Dometic RM8501 refrigerator, my fix when on gas |
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DavMar
Senior Member Joined: 04 Aug 2017 Location: Lexington, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 592 |
Topic: Dometic RM8501 refrigerator, my fix when on gas Posted: 11 Sep 2017 at 10:38am |
Great idea! Do you just switch them on when the outside is at a certain temp? |
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Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the
wonder dog. 2017 Rpod 180 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 Lexington, NC |
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AndR
Newbie Joined: 09 May 2014 Location: Idaho Online Status: Offline Posts: 28 |
Posted: 11 Sep 2017 at 9:33am |
Thanks
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Thanks and Happy Camping!
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geewizard
Senior Member Joined: 16 Apr 2017 Location: Spokane Online Status: Offline Posts: 347 |
Posted: 11 Sep 2017 at 9:13am |
There's a 12v connection for the fridge at the bottom. I wired the fans in there with a switch so I can turn them on or off.
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2021 Winnebago Micro Minnie 1708FB
2017 R-Pod 177 (Blue) HRE SOLD 2004 Outfitter Apex 8 camper 2014 Toyota Tundra DC |
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AndR
Newbie Joined: 09 May 2014 Location: Idaho Online Status: Offline Posts: 28 |
Posted: 10 Sep 2017 at 10:12pm |
Thanks for the info. My fridge has worked well for the last five years at this location and higher elevations. This is a new problem that has me scratching my head.
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Thanks and Happy Camping!
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JandL
Senior Member Joined: 29 Mar 2014 Location: California Online Status: Offline Posts: 364 |
Posted: 10 Sep 2017 at 9:51pm |
All gas appliances have reduced efficiency at high altitude, at sea level air is 20.9% oxygen and at 6000 feet 16.6%. Was your refrigerator compartment full? I live at 25 feet so it does not compare to where you are at. When I was doing my test I had to put items in the main compartment so they would absorb the cold. If it’s empty only the air is cooled and the minute you open the door the temperature will drop. When I did my test I put bowls of water on the shelves and filled the door shelves with sodas. I put a bag of flour in the vegetable storage bin. Even then when I opened the door I would lose 1-2 degrees. In the freezer I put blue ice bags and a ½ pint of water to see how well it would freeze. I'll have to check mine the next time I am at 6000 feet. I have a remote temp sensor I keep in the refrigerator now, that way I can see how cold it is inside without opening the door
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JandL
2013 Honda Ridgeline 2012 177 2 Paynes in a Pod |
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AndR
Newbie Joined: 09 May 2014 Location: Idaho Online Status: Offline Posts: 28 |
Posted: 10 Sep 2017 at 8:55pm |
Propane run time 12 hours. This was after the fridge had been at proper temp on AC. Outside air temp,was 80f. Elevation is 6000. Did not check actual temp in freezer but water was frozen, refer comp was 52f
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Thanks and Happy Camping!
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JandL
Senior Member Joined: 29 Mar 2014 Location: California Online Status: Offline Posts: 364 |
Posted: 10 Sep 2017 at 3:01pm |
How long has it been running on propane and what are your temperatures for the main compartment and freezer, outside air temp, and elevation
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JandL
2013 Honda Ridgeline 2012 177 2 Paynes in a Pod |
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AndR
Newbie Joined: 09 May 2014 Location: Idaho Online Status: Offline Posts: 28 |
Posted: 10 Sep 2017 at 2:07pm |
OK, I have:
Checked door seal- good Thermoster-good Trailer is level Propane tank is full Cleaned the flue Cleaned the burner assembly Have a good flame. I still cannot get the refer part to get cold when using propane. The freezer works though. The whole unit works on AC and battery. Any suggestion? |
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Thanks and Happy Camping!
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AndR
Newbie Joined: 09 May 2014 Location: Idaho Online Status: Offline Posts: 28 |
Posted: 07 Sep 2017 at 10:54pm |
Thanks for the reply. I did drive a long a bumpy road for about 80 miles. Has not seemed to make a difference. I will check the seal and then readdress the burner issue.
Thanks!
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Thanks and Happy Camping!
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JandL
Senior Member Joined: 29 Mar 2014 Location: California Online Status: Offline Posts: 364 |
Posted: 07 Sep 2017 at 9:38pm |
I have read on the internet about turning the refrigerator over, I have also read just as many post saying driving on a long bumpy twisty road will work just as well. From my testing if your freezer is getting to the correct temperature but the main compartment is too warm I would check your door gasket. I had the opposite problem the main compartment was cold but the freezer was warm. It turned out to be a cracked hinge.
Freezer door hinge repair Absorption refrigerator cool off very slowly and even a small air leak can be a big problem. When I was trying to measure the temp in the freezer and main compartment I had to open and close the doors quickly. This is the reason you turn your refrigerator on 24 hours before leaving because it cools down so slowly. Did you put a thermometer in your freezer compartment to see if it was getting cold enough? If everything is working great on AC but you are having issue with propane them yours may be like mine and the flame may not getting hot enough for the absorption cycle to work correctly. I saw a much better looking flame after I replaced the tank regulator and cleaned the burner assembly. Another item I discovered is my model of refrigerator has an inline ceramic filter located on the gas control valve. I have sent an email to Dometic asking about it. (Dometic Refrigerator Gas Valve Adapter Filter 2923191007) |
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JandL
2013 Honda Ridgeline 2012 177 2 Paynes in a Pod |
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