Dometic recalls, right and wrong…

January 2, 2007 by
Filed under: Op-Ed 

As many people have learned, Dometic has been forced to recall something over 900,000 refrigerators for the possibility of a failing cooling unit, which might result in a fire. Norcold recently went through a recall for the same reason- the heating elements installed are just too hot, along with a possibly defective weld, which results in the coolant leaking out.

Norcold did waffle a bit, releasing a recall which simply changed the heating element to a lower wattage model, but finally stepped up to the plate and replaced all of the affected cooling units- at considerable expense.

But… Dometic- as of the latest word that I have (and I have heard nothing through “official” channels) is that the “fix” Dometic is releasing is simply a “safety” fix- a sheet metal shield which will keep the ammonia/hydrogen mixture from catching fire when and if the cooling unit leaks. This meets the letter of the law in terms of safety, but in my opinion it short changes the near 1 million customers who either regarded Dometic as a quality company, or who bout RVs from manufacturers who thought the same. This recall does nothing to actually fix what is a defect in design and construction, it simply makes it so that when your thousand dollar plus appliance fails after a few years, it will not destroy your entire RV…. oh boy… thanks for the concern, Dometic.

I’ve been an RVer since the age of 18 (mumble, mumble- some 30 years now), in the repair business for over 15 years- and Dometic certified for nearly 10, and I have always been comfortable recommending, selling and installing Dometic products. Now I am afraid, unless Dometic changes their position (which, given enough public outrage, they might), I cannot in good conscience do that any more.

The letter of the recall is available here (at safercar.gov)

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Comments

94 Comments on Dometic recalls, right and wrong…

  1. Casey on Sun, 14th Jan 2007 6:36 pm

    2. I too feel that Dometic must step up to the plate and fix the defect instead of a band aid solution that keeps your RV from burning up.

  2. Jim Tomblin on Wed, 14th Feb 2007 12:32 pm

    3. Wonder why Dometics decided to increase the wattage of the element……
    Not cooling properly? That would be the only reason that I can come up with.
    If so a design flaw created the need to raise the wattage, thus they are accountable for any fire damage as far as I can tell.
    I think any lawyer defending a person that lost their rv to a fire would be sucessful in nailing Dometics for millions……I smell a class action lawsuit……

  3. Chris on Thu, 15th Feb 2007 6:00 pm

    4. I’m not really sure why the higher wattage element. To throw a wrench in to the works- I have never seen the higher wattage element spec’d in any information I have.
    The last of these units that I replaced a cooling unit on was still just inside the warranty, so I got the cooling unit, but… when I replaced it, I ran through the steps that are required for the yearly maintenance to keep the warranty in force. One of these tests is heating element resistance.
    The heating element measured at a bit over 360 watts (well over the 325 watt ± that the specs and label called for), so I replaced it.
    Now.. the “can ‘o worms part is that these refrigerators are supposed to be checked yearly for the warranty. Given that I have never had any information about a higher wattage element being installed, I would immediately replace one which was that out of spec, and the customer who had the refrigerator that I replaced the cooling unit on had never had the service done.
    So… I went ahead and replaced the cooling unit under warranty, but charged the customer for the heating element, and I still do not know what Dometic would have done if I had tried to turn in the heating element under warranty (I was afraid they would have disallowed the cooling unit).

  4. SteveRPh on Mon, 23rd Apr 2007 9:52 pm

    5. I had to replace my 4+yr old cooling unit in my RV .. due to leaking. They have denied reimbursement because of the recall.. Apparently, according to the recall… anything that happened prior to Aug 28th, 2005 is outside of their agreement with NHTSA.. Come to find out the REPLACEMENT cooling unit is now in the recall. So I had to pay $1300 to fix a badly engineered cooling unit and got another badly engineered cooling unit .. which Dometic will apparently PATCH .. so that WHEN this unit starts to leak .. it won’t (hopefully) catch fire… When this unit starts to leak .. guess where it will go? IN THE DUMP and it will be replaced with anything but a DOMETIC.. Same for my roof AC/heat pumps and anything else that is made by DOMETIC on my coach!

  5. Chris on Tue, 24th Apr 2007 8:29 am

    6. Steve- did you get the “Pre-Notification Reimbursement Program” form sent to you? I would definitely call them again at 1-888-446-5157 and just request they send you the form- don’t ask the person on the phone if you can get reimbursed, as the phone people are not all that well trained.
    Once you get the form, fill it out and send it back in- it will then get to someone who (hopefully) has a clue.

    At this point, Dometic seems to be coughing up the money, though how long that will last, I don’t know, as there doesn’t seem to be an “official” policy regarding this.

