Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Dometic refrigerator equivalents

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Dometic refrigerator equivalents

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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10732
Printed Date: 30 Jun 2025 at 10:07am
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Topic: Dometic refrigerator equivalents

Posted By: Happy Tripping
Subject: Dometic refrigerator equivalents
Date Posted: 29 Sep 2017 at 7:53am

Hello.

Like many of us, after 3 years our refer is not warming well on propane, AC works fine. I will use previous 'step by step' forum messages to clean unit, altho to me it's a daunting task.

My questions are -

1. Is there a more reliable, robust technology out there in refer land that isn't so touchy, but doesn't cost two arms and a leg?? I am afraid that IF I am successful, it will only happen again.

2. While the propane nozzle is disassembled, does the Dometic refer still work on electricity??

Thanks to all

Replies:

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 29 Sep 2017 at 8:40am

The primary issue is that you will have to decide between an absorption mode refrigerator or a compressor mode refrigerator. If you boondock a lot, then an absorption mode may still be your best choice, because it can run on propane. A well insulated compression mode refrigerator is still going to use "around" 700 watt-hours per day.

You should read this article before you decide: http://www.truckcamperadventure.com/2016/02/the-danfoss-compessor-refrigerator-pros-cons-and-a-few-tips/ - http://www.truckcamperadventure.com/2016/02/the-danfoss-compessor-refrigerator-pros-cons-and-a-few-tips/

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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 29 Sep 2017 at 11:45am

We replaced our Dometic with a Norcold N3103AGR 37 cu.ft. fridge, but it works on the same basic technology so, unless Norcold knows something Dometic doesn't, it's subject to the same issues. So far it's working well. Stays nice and cold on LP even on hot days with temp's as high as 101. It comes with only one pancake fan on the back, so I salvaged the pancake fans off the Dometic and mounted them near the upper vent to improve air circulation. I never connected the DC because there is really not much point in doing it. If no AC is available, we run on LP, including on the highway.

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Never leave footprints behind.
Fred & Maria Kearney
Sonoma 167RB
Our Pod 172
2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost

Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 29 Sep 2017 at 1:16pm

I really meant to say 3.7 cu. ft. 37 cu. ft. is about the whole volume of our Pod.

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Never leave footprints behind.
Fred & Maria Kearney
Sonoma 167RB
Our Pod 172
2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost

Posted By: Our pod
Date Posted: 29 Sep 2017 at 2:17pm

Almost all of an R-Pod's spaces can benefit from cleaning with compressed air. Dirt accumulates and leads to failure.

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Life is good.

Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 29 Sep 2017 at 3:27pm

Indeed. I just did that with the fridge space, the water heater area (inside included), and the heater. Blowing out and vacuuming debris, including original manufacturing debris, reduces the chances of things getting crud stuck in them and ceasing to work. It also helps to reduce the risk of little visitors taking up residence in unwanted places.

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Never leave footprints behind.
Fred & Maria Kearney
Sonoma 167RB
Our Pod 172
2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost

Posted By: JandL
Date Posted: 29 Sep 2017 at 4:00pm

If your refigerator is working on AC that means when running on propane the flame is not big enough for the absorption process to work correctly. Cleaning the burner assembly and replacing the propane regulator made all the difference in my pod

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JandL
2013 Honda Ridgeline
2012 177
2 Paynes in a Pod

Posted By: Danielw1
Date Posted: 01 Oct 2017 at 9:41am

Originally posted by JandL

If your refigerator is working on AC that means when running on propane the flame is not big enough for the absorption process to work correctly. Cleaning the burner assembly and replacing the propane regulator made all the difference in my pod

Did you replace the main regulator or is there a separate one for the fridge?

Posted By: JandL
Date Posted: 01 Oct 2017 at 9:49am

Here is my post on what I did

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10624 - Dometic RM8501 refrigerator, my fix when on gas

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JandL
2013 Honda Ridgeline
2012 177
2 Paynes in a Pod