Forum Discussion

jwcox903's avatar
jwcox903
Explorer
Jun 23, 2013

dometic rm 2804 will not cool

I just purchase a older travel trailer that has sat and sat and sat for 20 yrs. all of the systems worked after I cleaned them up except for the fridge it was caked with dirt dobber nest from top to bottom. I have cleaned them out and checked all the connections. the heater gets hot but the fridge does not cool. I am trying it in 120 v since I have since removed and replaced with a 10cf house fridge. I would like to fix this one since it is in brand new condition inside and front. The trailer was only used one night in its 20 yr life. I would appreciate all help.
Thanks
Jeff Cox
jeffwcox@yahoo.com
  • JC2's avatar
    JC2
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2013
    Many people, myself included, have installed the Amish cooling unit from the company indicated in the following link. David Force is the man to call as he is very knowledgeable and willing to answer your questions. If all other aspects of your 2804 are functioning, you are looking at an approx cost for the Amish unit, shipping, labor(unless you do the work yourself) to be:

    new 2804 Dometic cooling unit-$645
    Shipping-approx $45
    Labor-approx 3-4 hrs
    5 yr warranty-$0

    http://rvcoolingunit.com/Default.aspx
  • Chrisatthebeach's avatar
    Chrisatthebeach
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2013
    If the heating element gets hot but the unit does not cool it either has a blockage or the ammonia charge has leaked out. Usually when it leaks there is a yellow powdery residue in the back of it around the coils, given the fact it sat so long the dust could have covered over the yellow residue and you have a leak and cannot see it. The tapping the coils will help if it is a blockage but if it has had the ammonia leak nothing will work short of a new cooling unit.
    You can also order the replacement cooling units and self install them.
  • sum1's avatar
    sum1
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2013
    Before my Dometic 2804 stopped being fun, I got a several extra trips out of it by beating the coils with a large rubber hammer. Someone smarter than me will have to chime in and explain why this worked. It finally did quit responding to this "adsorption refrigerator CPR" and has been replaced.
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Jun 24, 2013
    call him, it ain,t bad ,alot of people do it. you have nothing to loose and he gives great advice.
  • jwcox903's avatar
    jwcox903
    Explorer
    Jun 23, 2013
    shipping would be more then unit is worth I am in Texas. was hoping for something easy..
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Jun 23, 2013
    theres a place in indiana that rebuilds these units. for a safe operation , i,d go that route, some body has the number, I,ll look for it.

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