    –Chris

  6. Edward Dobias on Wed, 9th May 2007 10:09 am

    7. Hi Steve, We have a 2006 Monaco Knight with 2 AC’s. They
    are 1 1/2 years old. The back one works fine but the front
    one trys to start and goes right back off. Is there
    anything we can do or does it need service? Why would it
    go bad this quick? We are traveling for 6 months and
    it is getting hot. Thanks – PS: They are Dometic AC’s
    Model #’s-630035.331 @ 630035.331. Serial #’s 535.35674
    @ 535.35670

  7. PETE DOR on Wed, 29th Jul 2009 11:24 pm

    8. I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM,SAME A/C MOD.#,2006 DIPLOMAT,ANYWAY TODAY I DECIDED TO GET ON TOP AND PULL BOTH A/C COVERS.
    THE REAR A/C OPERATED PERFECT – FRONT WAS PUTTING OUT A LOT OF AIR, BUT NOT COLD. WITH BOTH A/C OPERATING ON 50 AMPS. THE REAR COPPER TUBING COMMING OUT OF THE COMPRESSOR WAS COLD,THE FRONT WAS SLIGHTLY WARM. ANYWAY,WHILE LOOKING OVER THE SITUATION I NOTICED A LITTLE SMOKE COMMING OUT OF THE SMALLER OF THE TWO FRONT CAPACITORS. I PULLED THE POWER,PULLED SMOKING FRONT CAPACITOR,TOOK CAPICATOR FROM REAR PUT IN FRONT . FRONT A/C OPERATING PERFECT LAST COUPLE HOURS. ORDERED NEW CAPACITOR FOR REAR,HOPEFULLY NO MORE A/C PROBLEMS.

    HOPEFULLY THIS INFO IS OF HELPFUL

    PETE

  8. Steve on Wed, 9th May 2007 12:24 pm

    9. Dometic also does not want to be concerned with their circuit boards which fail at a high rate. Most people replace with a “gorilla Board”.
    I also will not buy Dometic!

  9. Van on Sun, 20th May 2007 7:16 pm

    10. I purchased a dometic fridge for my starcraft popup and installed using the vent kit supplied and the thing has never worked very good in the summer time heat either on propane or electric. I should have bought a small apartment fridge instead , but I needed one that would work without electric

  10. LeslieO on Fri, 15th Jun 2007 12:06 pm

    11. Hi, I just found the dometicrecal notice on good Sam and sure enough our refer is effected. We just bought this unit preowned and the freezer is very cold the fridge so so.I willnot take the thermometer from freezer and keekp an eye on the fridge. we are traveling and NEED the gas. I have called a service center and they are backed up over a week and we have confirmed reservations up the road. I dont have any of the symptoms listede on dometics site. what should my housband check for to see if our burner is a high wattage one, what else should we do. and how dangerous is this?mThanks for any info you can provide

  11. LeslieO on Fri, 15th Jun 2007 12:09 pm

    12. sorry for not proof reading this.I am typing in the car. I will NOW put the thermometer in the fridge. also the unit we bought was a tracker 5th wheel with the Dometic in it.

  12. karen on Sun, 17th Jun 2007 9:49 pm

    13. We had a new Dometic fridge installed in August 2003. We have not had much luck with

  13. Kevin Crowell on Fri, 22nd Jun 2007 2:27 pm

    14. I question if there is a class action lawsuit I can join because my 2001 rm 2682 refrigerator failed in 18 months and I had to pay 300.00 to replace it in labor. Now the paperwork says that if you replaced it prior to August 28, 2005. You are just out of luck! I questioned if they were defective when it failed so soon and they were having trouble getting replacement cooling units, but of course they denied it! My new camper has a Norcold unit and I am thankful for that, I will never buy anything by Dometic again!

  14. George on Sat, 30th Jun 2007 8:27 am

    15. I recently bought a 2001 Alfa 38.5 (40′) fifth wheel that has two Dometic refrigerators in it. They are both affected by the recall. I took it to my local RV dealership to have the “band-aid” installed on them and learned that one is leaking. However, the leak is at the bottom of the tube, below and outside of the affected recall area. I will be replacing this one at my expense. I am sincerely considering removing both units and replacing them with one residentual unit, since I do not need gas operation for my usage. As for any future rv purchases, it will be based on the RV having a refrigerator other than Dometic.

  15. Laurie on Sun, 1st Jul 2007 12:04 am

    16. My friends trailer just burned to the ground because of a faulty fridge – does she have any recourse?

  16. Edda Lichtenberger on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 11:23 pm

    17. @Laurie, I lost my 2004 trailer in June 2007 due to the problem with the refrigerator. We received the recall letter five days after the fire. My insurance covered some of the expenses but not enough to buy another trailer. I’m looking for a class action against Dometic. If you or your friend find out something, please let me know. Thanks in advance. 😉

  17. raul silvas on Fri, 20th Mar 2009 7:44 am

    18. hello my fifth wheel also burned to the ground, 9/08 we filed a claim with dometic which fwd the claim to their insurece under writer zurich. we were denied just yesterday. good luck to anyone trying to recoupe from these guys…

  18. Tim Harrington on Fri, 6th Jul 2007 5:04 pm

    19. Tim >>>>>> Montana @ our lot. (350 miles)
    Cooling quit working about a Month ago. I removed the outside vent to see if there was any apparent reason why, & the bottom of the Boiler Unit was covered with yellow residue. When we returned home to Calgary, I started a web search on what the issue might be & accidently came across a “Dometic Recall”. I typed in the appropriate #’s & low & behold…..mine was effected. On the recall list is an Authorized Dometic Service Company attached & was extremely lucky to find one in Libby MT. Lonnie with “Road Runner RV Repair” came to the rescue. He had a look @ the situation & said he would get in touch with Dometic & let me know the outcome. I heard from Lonnie this morning (July 6th), 3 day’s after the service call & has informed me that Dometic will cover the problem & have new cooling system sent out & replaced for free…..also, pay Road Runners expences to boot. Not all stories turn out as well as mine, but I wish you all luck with your recall problems & hope no one is/has been seriously injured by this.

