Dometic fridge problem
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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=13156
Printed Date: 17 May 2025 at 8:46am
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Topic: Dometic fridge problem
Posted By: Skyward
Subject: Dometic fridge problem
Date Posted: 03 Sep 2019 at 12:05pm
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We’ve had quite the runaround with our dealer, Dometic, and Forrest River concerning our Dometic Fridge, model # RM8501 in our Rpod 179. It worked fine on either propane or shore for 4 years, then quit working on propane a few months ago. Our dealer determined it was the computer board, ordered a new one, supposedly tested it out for two days, assured us it was working, and we paid a good amount to bring it home. Within 24 hours it was apparent it wasn’t working. We called them and took it back in. They worked on it a little more, then they talked to a Dometic Technician, who told them this model wasn’t really built to keep things cold on propane. Well, it did for 4 years, and why would Forrest River put a fridge like that into an RV that’s supposed to be perfect for boondocking?? We are at a standstill-they are reluctant to give us any money back and we want a fridge that works on propane. Has anyone run across this problem? Thanks Skyward ------------- Skyward 2014 179 R Pod 2004 Ford Explorer XLT |
Replies:
Posted By: podwerkz
Date Posted: 03 Sep 2019 at 12:55pm
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Wait, someone actually said that this fridge is not supposed to keep things cold on its primary energy source? Ask them if they have ever heard of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. A toaster is supposed to toast bread. A car is supposed to go down the road. A basketball is supposed to bounce. An airplane is supposed to fly. And a refrigerator is supposed to keep food cold. Duh. Either someone has no idea what they are talking about, or lied to you, or they are trying to make you go away. Having said that, the warranty is over....you are likely on your own. Other than the dealer making good on your repair (or possibly offering credit towards a new fridge) since they may have mis-diagnosed the unit, you may have to just buy a new one. ---------------------------- Observation...what is the event date in March all about?
------------- r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten! |
Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 03 Sep 2019 at 2:29pm
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Well, I don't like the statement that "they" talked to Dometic. Think it's time for 'you' to talk to Dometic and hear it straight from them. With all else being right, orfice cleaned, plenty of propane, flow good, battery is solid, etc.. The control board seems about right. At that point only other issue is the basic mechanicals failed. I would hope Dometic would walk you through several trouble shooting scenarios. If you haven't already, I'd go direct. Wish you the best in this! ------------- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways 2017 Tacoma http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build 2004 F150 My Overlander |
Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 03 Sep 2019 at 2:33pm
Haven't looked up the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act but have a feeling it's a Implied Warranty. In my state it's limited to 4yrs. Out of curiosity, I will look it up. ------------- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways 2017 Tacoma http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build 2004 F150 My Overlander |
Posted By: funks
Date Posted: 03 Sep 2019 at 4:48pm
| I'm sorry about the problems you have had with your dometic fridge. We also have a 2014 179 and I have had the same problems. The fridge worked great for the first three years and then I had the same problems trying to bring the temp down with gas. I have worked on this problem for the last year and a half and I have also looked at the idea of replacing the whole unit. You can only put so much money into a bad product. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 03 Sep 2019 at 5:49pm
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I had problems also. I cleaned the burner and orifice and it did not make a difference. Neither did cleaning the flue. What finally helped was a combination of replacing the regulator and then taking an air hose and blowing out the gas line after detaching from the refrigerator and regulator. I used pressure from the refrigerator end. If you do that, put the loose end into a bucket because it is highly likely that you will have an oily liquid blown out. That amount was not insignificant in my case. After I reconnected everything and purged the system, the refrigerator finally started cooling better again.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Skyward
Date Posted: 03 Sep 2019 at 8:35pm
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Thanks, all. We plan to call Dometic ourselves and we’ll check out the regulator. Where is that, by the tank or in the refrigerator compartment? ------------- Skyward 2014 179 R Pod 2004 Ford Explorer XLT |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 03 Sep 2019 at 10:06pm
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I have written about this before—we also have a 2015 179 that worked fine for about 2 years. then one of the control boards went out and took the other one with it-don’t know which was first. The cost for parts and labor was a little over $900 at our dealer. we ended up replacing the entire. Refrigerator for around $1100 It has worked fine for the last 2 years. Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2019 at 12:46pm
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |