Dometic refrigerators are designed to keep food fresh and cool for rv ac units, and campervans. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, and they run on electricity, propane, or DC power.
Unlike residential fridges, a dometic fridge can automatically switch between power sources and can run off of propane when the batteries are low or when you’re in a remote campground. This is a key feature that helps you minimize your dependence on electric power and reduces the risk of food spoilage while you’re boondocking or camping in a remote area without power.
The best Dometic refrigerators are energy efficient and feature adjustable cooling fans to help keep your food fresh while you’re traveling. Plus, most are WiFi-enabled so you can control your fridge’s temperature and energy usage from anywhere in the world.
These units are also made to be compact and easy to use, so you can get them in tight spaces in your RV. They’re perfect for people who want to live a vanlife lifestyle but need a refrigerator that can easily fit in a small space.
They’re powered by an absorption process that boils a mixture of ammonia and water to produce vapors, which are then transported along a coil system. This vapor is then cooled by a hydrogen bypass, a component that lowers the pressure and disperses the heat.
Another advantage of a dometic refrigerator is that they’re easy to clean and have no moving parts, so they can last longer than residential fridges. They’re also incredibly quiet.
In addition, these units run on 12-volt battery power, which is great for running off of the shore power in your RV or a solar panel. The downside is that these fridges tend to drain their batteries after six or eight hours of use, so if you plan to be on the road for an extended period of time, you’ll want to choose a propane-powered option.
Lastly, some dometic refrigerators run on a compressor, which uses a gas flame to drive the cooling process. This type of fridge is more expensive than an absorption model, but it’s the most environmentally friendly choice if you’re looking to stay off the grid and run on battery or LP gas power.
When you’re troubleshooting a fridge, it’s important to make sure that the power source is removed before working on any components. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally cause an electrical shock or cause damage to your equipment.
Some common issues with RV refrigerators include faulty thermocouples and control boards, which may need to be replaced. A quick check of these components can save you from a repair bill or a trip to the dealer.
To avoid these problems, it’s essential to regularly check your refrigerator for ice build-up and defrosting. This will prevent it from working too hard to keep your foods cold, which will result in poor performance and reduced energy efficiency. If you notice a build-up of ice, remove your food and place it in a cooler or an alternative cooling device before returning it to the fridge.