Dometic fridge issues/ possible replacement...

[dashboardburrito]

Hello,

I recently bought a 2016 FWC Fleet and the fridge is not working. When I picked up the camper, the fridge did work but after a 10 day road trip, the fridge did not work on 12v or propane. The exterior galvanized pipe was getting hot but the fridge did not get cold. I'm researching what the issue may be but may need to replace the 3 way fridge with something of identical size...

Has anyone out there had a similar problem and can offer any tips/advice? Thanks

 

[57Pan]

If your fridge was ran in an unlevel position for to long it could have vapor locked. Absorption refrigerators are quite sensitive on having to be level when parked. I never had a problem when moving. You will see on line if that is the case the way to fix it is to take it out and turn it upside down for sometime.
I never had very good experience with my Dometic 3 way refrigerator being able to keep things cold enough in really warm weather. So I replaced it with a similar size Dometic 12vdc only compressor refrigerator.
The compressor refrigerators are quite efficient now days, and I can run probably 4 days on my 100ah lithium battery without recharging, but I have solar and a dc to dc charger so it would never have to go that long on battery only.

 

[camelracer]

I had my 3-way fridge die on a Baja trip and it was obvious because of the strong ammonia odor. I replaced it with a 12v Truckfridge which has better temperature control.

 

[Beach]

3way fridges struggle when the ambient temp gets into the 90s. You need to precool (I do 24 hrs)your fridge before loading it. You'll find it is not quick to recover if you leave the door open while searching for items and the fridge temp rises. It can take hrs if the outside temp is high. If you don't already have a ventilation fan drawing air over the coils, add one, it makes a considerable difference. As mentioned above having it level is very important.

 

[fish more]

Leveling makes all the diff, and pre cooling 24 hrs prior !!

 

[GVWRLOL]

If you don't already have a ventilation fan drawing air over the coils, add one, it makes a considerable difference.

It makes a HUGE difference. This probably extended the life of my fridge to be real about it.

 

[Robojeeper53]

I also added small fans to help move air over upper coil fins and installed a

“ XH-W3001 Digital LED Temperature Controller Module Digital Thermostat Switch “​

Purchased switch thru amazon to turn on fans, I set mine at 78ish degrees turn on ,off below 73degrees. Made big difference in efficient cooling.keeping air moving up thru back of fridge. Also use HVAC foil tape around sides of fridge to help air have smooth exit out of top vent. Mounted fans between large black tubes on lower part of fridge, slid right in, nylon tie wrapped down to tube.