Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins: Dometic Referigerator

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Dometic Referigerator

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins
Forum Discription: Have a warranty or service experience to share?
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14910
Printed Date: 14 May 2025 at 7:40pm
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Topic: Dometic Referigerator

Posted By: Sekots
Subject: Dometic Referigerator
Date Posted: 02 Sep 2021 at 12:19pm

Hi, I have a 2012 R-Pod RP177 with Dometic refrigerator. Can't find a tag that identifies the model number or serial number. I looked in the interior along the sides per what if found on line. I had trouble with this unit. It does not appear to get as cold as when it was new. I have to leave it turned up all the way to get it just below 40 degrees. When the temperature really goes up ie 100 degrees outside which is common for my camping conditions it struggles to maintain 40 something. Originally I had to be careful not to freeze the lettuce if it was turned up to high.

So to get a new mother board I need the model number.
thanks

Replies:

Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 02 Sep 2021 at 2:47pm

It's a Dometic 8501.

have you cleaned and blown out the back? The burner tube/chimney? Checked for anything blocking airflow up and through the back?

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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 02 Sep 2021 at 3:11pm

Pull out the crisper drawer in the bottom. Look behind there for the model information

As for getting cold, cleaning the burner/chimney tube is important as is cleaning the orifice (no pins, needles, etc.) with rubbing alcohol. You may also have an oily build-up in your gas lines. Remove the gas line from the back of the refrigerator and from the regulator. With the regulator end of the tube in a bucket, use a compressor to blow air from the refrigerator end. You will likely be surprised at how much oily liquid is in there. Reassemble and test for leaks. Then purge the lines and see if it makes a difference. It did for me.

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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: jato
Date Posted: 02 Sep 2021 at 4:25pm

+1 and +2 above. I have the same RM 8501 as you in a 2011 177. Worked real good until a year ago when it developed an ammonia leak. Had to replace. As far as parts, if you are certain about a particular part you need, I may still have it available for you.

A few years before the failure I was having similar issues. Had to replace both the regulator (from the tank) and the line from the regulator to the fridge. Both were mucked up with the oily substance from years of usage of propane. Now I know to shut propane off when not using for a month or more. Also it helps greatly if you move your bi-metal switch close to within 2" of the cooling stack. They come from the factory located about 5 fins to the left the the cooling stack - move it all the way to the right within 2". This will cause your two muffin fans to kick on sooner and run longer resulting in much colder interior temps. This switch can easily be located by finding two red wires that end at the switch.

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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."

Posted By: Sekots
Date Posted: 02 Sep 2021 at 9:21pm

Thanks, I have cleaned the flue and the orifice. I'll look behind the crisper for the number. The oil build up in the lines is something I haven't noted but ill check that out. I have noted a sooty build up and weird smell so maybe thats the oil burning off.