Dometic Cooling Units for Campervans and Vans
For campervans and vans, cooling units are an essential piece of equipment to keep your food and drinks fresh on the road. They are also easy to install, thanks to pre-charged refrigerant, self-sealing valve couplings and paired refrigeration compressors and condensers. This makes them a great option for confined spaces such as the rear of a campervan or van. They are also energy efficient, which is important for those traveling in remote areas or on limited power supplies.
However, like any appliance, Dometic fridges can occasionally run into trouble. It’s a good idea to have some spare parts on hand, especially if you are a full-time RVer or often take weekend trips. It’s also a good idea to know how to do some basic troubleshooting so you can save time when the fridge does break down.
A faulty thermocouple is one of the most common reasons for an RV refrigerator to stop working. The thermocouple is responsible for telling the fridge when to heat or cool, and it can be easily tested with a multimeter or screwdriver. If you notice the smell of ammonia in your RV fridge or see sodium chromate (yellowish-greenish powder) outside of the cooling unit, it’s likely that the thermocouple is faulty and the cooling unit will need to be replaced.
It’s also important to clean the fridge coils regularly, as a build up of dirt can interfere with the efficiency of the refrigerator. Cleaning the fridge coils is a simple process that requires just a little bit of soap and water. Just be sure to turn off the refrigerator and disconnect any power sources before you start working on it. You’ll also want to wear rubber gloves and make sure you don’t use metal tools near the electrical components.
Another way to improve the efficiency of your RV fridge is to ensure that it is properly insulated. This is particularly important if you travel in hot climates. A well-insulated fridge will reduce the amount of power it consumes by keeping the cold air in longer and reducing the flow of warm air.
Other features that make Dometic fridges a popular choice for campervans and vans include their ease of operation, durability and aesthetically pleasing design. They are able to be securely mounted to the van’s t-track structure, which helps them stay in place during rough driving and harsh weather conditions. They can also switch between electric and propane power automatically, which is a helpful feature for those who frequently boondock on long trips.
A good option for RVers who are looking to upgrade their Dometic or Norcold refrigerator is a remanufactured Dometic cooling unit from Ozark. This unique remanufacturing process uses a heavier wall seamless tubing, as well as a boiler that is less susceptible to thermal stress. This results in a fridge that is more durable and reliable than original OEM or aftermarket replacements. It also reduces the risk of tube rupture, which is a frequent cause of refrigeration failure in RV refrigerators. dometic cooling units