The Dometic in my 76 Sovereign works on gas but not on electric. I honestly don't think I understand any of the troubleshooting tips I'm reading. I'm seriously considering a household frig. replacement, keeping the Dometic to reinstall if I ever want to sell this trailer. This trailer will be parked at the lake for extended periods of time and I want to leave the refrigerator running because of the long cool down time for a 31 year old RV frig. I've always hated to see household refrigerators put in Airstreams, but now I'm gaining a better understanding of why people do that. There is a brushed aluminum model at Lowes that will fit the space almost exactly for $278.00. I'm weakening. Is there a 12 step program to help me?
The Dometic in my 76 Sovereign works on gas but not on electric. I honestly don't think I understand any of the troubleshooting tips I'm reading. I'm seriously considering a household frig. replacement, keeping the Dometic to reinstall if I ever want to sell this trailer. This trailer will be parked at the lake for extended periods of time and I want to leave the refrigerator running because of the long cool down time for a 31 year old RV frig. I've always hated to see household refrigerators put in Airstreams, but now I'm gaining a better understanding of why people do that. There is a brushed aluminum model at Lowes that will fit the space almost exactly for $278.00. I'm weakening. Is there a 12 step program to help me?
Juel,
Sounds like you have a bad heating element. If you have a multi-meter, set it to ohms, unplug the wires from the element that go into the control board and put the meter on the leads. You should get about 45 ohms as a reading. If you get nothing, you need a new element, which is way cheaper than a new fridge for $300.
Lewster.....That's so sweet of you. I took the door off outside the frig. and nothing looked like what I've read about troubleshooting. I was thinking about replacing it with a stainless household frig., keeping the Dometic to put back if I ever want to sell the AS. Hate to do that. I really am opposed to people doing that, but now I understand why. $1000.00 plus shipping and labor to install is pretty steep and I want to use my trailer. Since it's 31ft long and my husband works out of state, there is no way I can get this AS out of the property. Maybe mailing the frig. isn't such a bad idea! I have a good RV repair man, actually two of them, but I doubt they make housecalls. Ice chest here I come. Back to the old days for a while.
OK, I tried to put the frig on gas and it will light but not stay lit. It lights every time, but won't stay lit when I release the knob. I think it's time to throw in the towel and ask for help. I'm calling my RV doctor to see if he can come get this thing out of the yard for me. I can get it home and park it, but I can't get it out of here. Bob's been sent to Tucson until Christmas and then on the California to build a large store. I guess it's all up to me now.
I find that I need to hold the knob out for a full 30 seconds after I light my fridge. Maybe you let it go too soon. I know it is a PITA to hold it.
Why not take the trailer to Tucson? It's a great place to visit this time of the year. Tucson also has Oasis RV which is a great Airstream service dealer.
Stick around untill New Years and join us at the Picacho Peak News Years Rally. It's just up the road...
Sounds like a great idea...oops I forgot, I have to work. I held the knob out for about 2 mins and it still won't stay on. The thermostat knob isn't making the control turn so I tried to use needlenose plyers, can't really tell where I get it set. I don't think I like this appliance and I don't think it likes me.
Does anyone want an RM76? It works, but the frame is warped. We can't figure it out. If you're in need of parts to make yours work, this may be the answer. We have the vent cover as well. We are replacing it with a Home Depot special. Let us know if this is something of interest and we'll make arrangements...
Ah ha. After much frustration with the Dometic S1621 in our '69 Sovereign, I ordered the Dinosaur P-711 control board and installed it. It works. I now can run on AC. I haven't tried gas, but that was not a problem before. Thanks to all who suggested the testing data that finally allowed me to pin it down to control board. I still think they use aliens(martians?) to assemble these things because anyone with regular size hands and arms has a difficult time undoing the old board and installing the new one. Needed 6 skinny fingers per hand and really long thin arms. But since the part was attached before the unit was installed the first time they probably figured someone besides them would have to fix it. Also I'll bet that the really original unit fit directly behind the access port anyway.
Along these same lines, the plug in for the fridge is precisely behind the access door and has seen its share water infliltration. I replaced the electrical box, put new gasket material on the access cover, and am going to build some sort of water resistant cover for the box.
thanks again to all for the info.
bill b.
__________________ bill b. 1969 Airstream Sovereign 31' 2001 F250 7.3 Diesel
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I have a good RV repair man, actually two of them, but I doubt they make housecalls. Ice chest here I come. Back to the old days for a while.
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