    Best Regards;

    Tim

  19. Gene on Sun, 15th Jul 2007 1:55 am

    20. We purchased a 2003 5th Wheel with the Dometic Fridge. The Dometic unit failed about a month ago and the band-aid fix was installed by the dealer. The unit is still leaking, doesn’t work and Dometic has refused to replace the unit as the dealer has recommended. Do I have any recourse either through the NTSB or legal means? At this point the dealer indicates that it will be in excess of $1,300 to replace the unit. Any recommendations on another type or brand of unit that will be more reliable?
    Gene

  20. Kevin on Thu, 19th Jul 2007 3:22 pm

    21. I had my Dometic go out in 04, I could afford a replacement at the time and bought a small home unit at Lowes, when it went out the service personel said it was out of warrenty. No with the recall and all I looked for a trace of yellow but I sure its been washed off. Dont know what to do now

  21. Jay Darst on Tue, 31st Jul 2007 11:55 pm

    22. I too have experienced a failure of the the burner tube in my 4yr old Dometic RM2820. The yellow substance was apparent at the base of the chimney.

    Dometic is selling some poorly built equipment that commonly expires very shortly after the expiration of their warranty period.

    I own a Bluebird Wanderlodge and a Prevost Country Coach 45XL. Neither will have equipment provided by Dometic.

    What a piss poor company…

  22. gary on Fri, 3rd Aug 2007 2:09 pm

    23. just had refride fire in my 2006 outback. the fridge didn’t fall in the recall.
    dometic has sent someone to look at it but it has stopped there. any suggestions?

  23. Chris on Fri, 3rd Aug 2007 2:33 pm

    24. I would bet the insurance adjuster will be able to tell if the fire was caused by the same leak that is addressed by the recall.
    There are other things that can catch fire back there, but if it was a leak, I would file a complaint with the Feds at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/.

    To Kevin- I would go back to a service shop, they now should be able to get you a new unit no charge. A lot seems to depend on the service shop, and who you get to talk to at Dometic, as they have hired another firm to deal with a lot of this.

    –Chris

  24. Patti & Bill on Tue, 7th Aug 2007 1:34 pm

    25. Our ’97 Rexall Vision Motorhome burned up and we feel it
    was the Dometic air conditioner. Anybody know about the
    unit and was Duo – Therm a name Dometic used back then?

    Pleae, we need some answers. Patti & Bill

  25. Chris on Wed, 8th Aug 2007 7:30 am

    26. Patti & Bill,
    Dometic has owned Duotherm for quite a while- they certainly owned them in 1997, but…
    Air conditioner fires are nearly always due to installation problems, and not design defects, and I know there have been no recalls on any of the roof a/c units.

    — Chris

  26. stanley shupe on Tue, 16th Oct 2007 12:17 am

    27. It’s time for a law suit against dometic fridge company we have been screwed as i have two replaced since 2001 both in the time frame of defectived units. in 2004 we had to buy one while on a month trip. they will not except that our leaked into the fire box.i have tried even to good sam club leter back was it failed by blockage but the yellow they don’t address.dometic has no intention of making it right with any of us

  27. Edda Lichtenberger on Sat, 3rd Jan 2009 11:31 pm

    28. @stanley shupe, We lost our 2004 trailer in June 2007 due to a problem with the refrigerator, let me know if you find a class action again Dometic. Dometic had to pay my insurance for the damages. Thanks 😉

  28. Doyle Little on Sat, 17th Nov 2007 7:18 pm

    29. My 1998 Dutch Star motorhome was completely destroyed by a defective Dometic refrigerator fire. The cause was obvious according to several fire inspectors.
    Dometic now tells me after one year tough luck!
    They say the burden of proof is my responsibility and they will not pay for any damages .
    Anyone want to split the cost of a lawsuit with me?
    doyle Little

  29. Chris on Sat, 17th Nov 2007 7:39 pm

    30. Hi Doyle,
    I would let your insurance company deal with it- make them aware of the recall.
    They have lawyers on staff who can probably get the attention of Dometic with a simple letter.

    — Chris

  30. EMMET MARTIN on Thu, 22nd Nov 2007 12:35 pm

    31. I PURCHASED A NEW DEALER INSTALLED DOMETIC MODEL RM2820 IN JUNE 17, 2003. THE COOLING UNIT SPRUNG A LEAK AND EMITED A YELLOW-GREEN SUBSTANCE OVER PROPANE BURNER SHIELD AREA. THIS UNIT WAS ALWAYS LEVEL AND SHOULD NOT HAVE GONE OUT THIS FAST. THE ORIGINAL UNIT LASTED 10 YEARS.

    I CALLED DOMETIC TO NO AVAIL. SEEM LIKE THERE IS A DEFECT IN THESE UNITS WHICH IS BEING COVERED UP.

