Lew, it sounds to me like the main goal here is fire suppression, not prevention in the event of a tube crack caused by the higher wattage heating element.
My question is about the cost of helium to be placed into these units. It sounds to me that at some point, there is a higer than average chance these units involoved in the recall will fail at some point. If that is the case, maybe it would be a great idea to do the right thing when it comes time to rebuild the unit? Is it cost effective to drain the hydrogen somehow, without blowing yourself up and installing helium before it's an issue?
What would an average person expect to pay for a fridge, pre-failure to have the hydrogen removed and replaced with helium?
I'm currently in the process of releasing a automatic fire supression system for RV refrigerator compartments. This kit is easy to install and will retail around 70 - 75 dollars. No need to remove fridge for installation. The paperwork has been summited and I'm just waiting for the US Patent office to send me the provisional patent receipt. How many people would be interested in a system like this?
Without giving away sensitive patent info, can you give an overview of your idea's operation?
Tom
If I did I'd have to kill u (just kidding) no can't release any details at this time, but it will be effective in a fire and can be removed and transfered to another RV if somebody say bought a new one and wanted to transfer it. All you need to install is a screwdriver, pliers, and a wire cutter.
Without question yes. Cost would be an issue (I could see $70-$75 for a working solution a great price point though), but yes, I'd be very interested. I'd even offer to be a beta test if I didn't have to ignite my fridge compartment to set it off!
__________________
Computers manufactured by companies such as IBM, Compaq and millions of others are by far the most popular with about 70 million machines in use worldwide. Macintosh fans note that cockroaches are far more numerous than humans and that numbers alone do not denote a higher life form. -NY Times 11/91
Am interested also,, need easy installation directions though,, thanks,, donna
working on the instructions now, it may be until next week till I get them done. I can say you install it from the outside of the coach thru the vent cover.
Sounds like a great idea! Happy someone thought of it! Can't wait to see more info about it when the time comes. Thanks RV_Cool!
__________________
Computers manufactured by companies such as IBM, Compaq and millions of others are by far the most popular with about 70 million machines in use worldwide. Macintosh fans note that cockroaches are far more numerous than humans and that numbers alone do not denote a higher life form. -NY Times 11/91
Since I just bought a 2000 34' Limited, have found out after the fact of buying that of course my fridge is affected. Got in touch with a local RV repair center and he can get me in on May 11th. Dometic is making him buy 8 kits. He can't just buy one kit at a time.
(BTW, also not happy that when my wife went to Dometic's site that our previous owner had already contacted Dometic and registered their fridge to be repaired. Sure would have liked to have known that during the sale!)
Hi All, took trailer in for the recall repair,, we will wait and see what happens,, think the rv cool device is a great added safety measure,, waiting for more info on that for sure,, thanks,, donna
working on the instructions now, it may be until next week till I get them done. I can say you install it from the outside of the coach thru the vent cover.
I'd be interested. Please keep us posted.
Got our letter this week regarding the frig and now have to get up to the Airstream to see if ours is included in the recall. If so, finding a reliable repair service to undertake the mandated repair should be interesting. Not good timing at all going into the camping/travel season.
__________________
Computers manufactured by companies such as IBM, Compaq and millions of others are by far the most popular with about 70 million machines in use worldwide. Macintosh fans note that cockroaches are far more numerous than humans and that numbers alone do not denote a higher life form. -NY Times 11/91
Went up to check out our Airstream and found our Dometic wasn't one of the ones listed in the series of serial numbers. Whew!
Still interested in the info on the fire suppression kit. Please keep us posted as things develop in that area please.
The service tech installed the "fix" on my unit this morning. It essentially consists of a shield between the burner and the refrigerator back - plus other shielding that completely encloses the burner area. There is a thermal switch that is mounted on the "chimney" that has an integral re-set button. This is designed to cut off the fuel supply in the event the system overheats. There is an additional "fusible" link that serves the same purpose - located outside the new shrouding - that requires a service call to replace. The overall intent of the recall "fix" is to shut off the gas in the event of a fire. This may, or may not, arrest a fire that has already started - but it does avoid feeding it with propane. If you listen for the "click" when you turn your refrigerator off - or switch to AC - you'll have an idea of just how fast the shutdown happens. A side benefit of the fix is that the burner and pilot are so well enclosed now that - if you had problems with flame-out before - that problem will probably go away. I tried my refrigerator on the way home - a distance of about 25 miles, at 65 mph - and it stayed lit. The downside is that you can no longer see the pilot, or gain access to light it with a propane match, on the rare occasion when the electronic ignition fails. I think that a half-dollar size window with a simple "flip to the side" cover is in order.
My only surprise was that when I went to check out - after the fix was complete - the dealer requested a $20.00 payment - which I refused! My understanding was that this was an official recall by Dometic and, regardless of the cost, they were responsible. They noted my refusal on the invoice and I told them to contact me if I was in error. Was I correct to refuse additional payment??? There was nothing difficult or unusual about executing the fix on my Airstream, and it took no more than 20 to 30 minutes.
Quick Links
Linear Mode
