Dometic 3 way fridge

Stuss · Member

Dometic 3 way fridge

oldtrack123 · Guru

Stuss wrote:
Hi everyone just got back from a trip up to Broome ( should be still up there ) the fridge has decided not to work on 12 volt ,
question, does fridge have to come out to replace element or can it be changed from the outside by removing the 2 vent covers
it's a Jayco Stirling 2006 model.

Hi

Are you certain it is the element that is faulty??

The 12V elements normally have a very long life!

!I do not know about that van but why not simply take the covers off & do some testing for a start

[Check that the element IS getting 12V when turned on, you should then be able to see if the 12V element is accessable

Treecrest14 · Senior Member

I recall seeing a 12v fuse behind the bottom vent, so I'd be checking that also.

Stuss · Member

Yeah I'm just surmising it's the element , fuse ? I've looked for a fuse in the places you'd think they would be, don't tell me they've hidden one behind fridge ?

PeterD · Guru

Treecrest14 wrote:
I recall seeing a 12v fuse behind the bottom vent, so I'd be checking that also.

Rather than just check it, get rid of it. Fuses are only needed on the supply end of the cable. They are a great source of problems. A fuse only provides protection of cables, not the equipment that the cables supplies. Also each fuse adds a bit of exta voltage drop in the circuit.

oldtrack123 · Guru

PeterD wrote:
Treecrest14 wrote:
I recall seeing a 12v fuse behind the bottom vent, so I'd be checking that also.
Rather than just check it, get rid of it. Fuses are only needed on the supply end of the cable. They are a great source of problems. A fuse only provides protection of cables, not the equipment that the cables supplies. Also each fuse adds a bit of exta voltage drop in the circuit.

Ditto

Two Strays · Senior Member

Hi All

I had a similiar problem on my 185lt Dometic fridge , The positive (red) wire had worked itself loose. Sitting in the socket but not secure.

Tightened the retaining screw, problem fixed.

Happy Caravanning.

erad · Guru

No-one has actually answered the OP's question - can the element be removed with the fridge in situ. I don't think it can. It is not a very nice job to get access to the wiring terminal block, and also the gas line above the fridge, but it can be done. After all, someone assembled the fridge and most likely it was done after the caravan was built. Before you remove the fridge, check the resistance of the element. Select 12V operation, find the terminal block and put a resistance meter across the terminals. You should get about 1 Ohm (120 Watts @ 12 V & 10 amps). If you get a low resistance like this, the element is OK. Then get someone to move the selector switch to OFF and see it the resistance changes to infinity.

As other people have said, it is more likely a lousy connection - either at the fridge or at the caravan plug. Also check the earth connection at the fridge and also the plug. Remember the earth on the fridge is the Black wire and for the rest of the van the earth is White. That's logical isn't it?

Further to this, do you have a fridge switch? If you do, maybe this is playing up and not giving power to the fridge.

Stuss · Member

Thanks erad. I'll get those two vent covers off and check for a fuse then check for power at terminal block

mjt57 · Senior Member

Do these fridges have multiple heating elements?

oldtrack123 · Guru

Yes,
One for 240V & another for 12V
Make certain that you disconnect the240V power to the van before you remove the vent covers & poke around inside

Van model is pretty useless if seeking advise on electrics

Best & most appropriate advice can be given if BRAND & MODEL number are given ,of the item concerned

As has been posted ,absolutely no reason or gain by having a fuse in that location

Surprised that anyone with an ounce of electrical knowledge would wire one in @that location

-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Monday 18th of July 2016 01:49:20 PM

OwenK · Senior Member

Hi just wondering, should fridge cool right down from say 15deg to 4deg on 12 volt ? Or is 12 volt just to maintain temp while traveling?

Cheers Owen.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

The latter in ours . Apparently the thermostat is isolated on DC .. DC is for short term or while engine is running . Or you'll use all your battery .,Unless you have heaps of solar ??

oldtrack123 · Guru

OwenK wrote:
Hi just wondering, should fridge cool right down from say 15deg to 4deg on 12 volt ? Or is 12 volt just to maintain temp while traveling?
Cheers Owen.

t depends on how well they are installed & the fridge model

Always a good idea to give brand & model number when seeking advice That way the answers will be more relevant wink

KevinC · Senior Member

Stuss wrote:
question, does fridge have to come out to replace element or can it be changed from the outside by removing the 2 vent covers
it's a Jayco Stirling 2006 model.

When I replaced our 12v element I just moved the fridge forward a bit to make room for the flue to unclip. The gas pipe allows that much movement without problem.

OwenK · Senior Member

Thanks Aus-Kiwi and Oldtrack123 for your replies. The fridge is Dometic RM 4805 fitted by Traveller caravans. It seems to hold temperature while traveling (doesn't get any colder) so I think it must be like yours Aus-Kiwi. Thanks again.

Cheers Owen.