  31. gary on Fri, 23rd Nov 2007 4:55 pm

    32. My 2006 outback brunt to ground in May 2007. dometic sent experts out who claim fire started at fridge but couldn’t figure out why. fridge wasn’t on recall and dometic isn’t doing anything for my loss. anyone else know someone with this problem?
    I’m taking dometic to court to recover my losses. I know it will take time but sense I won’t be traveling I’ll have plenty of time to be a thorn in their side.
    I can be reached at [email protected]

  32. Lance Raphael on Fri, 4th Jan 2008 4:03 pm

    33. “Edward Dobias says:
    May 9th, 2007 at 10:09 am
    Hi Steve, We have a 2006 Monaco Knight with 2 AC’s. They
    are 1 1/2 years old. The back one works fine but the front
    one trys to start and goes right back off. Is there
    anything we can do or does it need service? Why would it
    go bad this quick? We are traveling for 6 months and
    it is getting hot. Thanks – PS: They are Dometic AC’s
    Model #’s-630035.331 @ 630035.331. Serial #’s 535.35674
    @ 535.35670”

    We have a federal action against Monaco and Dometic and Vehicle Systems Inc. for imporper heating and cooling of the RV

  33. UnhappyMonacoCustomers on Mon, 4th Feb 2008 8:04 pm

    34. Hello,

    This letter is to alarm the people with the Dometic Air Conditioners. We have a 2007 Monaco Knight and our front Dometic Air Conditioner caught on fire. The whole roof unit was totally burnt up and silently replaced by Monaco. This is a problem that Monaco and Dometic have not alarmed it’s customers about. We have also had numerous Dometic Refrigerator problems and numerous upon numerous problems with the Monaco Motorcoach in general. Anybody with similar issues or who wants to hear our full story, please feel free to contact us at: [email protected]

  34. Chris on Tue, 5th Feb 2008 8:29 am

    35. Hi Unhappy,
    I have to say that this isn’t a widespread problem- with any system or appliance, problems can happen, but the design is theoretically such that a problem like this will not cause the whole rig to burn down.
    I’ve only seen a single “close to catching fire” air conditioner, and that was caused by a bad connection on installation, which over heated- not by a defect in the unit itself.

    — Chris

  35. Tony on Wed, 20th Feb 2008 3:38 pm

    36. There is another problem with this whole mess with Ac and refridgerators. The service companies also are to blame because when they come out to repair a problem while under warrantty they just put a bandade fix on it. Then the warrantty runs out, like in my case, then Im S–T out of luck. Nice way for a company as big as Dometic to Provide customer dissatisfaction. We should all just start to boycot dometic products in RVs. Hit them in their pockets. Pass the word DOMETIC APPLIANCES NO RV SALE!

  36. M Martin on Sun, 18th May 2008 11:15 pm

    37. I have 2 -13500 btu penguin dometic A/C s on my 04 monaco windsor, what a piece of crap! these have been a nightmare since new, they have always overflowed on the carpet up front and the bed and carpet in the rear.It got so bad I had to go to Wakarussa the factory service center in indiana the coach is now a little over 3 years old. Both of the units failed not long ago. One unit froze-up and ruined my carpet and the rear just blew hot . Dometic would not extend any goodwill as i was out of warranty by 2 months. Shame on you Dometic. I had to either replace the units at $1300. a piece or repair them I got them both repaired for about $600. The hi pressure side of copper tubing had cracked and had to be replaced. If anyone else had a same problem please post if enough people gripe maybe the NTHS can do something like a recall???

  37. donna on Wed, 21st May 2008 3:03 am

    38. Well quess what folks we had a Dometic frigerator installed today.Wish I would of read this before.We brought it home today and tried it out to see if it was working and it caught fire thank God the garden hose was right there.Well after reading all your comments I’m determined to do everything in my power and the insurance and their lawyers (well i hope they will help big time)something has to be done.This is an outrage.I think what if it would of caught on fire while I was driving it home.Well Im praying we can stop this from happening to anybody us.

  38. Chris on Wed, 21st May 2008 2:08 pm

    39. Hi Donna,
    That really would be an installation problem happening that fast- the problem with the recall takes a year at least to show up.

    M Martin- again these sound like installation problems- something that Dometic has little control over.
    Not that I enjoy being an apologist for Dometic, but there are enough issues to be mad at them about without blaming them for bad installations.

  39. M Martin on Mon, 2nd Jun 2008 8:21 pm

    40. Hi Cris Sounds great if it was only true, but these units are “package units” and the leaks are not the fault of installation.The water could be, but not the freon leak which is the main complaint. The freon leaks are from excesive vibration within a small area and this is a wide spread problem. I just need to find enough people to bring this to surface. The companies attatude is that these are diposable qnd if they last after the 3 year warranty your lucky. When the japanese or the Koreans like LG or hitachi start to make replacements for $350 They change there attitude.Thats sad Thanks for your response Regards M Martin

  40. donna on Thu, 5th Jun 2008 4:25 pm

    41. Well Chris,Martin, our rv was inspected and your theory of it being an installation problem was not correct.It looks to everybody involved (our insurance and the installers) like the eletrical of the Dometic refrig. was the problem,not the installer.So now heres another case.What will it take for this company to get busted.Hopefully not a death.Just wanted to let you know.

  41. Jacki on Mon, 30th Jun 2008 1:32 pm

    42. RE:M Martin says:
    June 2nd, 2008 at 8:21 pm “Hi Cris Sounds great if it was only true, but these units are “package units” and the leaks are not the fault of installation.The water could be, but not the freon leak which is the main complaint.”
    REPLY: My husband and I owe a 1993 trailer with a Dometic refrigerator. Saturday night our fridge started acting up. My husband opened the fridge door and was overcome with ammonia. He was unable to breathe. A trip to the hospital and numerous test later (eeg, blood work, ex-ray) fortunately he is all right. All of us were extremely lucky (including a dog and cat). If this is a problem then something should be done about it before some one gets killed. Email me at [email protected] if anyone else has had this problem.

