12v rv freezer difficult to open,,,suction

[hotjag1]

The freezer in the small motorhome in sig is very difficult to open after it has been on for over an hour or so. At first, I thought the rubber gasket was sticking so I thoroughly cleaned it up and that didn't change anything.
I then noticed that I hear a suction/vacuum type sound coming from the freezer and that's when it doesn't want to open. I'm afraid that I'm going to break the plastic handle having to pull on it so hard when trying to get it open.
What is going on with this suction/vacuum problem. BTW, the freezer and refer both work great and stay nice and cold.

Moderator, can you move this to the proper category? Thank-you.

[JimK-NY]

time2roll wrote:
Yes a pin to the gasket should be fine.

I doubt it. Remember the gasket is greatly compressed which would close up that pin hole.

[time2roll]

Yes a pin to the gasket should be fine.

[BB_TX]

You might could just pierce the gasket with a large pin or sharpened paper clip to add a small relief vent hole.

Our home upright freezer actually has a pump that starts up and pulls a vacuum for a few seconds every time you close the door. To seal the gasket I suppose. Can’t even open the door for another 20 seconds or so. But never heard of such on an RV freezer.

[Grit_dog]

midnightsadie wrote:
maybe try a little silicone spray .

Great idea if the OP had not already confirmed that the issue is NOT freezing in place but rather vacuum.

[Grit_dog]

JimK-NY wrote:
Just tape a 1" piece of small diameter metal tubing to the gasket to break the seal and allow pressure to equalize. That small gap will barely affect the efficiency of the unit.

This too. Like a snip of spray tube from an aerosol can.
Could even punch it thru the gasket if there’s a spot where it’s a straight shot.
Drilling a hole thru the unit in some random place is not preferable

[dougrainer]

Are you talking about a FREEZER ONLY? Or the freezer portion of the refer? Model number of the Dometic will help. RV refers do NOT have any equalization valve. Until you answer my question, I cannot give you any more info. Doug

[JimK-NY]

Just tape a 1" piece of small diameter metal tubing to the gasket to break the seal and allow pressure to equalize. That small gap will barely effect the efficiency of the unit.

[midnightsadie]

maybe try a little silicone spray .

[wa8yxm]

As I said I'd not modify I'd live with it. And if you were to drill. most anywhere except the back wall on a RV type... I'd not do it however

[hotjag1]

Thank you to all for the explanations and suggestions. The gasket has no frost or ice around it and appears to be in good shape with no cracks or loose areas.

I have modified a screwdriver to 90 degrees and can fit it in between the door and the freezer frame to release the gasket pressure. It works fine that way but I'd rather not have to do that.

Where would I drill a small hole to relieve the vacuum pressure? I don't see any factory relief valve. It is a Dometic.

[BruceMc]

We noticed this on our dometic as well, particularly after opening & closing, then on the second opening... it's difficult!

[Grit_dog]

Close it with a little strip of paper or thin cloth etc. across the seal somewhere. Will prevent a tight seal and no suction.

[wa8yxm]

BarryG20 wrote:
The air cools and creates a vacuum. Some freezers do have an equalization valve to help prevent this some don't.

If there is an equalization valve it could be frozen, damaged or otherwise inoperable.

On the air cools I agree.
Residential frost free have a drain (into the Refrigerator part) and from there to a drip tray outside the cold boxes. That drain allows air to be "Sucked up" into the freezer when you open the door making it easier... RV units.. Well mine did not and I had the entire unit out so I know there was no equalization valve anywhere. But alas that's model specific.

Short of drilling a vent hole... (Small) I'd say live with it. the vacuum seal means the door is less likely to open... without permission.

[BarryG20]

The air cools and creates a vacuum. Some freezers do have an equalization valve to help prevent this some don't. You might be able to use your finger to lift the door gasket enough to break the seal and relieve the vacuum (as mentioned above a screwdriver would work but you may risk damaging the gasket with it).

That wooshing sound could also be air leakage from the gasket not sealing very well sucking in warm air and then condensing and freezing the gasket to the
freezer making it hard to open. As soon as you open it look for ice or even moisture along the gasket and opening. That might give you an idea of where the gasket is potentially bad.

If there is an equalization valve it could be frozen, damaged or otherwise inoperable.

[MNtundraRet]

I have seen that happen in the past. If there is some humidity in the air the vacuum is caused when the temperature drops. The damp air makes a tighter seal. You could us a wide screwdriver to help pry the door open and break the seal vacuum.