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Fridge not getting cold

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15977
Printed Date: 20 May 2026 at 8:47pm
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Topic: Fridge not getting cold
Posted By: kansasfrogs
Subject: Fridge not getting cold
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2024 at 2:51pm
I ran my fridge for 48 hours on electric and it never got below 50 degrees! I tried gas and nothing different.  The area is clear of wasps, etc. and is fairly clean.  Does it ever need some sort of fluid? I know it's not a freon based fridge, but what else can I try?  This was in the 90 degree weather with temps near 70 at night, out of the sun.



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FROGGY



Replies:
Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2024 at 4:11pm
I am assuming this is a 3 way absorption fridge? The Dometic in our current camper is very sensitive to state of level, especially when the ambient temp is above 80. That fact that your fridge made it to 50 rules out a tripped thermal breaker. All of that said, absorption fridges do have a life span of 5-10 years from what I understand. 

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Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Honda SCL500


Posted By: kansasfrogs
Date Posted: 13 Jun 2024 at 5:17pm
It is 8 years oldUnhappy.  Thanks for your response.  It had been working fairly well (35-40 degrees) until this week.  Take care!  Enjoy your travels.  Liz



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FROGGY


Posted By: BikeFlagAZ
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2024 at 10:09am
I had the same problem recently.  Cleaned the jet (nozzle) and and burner assembly and it worked great after that.


Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2024 at 1:30pm
Our original Dometic fridge lasted 10 years, was replaced with the same model and make 3+ years ago.
A few things I have had success with will be shared, even when ambient temp is at 92 fridge temp is 36.
1) bug screens over both 2 vents to keep spiders, insects, bees out.
2) move the bi-metal switch (located by 2 red wires leading to it) to within 1.5-2" away from heat stack chimney.  switch is usually located between the 6th and 7th fin on the cooling radiator-move to the right.
3) add a couple muffin fans just under the upper radiator and install a baffle around them to direct heat flow over the fins and out the rear of the fridge vent.  PM me for pictures or further information.
4) ideally park so that the rear of fridge faces N, 2nd choice would be E.  Avoid south and west exposures any time temperature is warm or hot.


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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: podderfj
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2024 at 10:09am
I am having refrigerator problems, works fine on shore power and 12 volt power.
Question.   There are 2 black tubes coming out of the top of the baffle chimney.  One is a vest with a T for venting and this tube is very hot when on propane.  The other tube leading to the fins, is it supposed to be hot or cool or ?    Fridge will not cool on LP.....Any suggestions appreciated..


Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2024 at 5:17pm
https://www.arprv.com/image-arp/how-dometic-norcold-fridge-works/how-dometic-norcold-cooling-unit-works.png - https://www.arprv.com/image-arp/how-dometic-norcold-fridge-works/how-dometic-norcold-cooling-unit-works.png
This should help you understand how absorption refrigeration works. Both tubes will be hot. The one is the chimney for exhausting combustion gasses. The other, connected to the fins, is the coolant. As you can see, as it exits the boiler, it is hot. The fins cool it so the gas condenses to a liquid. That liquid goes to the evaporator section where the cooling happens.  Then it goes to the refrigerator section to cool that. Finally, it flows into a collecting tank. The liquid goes to the boiler, starting the whole process again.



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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: podderfj
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2024 at 6:01pm
StephenH:  Thank you so very much.  Never have found a site that explained it to me.
This helps me a lot...



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