Dometic fridge question
Submitted: Saturday, Dec 12, 2009 at 14:59
ThreadID:
74358
Views:
5344
Replies:
4
FollowUps:
2
This Thread has been Archived
Thermoguard Instruments
Hi All,
We have a 7 year old Dometic 3-way fridge (Model No. RM 4401 and it is a type C40/110) in our Jayco
Heritage caravan.
The whole time we have had it (5 years), the fins located at the top rear area of the fridge section freeze up but on the right hand side only.
I have tried rearranging the contents to allow for more air flow, but this does not seem to make any difference. The fridge seems to work fine and I just turn it off and defrost to solve the problem.
Have always presumed "this must be the way it is", but I'm now wondering if anyone can shed any light on this?
Thank you, Annette (aka Thermowoman)
Reply By: Ozhumvee - Saturday, Dec 12, 2009 at 16:12
Saturday, Dec 12, 2009 at 16:12
Do a search on the motorhome and caravan forums re 3 way fridges, it appears that very few caravan and motorhome manufacturers install them correctly or even use the right frig models for our climate.
apparently Dometic have very good instructions on how to install the fridges correctly on their website, can apparently make a huge difference when they are done properly.
AnswerID:
394786
Reply By: Nomadic Navara - Saturday, Dec 12, 2009 at 16:48
Saturday, Dec 12, 2009 at 16:48
The RM 4401 is the worst performing fridge that Dometic have imported to Oz. If it is working somewhat satisfactorily then its installation must be fairly good. However you can read the following, they may be of some assistance:
Site LinkSite Linkhttp://home.iprimus.com.au/rfh/refrig.htmlhttp://www.rvmobile.com/Tech/Trouble/vent.htm
PeterD
AnswerID:
394793
Follow Up By: Member - Tony S (WA) - Saturday, Dec 12, 2009 at 23:57
Saturday, Dec 12, 2009 at 23:57
Agree N N my 4401 was the biggest dog of all time and that is putting it nicely.
Above 25 degrees it would not work. Tried everything.
Bit the bullet, bought the slightly smaller 90 litre RM 2350? freezes the what-sits off a brass monkey. In other words brilliant.
Tony
FollowupID:
663201
Reply By: oldtrack123 - Saturday, Dec 12, 2009 at 19:45
Saturday, Dec 12, 2009 at 19:45
Annette said::The whole time we have had it (5 years), the fins located at the top rear area of the fridge section freeze up but on the right hand side only.
Hi Annette
I would consider that normal , that's the entry point for the evaporator coolant liquid.
The relevantly still air inside the fridge allows that area to get very cold
AnswerID:
394805
Follow Up By: GUJim - Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 18:33
Sunday, Dec 13, 2009 at 18:33
Ditto with oldtrack123 - all the absorption fridges I have had anything to do with tend to freeze up the RHS end. Normal operation. Only solution I can think of is to install a small 12V computer type fan INSIDE the fridge to keep the air circulating. If you could mount one actually on the evaporator above the end that freezes up I suspect it could make quite a difference.
Just a thought that I have had many times but never got around to actually doing.
FollowupID:
663297
Reply By: Member - Jan B (VIC) - Saturday, Dec 12, 2009 at 20:44
Saturday, Dec 12, 2009 at 20:44
Hi Annette,
Had the same problem its the condenser unit we ended up putting a new
fridge in the van, but was also told that if you take the fridge out turn it upside
and leave it for 48 hours the mixture might mix up and may i say may solve the problem.
hope it may work its a thought.
Jan & Pete
AnswerID:
394815