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A Dometic fridge is standard equipment in many motorhomes and campers. It is an absorption fridge that runs on three energy sources: 12V while driving, 230V on a campsite and gas when you are off-grid. That sounds convenient, but it also means more can go wrong than with a regular household fridge. In this guide we explain how a Dometic fridge works, why it sometimes doesn't cool, and what you can check yourself before calling for help.
A Dometic fridge in a motorhome is almost always an absorption fridge. It works without a compressor and therefore without moving parts. Instead, a mixture of water, ammonia and hydrogen circulates through a closed pipe system. A heat source, a gas flame or an electric heating element, brings that mixture to the boil. Through evaporation and condensation, the system extracts heat from the inside of the fridge. That principle immediately explains why such a fridge cools more slowly than a household model: allow several hours for it to reach temperature.
The three energy modes each have their own logic. On 12V the fridge only works when your motorhome's engine is running, otherwise it drains your starter battery. On 230V you use it on a campsite with a power connection. On gas it works anywhere, even without electricity, but then the flame must burn properly and the fridge must be level. A slope of more than a few degrees disrupts the circulation of the coolant and can damage the fridge.
The most common complaint is that the fridge doesn't get cold. First check whether the fridge is level. An absorption fridge is sensitive to being off-level, especially on gas. Park your motorhome as straight as possible and wait a few hours. Then look at the energy source. On 12V it only cools when the engine is running and the alternator supplies enough voltage. On 230V the power connection must work and the fuse must be intact. On gas the flame must burn blue and stable; a yellow or flickering flame indicates a dirty burner or poor gas pressure.
Another typical problem is ice formation on the evaporator plate at the back of the fridge. This happens especially in high humidity or when the door is opened often. Defrost the fridge completely and clean the door seal. Also check that the thermostat is not set too low and that the ventilation grilles on the outside of the motorhome are not blocked. A Dometic fridge needs air circulation to dissipate heat; dirt or leaves in the grilles reduce cooling capacity.
Not every Dometic fridge is the same. The installation in a Dethleffs, Carthago or LMC can differ, as can the wiring and the position of the sensors. If you have a specific problem with your fridge in a particular motorhome brand, read our separate guides:
Dethleffs fridge not working: what now?
Carthago fridge not working: what now?
LMC fridge not working: what now?
Pilote fridge not working: what now?
Malibu fridge not working: what now?
Knaus fridge not working: what now?
Hobby fridge not working: what now?
Weinsberg fridge no longer working: what now?
A Dometic fridge needs little maintenance, but a few actions extend its lifespan. Defrost the fridge at least once a year, or more often if you see a lot of ice. Clean the inside with a mild soapy solution and dry everything well. Check the door seal: close a banknote between the door and the cabinet, and if you can pull it out easily, the seal is worn. Clean the outside ventilation grilles and carefully vacuum the burner compartment if you cool on gas.
Poor combustion can produce carbon monoxide, and that is life-threatening in a small space. Never use a gas stove or any other heat source to cool the fridge faster. That damages the absorption system and makes your motorhome unsafe.
A leaking cooling system is usually not repairable, and a new absorption fridge is a hefty investment. If your motorhome is old or already has other defects, it may make more sense to sell the entire vehicle. We buy motorhomes and campers, even with a faulty fridge. So you don't have to fix everything before you sell. Request a no-obligation quote and we will collect the vehicle from your home.
View our other guides or ask for no-obligation advice.
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