my dometic fridge

[JanTx]

what are we doing wrong? our fridge won't get cold and stay cold. takes forever to get cold and then it won't stay cold. I know they need to be pretty level,, but is it imperative to be TOTALLY 100% level? what about going down the road on propane?

just need some instructions from real ppl on how to run the fridge.



thanks!

[Old-Biscuit]

Comfortably level is required for proper operation of absorption fridges.
Off level operation can cause damage (blockages)....damage is accumulative

Outside temps do affect cooling...the hotter it is the less cooling effect
Also the amount of time sun is shining on wall fridge is installed in will affect cooling.

Proper air flow thru outside vent across backside of fridge and out the top vent is critical for cooling. How well heat is being transferred will affect cooling (dirty burner, dirty flue, improperly positioned flue baffle)

Not over packing the inside will also help with cooling. Over packing doesn't allow for cool air circulation.

[JanTx]

the fridge is the top freezer model,,, 2000,,,and yes,,, the freezer seems to cool way better than the bottom. how important is the leveling of the camper to the efficiency of the fridge? it was on gas... and was on overnight and all day,, in 101,,,to 102 degree weather. does that also, make a difference?

[Old-Biscuit]

Which Dometic (model) do you have?

How long has it been ON?

Is it ON electric or gas?

Is freezer section cold and fridge section isn't?

Really need more info.

[JanTx]

I admit I would like a little bigger one,,, that will come later. These Born Frees are rare finds!

[midnightsadie]

love those born free had a 24ft .was a great unit.

[JanTx]

the unit is about 13 yrs old,,, and yes, I did put some stuff in it that wasn't precooled. also the temps outside and IN the camper were hot hot hot. Ive heard that makes a difference too. Will keep trying. ALso,, im in contact w/ the dealer we purchased this unit (its a 1995 Born Free) but the fridge was replaced w/ a top freezer in 2000. I just thought these were a good fridge and they lasted a long time. It was perfect looking on the inside and well taken care of by previous owners,, who bought it new.

[Tachdriver]

One thing I have done is to freeze water in plastic bottles. If I was in dinner prep where the door will open a lot I will put in a frozen container of water which really balanced the temp better (although not perfect). I realize though that some folks may not have room for this but its worth a suggestion.

[bob_and_donna]

I'm not impressed by the Domestic brand. I would love to and eventually will change to a Nordic. We have a brand new Domestic automatic 2 way and on our trip it was cold ,warm, back and forth.

[skipnchar]

Absorption fridges ALWAYS take a long time to cool down but it it won't STAY cool then I'm betting there is a mechanical reason for it. Flame not lighting (when operating in LP mode) or heater not working correctly when in electric mode. This could be caused by bad thermostat or could be something as simple as a bad door seal. Also if you run with the climate switch turned on AND a bad door seal you would likely have a hard time keeping it cold. Knowing when and under what circumstances it warms back up again would be a help in diagnosing the problem. If it fails when moving, it's probably the wind blowing out the flame (with DSI ignition it SHOULD re-light but if it's a pilot light model that can be a big problem. Just not enough information to give much meaningful assistance of a specific nature.

[sdianel_-acct_c]

Before we full timed, we turned on the fridge at least 24 hours before we filled it. If possible, chill stuff in the house fridge or cooler before transferring to the RV fridge. Some other things that help: don't overload the fridge. Leave space inside on the sides so air can circulate. Don't open it often. When we grocery shop, we turn it up from 3 to 5 until the inside temp comes back down to normal, then turn it back on 3 setting. If you're following all this, something may be wrong with the fridge. Ours did that before it died. What year is it?

[2oldman]

Perfectly level is not only not possible it's not required. Going down the road the ammonia is properly circulated by movement.

Open the back and see if the coils are leaking.

[newman_fulltime]

put the white plastic slide that is on fin in right corner alittle above center and you should be ok