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Omrod's avatar
Omrod
Explorer
Feb 25, 2021

Freezer not freezing

We have fairly new camper and we are planning a trip from WI to AZ next week and we want to have some food to eat on the road.
The fridge is a Dometic DM2882RBFX
Freezer is at 38 degrees & fridge at 42 degrees. All the proper lights are on and turned to coldest setting.
We have made this trip numerous times before at this time of year (with other campers) and don't remember having this issue.

What's up ? and Thanks for any help !
  • Not uncommon. What happens is refrig does not run in super cold,so freezer turns into a refrig.Cold is always being transferred by the inside and outside coils,and the liquid inside.See all the forums where people in colder climates have issues with spare refrig's they put in their garages! Also, for all you that cold weather camp, your roof top A/C is about the biggest loss of heat,in a camper.
  • Omrod wrote:
    OK, ten days ago outside Ambient temps ranged from ten below zero (degrees F) to 18 above. Since then, there has been a gradual warm up ranging mid teens for lows to lower 40's for highs.
    We keep the inside above freezing with space heater and occasionally running the furnace.


    It was too cold..........

    Light bulb in rear compartment
  • OK, ten days ago outside Ambient temps ranged from ten below zero (degrees F) to 18 above. Since then, there has been a gradual warm up ranging mid teens for lows to lower 40's for highs.
    We keep the inside above freezing with space heater and occasionally running the furnace.
  • The Dometic DM2852 model does not have a LAC (Low Ambient Control)---turns interior light on for heat load in cold weather
    **DM models are same as RM models.....Dometic changed production location and changed to DM designations

    Freezer has to get down to 10*F or so before Food compartment can cool down

    Ambient temps can impede cooling effect......
    So as asked What is Outside Temp?

    If really cold.....place a light bulb in outside compartment to add a little heat

    If NOT all that cold......below 20*F
    Remove thermistor from the FIN in food compartment and let it dangle
    W/O FIN temp feed back to thermostat the fridge will run continuously and cause Freezing temps (freezer & food compartment)
    Fridge gets COLD.....
    Replace the thermistor with Snip-The-Tip Rheostat (Uses same OEM thermistor wiring just replaces the defective thermistor)

    IF fridge does NOT get COLD

    Then you will have to 'force cool' to test if cooling unit is capable of functioning
    **Unplug the Electric Element leads from lower circuit board....plug leads directly into the 120VAC out....energizing the element continuously (bypasses all controls)
    Operate with element continuously energized for 12hrs
    Fridge gets cold then circuit board is issue
    Fridge does NOT get cold...cooling unit is bad
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Ok sometimes either on the Freezer door frame or the Fridge Door Frame (Bottom of top rail) is a switch marked LAT Turn it on

    Optional (And there is a danger of blowing a fuse) Bypass the door switch so that the interior light remains on all the time.

    No gurarantee save for the standard money back.. If it does not work your FREE is cheerfully refunded.. If it works. Same thing.

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