOLD with new fans and AC heaters including ARP unit (look into this addition) was $1400.00 ; I installed, works awesome even in 100 degrees. Good luck with whatever you do, and have a great trip.
midnightsadie
Explorer II
May 28, 2016
being in a rush is going to cost, slow down have a cup of coffee and think this threw, OH and you said have a pro do it,, your heading to the wrong shop.
tropical36
Explorer
May 28, 2016
Vt Rv wrote:
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.

I would probably just head for Ft Myers and then get the thing removed and get a residential replacement installed. Wouldn't have to fit perfectly and would get a smaller one that didn't require any cutting. You can always fill in the space later and my idea is for a slide out pantry if and when ever needing a replacement.
Depending on where you're staying, you should be able to do it yourself or get a tech to come out to your campground. Don't know your setup, but with whatever it might be, it won't take much for getting the fridge on an inverter circuit, as well.
TechWriter
Explorer
May 28, 2016
Our Dometic failed on the road and we were able to get it replaced with a residential fridge in fairly short order, but 3 weeks is really not much time.

It looks like your best option is to replace your existing model with a similar unit.

However, in the future you might look into a Plan B fridge -- we did after our main fridge failed on the road.
Romer1
Explorer
May 28, 2016
Why not contact campground or someone in Ft Myers to see if they know anyone that would install a residential unit. You can find a 10 cu ft at Lowe's, etc for about $500. Much less than the new Domestic will cost you and bigger.
Vt_Rv
Explorer
May 28, 2016
So I have an appointment with Camping World in Tamp to replace the refrigerator with another of the same make and model.

I'm intrigued with the residential replacement option.

Who would do an install like this. Camping World said they wouldn't.

If I could get a residential installed for similar money with an inverter I think I'd go that way. Most of the info I've seen on line is how to do it yourself. I'd like to have a professional do the work.
pianotuna
Nomad III
May 28, 2016
Camping World is not known for their speed on replacements.

It may be better and cheaper to go to a residential fridge, and I'm including the cost of upgrading to solar with an increased size battery bank.

Vt Rv wrote:
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.
booty51
Explorer
May 28, 2016
Take an Ice chest as well at least you can get it outside and drain it. Ours failed as well went on a short trip with an Ice chest was a little inconvenient but we managed. You sure get spoiled with a class A.