  42. Robert on Thu, 3rd Jul 2008 7:09 pm

    43. So when does the class action law suit begin? I am surprised an RV’ing attorney hasn’t jumped all over this. I am sitting on one of these “time bombs” (RM2856, purchased in 2005) myself. The lower unit doesn’t cool well, never has, usually around 42 to 45 degrees. I guess I am lucky so far….. warm food is better than a “hot” fire. Every time I leave my RV for a day trip I wonderi if I will return to find a pile of ash and some very angry fellow campers.

    Like another poster stated…. it probably won’t be long before some company (probably foreign) recognizes the need for a decent RV refrigerator and goes to the drawing board with QUALITY and RELIABILITY as a bench mark and our friends at Dometic will be wondering what happened. The market is certainly ripe for an alternative to the current units available.

    I just hope that it doesn’t take a death to get the attention of the powers that be.

    What say you?

    Robert

  43. Robert on Thu, 3rd Jul 2008 7:35 pm

    44. Correction to previous post… Refrigerator is Model RM 2852 not RM 2856.

    Sorry about that.

    Robert

  44. Kara on Mon, 22nd Sep 2008 4:48 pm

    45. I am interested in a class action lawsuit. Where do I sign?

  45. Stephen and Karen Knowlton on Fri, 4th Dec 2009 6:57 pm

    46. Our 2004 Alpha 40′ toy hauler burnt to the ground January 21, 2009. We found out about the recall 5 days after the fire. We have been told by two fire inspectors that it was a Dometic fire. Dometics insurance company wants us to prove our case with Forensic testing. It’s at the lab right now. We are facing mounting costs and are very unhappy with our own insurance carriers lack of testing. Our insurance company is sueing. We too want a class action lawsuit. We are in Washington State. We also would like to contact the media and get this company exposed. We almost lost our lives in the fire. Had it happened two hours later we would have… Our cat and bird died. With difficulty we made it out with the side of the coach on fire; next to the door! Who out there has a story?

  46. Denns on Tue, 14th Oct 2008 12:59 pm

    47. I just got off the phone with Jawana at Dometic. If this is the way they want to treat
    their customers, I will make sure to not recommend them to anyone. I was informed that
    they would pay to install the safety kit but would not pay any service calls that would
    be applied as I didn’t meet their definition of remote service. She also informed me
    that if the refrigerator developed this leak after the warranty period, it would not be
    replaced by Dometic. It would have to be replaced at my expense. You can be certain it
    will not be replaced with another Dometic product.
    If they know of the defect, why are they not standing behind their
    product? I understand the financial cost to them, but, they have manufactured and sold
    a defective product. They can rest assured, I will pass this along to all I can as how
    Dometic treats their customers. Remember, word of mouth is the best advertisement.

  47. Dennis on Tue, 14th Oct 2008 1:08 pm

    48. As Kara says, Class Action sounds good to me also.

  48. Dennis on Tue, 14th Oct 2008 2:09 pm

    49. I forgot to mention, the safety kit doesn’t fix the problem,
    it just keeps Dometic from bruning my RV to the ground.

  49. Chris on Tue, 14th Oct 2008 4:30 pm

    50. Hi Dennis,
    I cannot say I disagree with anything you have said- though I’m not sure if a class action lawsuit is the way to go (they seem to make the lawyers a lot of money, with the injured parties coming out with very little).
    What I would like to see (well, I would like to see them simply replace the failed cooling units, but..) is something like a replacement unit at cost, or an inexpensive swap with a factory repaired unit- something other than “Tough Luck”, but that would keep Dometic in business.
    The Dometic tech service folks are pretty good, and I’ve found the warranty people to be quite good at bending the rules when they can, and when it is a valid complaint, but they are ruled by the accounting types who call the shots.

    –Chris

  50. Dennis on Thu, 16th Oct 2008 2:19 pm

    51. I agree on the lawyers. But I guess if I got a new refrigerator I couldn’t complain.
    Maybe it would be a safer unit.

    Dennis

  51. Jim on Sat, 15th Nov 2008 7:55 pm

    52. Chris
    I have done hundreds of the recall upgrades and have found a few that were leakers. BUT, the competition also has the same problem.
    This style refrigerator has been around for many years, and has served many customers well, but the same principle applys to this problem as with the space shuttle. The job goes to the lowest bidder.
    Dometic does listen to the complaints of consumers, but the wheels turn slow. They now provide the DM model refrigerators, which, hopefully, won’t have the same problem. Only time will tell.
    In the business we are in, of repairing other peoples products, we don’t hear from customers unles they have a problem and are already mad. They (Dometic) are spending a huge amount of money, in trying to insure the units, already in the field, are safe, and have redesigned the two door units (the DM models) to prevent future problems, but with any man made produsts, things happen.
    Our best customers, in the RV industry, are the educated ones. Know your product before you buy. Don’t rely on an RV salesperson to know the answers. Remember, the saleamens hardest job is to figure out what you want to hear! Do your research. If it sounds to good to be true, IT IS. Consider an extended service policy, but again, research the policy company. Don’t assume that just because an appliance is in a trailer brand you have heard of before, that it’s good.
    Yes, we service people make our living on peoples problems, but ask us service people questions, before you buy.
    Folks remember, the smaller independent service facilities can normally give you a better answer. They make their livings from service, not sales from a large dealership. Just because a dealer or parts house are national, doesn’t mean there word is gosple! Get yourself informed. It may cost you a little, for the service centers time, but it is worth it, in the long run.

