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Dometic question

Recently got back from the lake and would like to understand my Dometic operation a little better.  The first thing I usually do is get my 50 Amp connected and get the propane on so I can get the fridge started.  I have noticed the system always defaults to gas even with AC connected.  I have to remember to wait for it to turn on the "check" light so I can cycle it a couple of times before it will get the gas to the burner.  I have tried to manually cycle it to AC, but it will never let me do anything but DC.  It will run off gas for a while and then will make the switch to AC on it's own.  Will run for days on AC and then for no reason kicks back over to gas.  I guess my question is, does the fridge actually have the shore power in the box or is it looking at the inverter for AC?  I'm just curious if this is an indication of an external problem I might want to be looking at it.  If it is in internal issue I'm not concerned since the fridge works great.

Bill and Doris
93 GV gas
OKC
Bill and Doris
93 GV gas

Re: Dometic question

Reply #1 –
In our 1997 U295, we have a 2-way Dometic. It runs on 120VAC from shore power or generator. If those sources are not available, it will run on propane. It is not plugged to the inverter.

Recently, the 120VAC heating element failed and the refrigerator would operate on propane only. I replaced the electric heating element, and the operation is back to "normal."

I expect you have intermittent operation from 120VAC due to a failing heating element, a loose connection for 120VAC, or a flaky control board. I would expect a connection to the inverter for a built in ice maker, but not for the primary operation.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX
 

Re: Dometic question

Reply #2 –
Bill,
In our '92 we had a similar problem and it turned out to be the brown receptacle that the fridge is plugged in to had went bad and would make connection at times and then not. We replaced both plug end off fridge and receptacle, after that all was good.

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."