Question about pop up fridge

[RandyW]

Hey Guys,

Just bought a 2006 Rockwood 1640. I've never owned a pop up before (always tent camped) and I have a question about the refrigerator.  It's a Dometica 3way with the controls on the outside of the camper.  My question is when I turn on the 120V switch it does not appear to do anything so I'm not sure if it's working.  I guess I'm expecting to hear something "cut on".  Any suggestions?  Thanks.

[pga]

Hey Guys,

Just bought a 2006 Rockwood 1640. I've never owned a pop up before (always tent camped) and I have a question about the refrigerator.  It's a Dometica 3way with the controls on the outside of the camper.  My question is when I turn on the 120V switch it does not appear to do anything so I'm not sure if it's working.  I guess I'm expecting to hear something "cut on".  Any suggestions?  Thanks.

They take a long time to cool down.  Leave it run for a few hours without opening it.  Then check to see if cool enough.

[tlhdoc]

Welcome to the word of PU camping.  You will not hear anything when it is running.  There is no compressor.  Plug it in and let it run for an hour.  Then feel the top vent and see if you feel warm air coming out.  If you do it is running.  They are slow to cool and it is a good idea to plug it in on AC power and let it run for a day before a trip.  Also if you run it on DC/battery power it will drain the battery in an hour or two.  

[mike4947]

You can go here: http://bryantrv.com/docs.html and get a copy of the manual for your fridge.
And I made the same mistake/SPUT and ended up red faced after demanding the dealer fix my fridge that wouldn't start the compressor...LOL

[SherryandFamily]

When you are done with your trip no matter how well you think you wiped out the fridge, if you leave it closed until your next trip you will find mold and/or mildew.

Prop the door open when you are packing down.  We fold a hold towel over the door, that leaves enough air flow to keep it fresh.

Sherry

[fritz_monroe]

In addition to leaving the door open a bit, we also put in a box of baking soda.  Seems to keep everything fresh, not at all musty.

[tlhdoc]

If it is cooler out I point a small heater into the fridge, after wiping it dry.  Then I can close the door all the way without any mold or mildew growing.

[PattieAM]

There are no moving parts on an absorbtion refrigerator, so no noise.  It will take a while for the unit to cool.  You might 'feel' the coils on the back of the unit - if they are warm or hot - your unit is working!

I have a dometic 3-way unit, and it works very well.  Seems to cool fastest on propane setting, so I might start out on that setting, then switch to 120-v.  Note: the 12-volt setting is 'only to maintain' - it won't cool - ain't enough oomph!  

Happy Camping!

[Clarabelle]

Hey Guys,

Just bought a 2006 Rockwood 1640. I've never owned a pop up before (always tent camped) and I have a question about the refrigerator.  It's a Dometica 3way with the controls on the outside of the camper.  My question is when I turn on the 120V switch it does not appear to do anything so I'm not sure if it's working.  I guess I'm expecting to hear something "cut on".  Any suggestions?  Thanks.

You won't hear anything.  Besides checking the temperature inside, you can always feel around in the back of the unit (outside).  If it is working, something will feel hot.  By the way, beware of using the 12 volt setting when not driving.  It will suck a battery down to zero in no time.