  52. Pete on Mon, 15th Dec 2008 5:34 pm

    53. I have a DM2852 with a 707… serial number, which is not included in the recall, but the same thing has happened.
    Total failure to cool, due to leakage of the cooling unit.
    Clearly a manufacturing defect – and Dometic refuses to authorize repair under warranty (only 1 year old) because it wasn’t installed in an RV. (off the grid cabin). Dometic says unapproved usage, Camping World where I bought it says they don’t determine valid usage. But how am I supposed to know when the docs are sealed inside the packaging? I told CW people what I was going to use it for – they helped me load it into my pickup – too interested in the $$$ to bother telling me the warranty would be void.

  53. Deb Krueger on Wed, 31st Dec 2008 11:07 am

    54. We received notice of the Dometic refrigerator recall on 12-17-08. In August of 2008 we had to replace the unit because the coolant was leaking. When I called the 888 number I was told I was out of luck because the unit was replaced outside of their “window of reimbursement” If we would have had to repair or replace the unit between August 28,2005 and March 1,2007 we would have been eligible to fill out the form for reimbursement. I asked to receive this in writing and was told the only info they had in writing with those dates was the form to fill out for reimbursement and since I did not qualify she could not send out the form.

  54. Chris on Thu, 1st Jan 2009 7:34 am

    55. Hi Deb,
    Dometic was replacing failed units, but they changed their policy when the recall expanded to only include those still under warranty.
    While I understand the financial aspects of the change (we’re talking billions of dollars), I do wish they would come up with a reduced cost option for those affected. I think it would pay off in customer good will.

  55. Roger on Thu, 22nd Jan 2009 7:31 pm

    56. Dometic is making a lot of enemys with this failure to replace the cooling units. It seems that they have finally drawn the line as in the past they were paying for the replacements even after the warranty period had expired.

    On top of this they have made no effort to relieve the affected people of some of the cost by lowering the cost of replacement cooling units. The problem that I have encountered is people purchasing their own re-manufactured cooling units and paying me to replace them.

    Most of the units I have encountered are NOT a direct replacement. The gas valve brackets are completely different and the gas valve bracket will NOT work. I have had to modify the brackets and shim behind the mount to get the burner centered under the flue.

    This makes me money but I would rather replace the cooling unit with Dometic’s unit and save the customer the labor cost and make them a lot happier with all concerned.

  56. David Force of RV Cooling Unit Warehouse on Sun, 15th Feb 2009 7:43 pm

    57. I would like to let people know that we stock the replacement cooling unit for all the recall models. We have both the remaufactured and the after market brand-new Dometic cooling unit built by the Amish. This brand-new cooling unit that the Amish have built does not need any recall kit as it is completely built by the Amish RV Refrigeration company specs, all new design top to bottom. The brand-new cooling unit are built from scratch. Raw tubing to finished goods. Read about it on our Web Site. We are the only source for the brand-new cooling unit built by the Amish and not built by Dometic. The remanufactured units also are resigned an thety also do not need the recall kit.

  57. susan perez on Mon, 23rd Feb 2009 10:21 pm

    58. My husband lost his rv in March 2008 for the same as everyone else, fire in the back side of the refridgator. Our insurance coverd part of our lost but not enough to replace our camper. My husband works out of town and uses the camper as his home while on business, therefore we had to buy a new rv. After contacting
    Dometic they made us feel like we would be taken care of. Ha what a lie
    I spoke to a gentlemen named Ryan. We tried to contact an attorney to recup our lost, and no one would take our case stateing it was to small. We only wanted to get the amout we paid for our old camper; not to much to ask since Dometic is liable! And to top it all off our camper was paid off and purchased new.
    I hope someone takes on Dometic and we get something out of this. The worst news is the new camper has an Dometic Refridgator also. Lets hope this one doesn’t burn down too!!
    I hope some attorney takes on this case they have recall 9000000 refridgators.

  58. Lois on Mon, 30th Mar 2009 3:10 pm

    59. The dometic 2852 in our 2004 Montana went out this weekend….thank goodness I heard the hissing sound! I found the recall notice on line while trying to find a replacement fridge. In talking to Dometic this morning I realized that it was going to be a vicious circle. I was told that all they could do was put the safety shield on the fridge, I told her that I didn’t know it needed the safety shield as I was not notified of the recall, she stated that not all letters were out yet (2 years later) and I asked her how was I suppose to know to get it fixed then and round and round it went. I don’t have $1400 to replace the fridge but need one as we are full-time rv’ers. I asked to speak to a supervisor and she then told me one would call me back within 24 hours. Needless to say, I noted the time. If there is a lawsuit filed, please let me know!

  59. cdeloach on Sun, 26th Apr 2009 1:19 pm

    60. Last year I purchased a beautiful 2003 Condor with only 12000 miles to live in it full time during my retirement. I was in heaven. This year Dometic products have become my nightmare. My air conditioner has stopped working and I’ve isolated (I hopte) the problem to be in the circuit board. Then while servicing my frig in back I noticed a yellowish rusting along the coils. I researched the problem on line and found a mountain of warnings of the fires, the recall, etc. I turned the gas off at the frig and raised the temp soon. Will service it asap.

    Yesterday I had the horror of witnessing a beautiful rv burning down to its frame along the interstate… I stopped to talk to the elderly couple helplessly watching their life’s savings go up in smoke. He said it started on the side at the refrigerator. Fortunately, they were safe as were their two pets. WE HAVE GOT TO HAVE A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT!!!! Dometic needs to pay and pay big for this.

  60. cdeloach on Sun, 26th Apr 2009 1:21 pm

    61. Please ignore my typos… wrote without my glasses.

  61. Dan Comer on Mon, 27th Apr 2009 3:38 pm

    62. The Dometic people have turned a cold shoulder to RVer’s. This company needs to be put out of business before they kill someone. No ethics or morales coming from Dometic. NHTSA needs to be more aggressive with this problem.

  62. Cindi OKeefe on Fri, 29th May 2009 11:25 am

    63. This is just wrong all the losses people are witnessing including our own, this past Fri. afternoon, my husband and his friend were heading out of town to Woodburn Or. for a race, they only made it two streets down when his friend noticed orange at the back of the camper, he let my husband know, saying I think your on fire! They quickly jumped out to see the flames leaping from the side and top of the camper, called 911, after the fire dept put out the fire(destroyed everything) the investigator arrived and went thru the inside, as well as outside, he told my husband the fire started in the refrigerator, they`re working on the report, now here`s the bad part, our model was less than 3yrs old, and was a model # RM2510 not even on the list, so we were never contacted as to any faults or recalls……… but lost everything some of which were priceless! I am beginning to see that the Dometic Company has a very BIG problem on thier hands, as there are far too many reports of faulty, dangerous units out there, and not willing to do anything about it, probably because they know it, but what if my husband and his friend were asleep, the cabover bunk being right behind the refrigerator and the folddown directly in front!!!! If anyone has since been reimbursed for losses please let me know.

  63. William Johnson on Sat, 30th May 2009 8:08 am

    64. Hello Chris, I have Dometic question for you.
    We bought a 2002 National in January 2006 in 2007 we got the recall on our
    RM 2852 done.
    Our fridge failed May of 2009. I figured well 8 years since production and a home fridge is good for 10 not to bad before the yellow crud appeared. I reolaced with a like unit from CW. My question is I put wireless thermometers in both freezer and fridge. The freezer is doing wonderful but the fridge is just barely staying below 45 degrees with excursions up to 48 degrees. What can I do to improve fridge?
    Fans, change or adjust thermostat?

    Bill Johnson

  64. Lynne on Sat, 30th May 2009 3:37 pm

    65. Hi Chris, well we have an 2004 RV. We received a Dometic recall notice regarding our refrigerator. Last July we had a certified repairman “fix” the problem. Yesterday, I went out to get something out of my trailor and noticed the refigerator was off! After checking the breaker and everything we possibly could, we took it in and the repairman (someone different than the above mentioned) told us the coils leaked and we would have to replace them. I immediately got online to find out info regarding the recall and stumbled onto this sight. Obviously I’m not going to get any help or sympathy from Dometic. The repairman said he could replace the part but I’m wondering if we should put in an entirely different unit such as Norcold. The price difference really isn’t that much considering this will probably happen again or worse yet, catch my RV on fire. What to you think?

  65. Deb S. on Tue, 2nd Jun 2009 11:12 pm

    66. Us too! We never recieved any notice, our fridge quit and leaks all over, it’s finished and we are out $2000.00 to replace it! Our unit is only 4 years old. Dometis told me that this has nothing to do with the recall! It obviously over heated!

  66. Al Cosentino on Tue, 16th Jun 2009 7:39 am

    67. Hi Chris; Here is just one more complaint about the Dometic refridge Fires. just had to replace My 2005 Keystone trailer refridge at the cost of $2300 total. What out and out thievery by Dometic by not standing by their defective product. It is impossible to get through to them by phone or otherwise. I wonder if anyone has their corporate number? Is their any hopes of a class action suit? Their refridge seams to be the only one put into RV’s. Another case of big business sticking it to the consumers. Al cosentino In N.H.

  67. Tom Brockman on Mon, 22nd Jun 2009 10:53 pm

    68. My RV burned to the ground because of the Dometic fridge. We were supposed to be in it but decided to wait until the next day. How do we get a lawsuit going against Dometic?

  68. J Veighey on Tue, 7th Jul 2009 11:58 am

    69. My husband and i bought a 2004 palamino witht he RM2852 model and i started doing a little research… when our fridge crapped out over the 4th weekend. We hurried to buy a little replacement so our 400.00 of food would not go bad.. and low a behold I am having the same problem as so many of the people have stated on this site.. I AM ALL FOR CLASS ACTION! File a complaint with the Attorney Generals office of Indiana, with the Better Business Bureau (which Dometic has a rating of F – shocked by that one) also a local attorney if you havent yet. We defintely need to get a class action if one hasnt been started already. They are on the radar and more needs to be done.

  69. Chris on Tue, 7th Jul 2009 4:15 pm

    70. A couple of comments- while I’m not happy with Dometic at this time, as a business person I do understand their situation. With the economy as it is, a class action lawsuit would simply result in their bankruptcy, with the only people getting anything out of it being the lawyers.
    I really do think they need to come up with a plan to compensate owners of out of warranty units, and if it was up to the guys in Dometic Tech services, they would….. but the accountants have the final say.

    –Chris

  70. Owen on Wed, 15th Jul 2009 7:30 pm

    71. We have a Dometric RM2820. It has now stopped cooling. We went through the maintenance recommendations. What we found was the heating elements have over heated and gave off a yellow dust which has hardened. We read through this and sounds like your comments from November 22, 2007.
    Has anything come about on a fix for this? The refrigerator was purchased 6/10/02, which isn’t that old. What do you recommend?
    Also are any of the newer models having the same problem? We are not sure if we should try to repair or buy new.
    Thank you for your help.

