2004 Safari with Dometic 2852 not cooling

[Axeman]

Hello all,
We're getting ready for our first trip and the refridgerator isn't cooling. Seems like it's getting hot in the compartment on both AC and gas, but the interior of the unit isn't cooling at all.Sorry if the answer is already out there or I'm not in the right thread. If anyone has any ideas, it would be appreciated..

[lewster]

Originally Posted by Axeman

Hello all,
We're getting ready for our first trip and the refridgerator isn't cooling. Seems like it's getting hot in the compartment on both AC and gas, but the interior of the unit isn't cooling at all.Sorry if the answer is already out there or I'm not in the right thread. If anyone has any ideas, it would be appreciated..

If your heating unit is working and the boiler section of the cooling unit is getting hot, you have 1 of 2 potential issues:

1. smell any ammonia or see any yellow staining at the back of the unit? If yes, you have experienced a leak in the cooling unit and it needs to be replaced.

2. if you place your hand on the large horizontal cylinder at the bottom of the coils and then on the second or third coil from the bottom. the heat sensation should be about equal. If not, you have a blockage in the cooling unit's circulation system and you STILL need to have the cooling unit replaced.

Sorry to have such 'happy' news!

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by Axeman

Hello all,
We're getting ready for our first trip and the refridgerator isn't cooling. Seems like it's getting hot in the compartment on both AC and gas, but the interior of the unit isn't cooling at all.Sorry if the answer is already out there or I'm not in the right thread. If anyone has any ideas, it would be appreciated..

It will take about 24 hours or more to get the unit cold if it hasn't been turned on in a while. Just turn it on and leave it on, it will eventually get cold. If the compartment on the outside has some heat in it then the unit is probably working properly, it just needs time, it's an RV fridge not a compressor unit like in your home.

[Axeman]

Thanks for the quick replies! I don't smell any ammonia, but I do see some yellow looking sand or dust below the cooling unit. I called a local shop here here in town earlier today. They had the same response as Lewster... Seems like I'll be taking it in for a new cooling unit, after our trip. Not the news I was hoping for. Sounds like it may cost about 1100 for parts and labor. Thanks again, I guess I'm glad to have multiple ice chests😞

[blkmagikca]

Originally Posted by Axeman

Thanks for the quick replies! I don't smell any ammonia, but I do see some yellow looking sand or dust below the cooling unit. I called a local shop here here in town earlier today. They had the same response as Lewster... Seems like I'll be taking it in for a new cooling unit, after our trip. Not the news I was hoping for. Sounds like it may cost about 1100 for parts and labor. Thanks again, I guess I'm glad to have multiple ice chests😞

Call these guys Trailer & RV Refrigeration - Sales and Service Gas RV Refrigerators they rebuild cooling units and will exchange them. They replaced one for a friend of mine in his SOB and he was pleased with the result.

[dbj216]

I know the cooling unit is the heart and most expensive part of the RV fridge. I just purchased a new Dometic 2510 at about $1150. At the cost of the repair, a new unit may be a better buy.

David