Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Dometic RM 8501 Fridge

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Dometic RM 8501 Fridge

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Topic: Dometic RM 8501 Fridge

Posted By: jato
Subject: Dometic RM 8501 Fridge
Date Posted: 11 Jun 2021 at 4:23pm

Did a test while in the U.P. a few days ago. Turned the fridge to 3 dots and with ambient temp at 82 the interior temp remained at 40. Next day the setting was 4 dots with the same ambient temp and interior temp remained quite steady at 35. Fridge was facing north so no sun to make fridge work harder.

The interesting thing here was as we traveled home the ambient temp was 88 yet when I checked the temp inside fridge it showed 33 degrees. This was after traveling for 3.5 hours. Propane was used in all the tests. Just wondering if when traveling (55-60) if the increased air flow would cause the unit to cool more even though the ambient was at 88?

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God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

Replies:

Posted By: campman
Date Posted: 11 Jun 2021 at 4:42pm

I think you are onto something Jato! The extra airflow would seem to be assisting in the fridge cooling, which is good to know when on the road.

Any colder and your milk or eggs might be in danger freezing and fwunder would definitely be happy with the freezing temp of his adult beverages! 😉

Andy

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Andy and Laurie
'16 F150 5.0 4X4 w/factory tow pkg
'21 RP192
"If the women don't find you handsome...at least let them find you handy!"
Red-Green

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2021 at 6:14am

Could well be the wind is increasing airflow across the condenser. There are so many uncontrolled variables while on the road though. Here's an experiment someone could try. Stabilize the fridge on propane normally while stopped with the fridge in the shade and record the temps. Place or hang a box fan alongside the fridge blowing rearwards and turn it on. Wait an hour or two and record temps again.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold