Dometic RM2553 fridge not working on DC

Hi Linda,

The high current draw of these fridges would result in dead batteries in a short period of time, if running on 12 volts.

The chances are, the fridge is not wired to the caravan batteries due to the reason above and will only run on 12v when connected to the vehicle. The 12v option is only to keep the fridge running while traveling and preferably with the engine running. Stopping for a short period of time, say an hour or so, should be OK but you run the risk of flattening the vehicle battery if left in this state for a long period.

When camping, the fridge should be running on gas, or 240v if at a caravan park with power facilities.

Some folk ditch their 3 way fridges in favour of a 240/12v compressor fridge, which are much more efficient and consume much less power.
A compressor fridge will draw somewhere around 2.5-4.5 amps maximum and will cycle on and off, depending on the temperature setting selected.
A 3 way fridge may draw around 8-15 amps constantly when running on 12 volts.

Jayco or one of their dealers would be able to give you a definitive answer.

Hi Linda we had similar problem with ours until worked it out. The fridge will work off your car when moving , yes also stationary if still attached to car, which is no good for your battery, when stopped for a period of time or free camping you must switch it over to Gas ,some times it can take a short time for the gas to come through the line , then when you are about to leave turn gas off and switch it back to 24 v , we turn gas off start car then switch it over to make sure it is going , don't know if this is right way but it's the way we know it's going on 24v.
Peter

Linda

We had a Jayco BASESTATION for 5 years which had the 'problem' you have described.

I tried numerous 'fixes' for it over 4 years which all ended up as failures to get that bastard fridge to run off the caravan 12V battery when travelling.

That was until, I was going through all the documentation that came with the BASESTATION (purchased new) one rain affected day and came to the pamphlet/directions on the 'Magic Black Power Box'. This is the box that receives 240V power and distributes 12V to everything that needs it and manages the caravan battery charging.

On reaching the back of the subject document a inserted addendum page fell out which reads as follows:


"BATTERY
1) Battery switch MUST only be ON when using the
battery or during charging.
2)Battery will require 'topping up' with charge when
left in storage. (Approx. every 2-3 months).
3) When charging from 240v, the converter will only
'trickle charge' battery & will require several days
to charge properly.
4) Battery does not run your l2V refrigerator. The
refrigerator is connected to your car auxiliary power
only.
5) Your power converter will charge at 5A for (ST20
converter) and 10A (ST35converter).
6) Your power converter fault light will illuminate in
event of over loading, short circuit, over voltage,
over temperature and reverse connected battery.
The power supply will shut down until fault is
rectified.
7)Battery will be unusable if your power level falls
below fair.
8) Calculate your battery usage @ 1.3 amps p/hr. for
each light and 2 amps p/hr. for a water pump."


Now that will explain exactly the situation you find yourself in.

Follow these directions and as long as the wiring in the van is correct and a 100%, all should be good.

regards

DD

If you have anymore queries contact me on ken_3149@yahoo.com

Hi Linda,
Some years back We bought a van and had similar problem,fridge worked on 240 volt and gas,not on 12 v. Closer investigation the thing had never had a 12v thermostat fitted.
Cheers Cherry.

You don't have any problems with your fridge, you just need to understand how it should be used and need to make sure it is wired correctly.

3 way, ie 240v, gas and 12 v fridges will work well if.

1)you are using 240v
2)you are using gas and it is level.
3)You are DRIVING and your alternator is working ok at 13.8V or more.

Your fridge will not work at all or very well on 12v if

a)you are not actually driving and your alternator is not charging.
b)you have inadequate wiring which includes 6mm auto cable
c)you connect your fridge circuit to the caravan / camper circuit.

You must ensure your fridge is wired separately to your battery charge circuit and it will not work off your 12v battery in your camper for 2 reasons. 1) it draws 10 to 12amps and will make your battery flat in about 5 hours, and 2)it needs 13.8v not 12v to cool things.

Your vehicle is probably not wired correctly for your fridge. You need 6B&S -- NOT 6mm auto cable, wired to the reverse plug of the trailer plug and it should be ok - IF your trailer also has heavy duty cable.

Also a fan helps and insulation. You can make it work well. Mine froze food on 12V while driving after I replaced all the wiring with 6B&S. Before that it never got below about 12 degrees.