  71. Dan & Bonnie Eudy on Thu, 16th Jul 2009 6:41 pm

    72. My husband and I just bought a used Dutchmen 5th wheel and found on our first trip out that the Dometic Duo Therm air condition condensation drips from the ceiling rather than draining off outside.

    Can you suggest a fix? We looked it over outside and inside, and can’t figure out where it’s coming from or how it”s supposed to get outside the unit to drain off.

    Any help is appreciated.

  72. Bonnie & Roger Payne on Tue, 11th Aug 2009 11:37 am

    73. We just purchased our first travel trailer. It’s a gently used 1999 Forest River – 30 ft Cherokee . We love it. However when I got online to purchase new bulbs for the fridge I noticed mention of the recall . Sure enough our camper has a dometic 2 door refrigerator Model 2652 and the serial number is listed amongst the vast number of units effected . I do not understand how a piece of sheet metal could be considered a fix – when the whole faulty line is left in the unit. This is not going to keep the line from rupture and leaks. They should be made to replace the faulty part ..PERIOD. I am not convinced that our insurance company will even cover the trailer until this is replaced . I guess someone has to die in the fire before Dometic begins to realize human life is important , and there’s no way the sheet metal insert is going to actually assure the persons of their saftey -while sleeping in this unit.

  73. Bonnie & Roger Payne on Tue, 11th Aug 2009 11:49 am

    74. 1-888-446-5157

    1800-544-4881

    good luck –
    I have a dometic refrig involved in this recall too. Im not satisfied with the fix. I think they should replace the part that leaks. PERIOD>

  74. Joe Lost on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 3:25 pm

    75. I feel the pain you all are having. I bought my Rv in 2002 to provide a temporary living space while on offsite work locations. A few days ago I got a call from the RV Park where my unit is parked, and was told my unit has burnt to the ground. I had no clue of the recall, no notices or anything. I can’t check to see the serial numbers to see if my unit was even covered everything was completely melted and/or burned. The fire Capt. Stated this was a standard fire that originated with the refrigerator (Dometic of course). The insurance company is now walking away from the claim after telling us we were 100% covered. It’s a good thing I was not sleeping at the time the trailer burned. Has anyone found a place to file a property loss claim related to this recall?

  75. Tim west on Tue, 24th Nov 2009 11:02 pm

    76. I have a leak in my burner part on my refridgerator,I checked and it falls under the recall.Will they fix the line that is leaking? if not what will they do>

  76. Mark on Wed, 6th Jan 2010 11:22 pm

    77. Dometic people are scum of the earth!!! I have called, filled out papers, and ranted and raved to no avail. My fridge falls in the recall, and has gone out. Same symptoms as everyone else. Dometic offers a fire shield instead of fixing the problem. If anyone knows of a class action lawsuit to force them to fix a major design flaw due to faulty construction/engineering, let me know.
    Sorry @*#%$@%&!!!!!!

  77. Joe on Wed, 17th Feb 2010 6:50 pm

    78. All, Class action suit on the way. I just turned all the information to the machine to get this going. If you go to the NHTSA site you will find they (OEMs and Dometic) did not complete the recall. They only notified registered owners per the e-mails I have. Look at the quarterly reports and look at the dates they completed the notifications then look at the date of the document the filed stating they are having problems with the CA DMV. The dates do not jive. TrailerFires.com will be up shortly to start tracking and collection data.

    http://nhthqnwws111.odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/documentList.do?docId=06E076&docType=RCL&fromPublic=true

    Joe

  78. T. Bailey CFI Ct CMI CGC on Thu, 25th Feb 2010 9:41 am

    79. I am a certified fire investigator that conducts RV fire investigations throughout the USA and abroad. Over the years I have conducted hundreds of RV fire investigations that were directly the result of the refrigerator. Having worked with both Dometic and Norcold I have found that Norcold consistantly steps up to the plate and does the right thing for the injured parties, while Dometic takes a hard position. Some of Dometic’s stuborness may be warranted due to fraudulant claims and coils that were reconditioned by other companies and then reinstalled in the Dometic refrigerator. Our company has conducted joint destructive tesing on Dometic refrigerators with Dometic when we have represented the insurance company and owner, and through SEM tesing there was clear and conviencing evidence ot weld failures.

    What is most distrurbing is that most of the refrigerator fires were not on any recall list. Do not rely totally on what is stated.

    Another area of concern that nobody considers is the real loss and what you may recover. We have represented numerous owners of RVs when the dollar amount of the loss exceeds the dollars paid by the insurance company. What so many owners fail to understand is that an insurance company wlll only pay what they are obligated to pay under the policy and that amount seldom covers all personal items. When this happens you have to have your own investigation. Insurance company investigations are the property of the insurance company.

    Having conducted death case RV fires and examining what could be done to save a life it appears that multiple working smoke detectors may be the best defense. At this time the refrigerator failure issure has not been resolved and the fix is suppost to shut the unit down automaticly befor a fire develops. If we can be of assistance you may contact our office at 407-688-9800 or the web at http://www.rvinvestigations.com

    T. Bailey CFI CT CMI CGC
    Sr. Investigator

  79. glenn spiegler on Mon, 15th Mar 2010 8:02 pm

    80. My 2004 Weekend Warrier just burned to the ground due to this problem. Not insured due to a miscommunication with my insurance co. Have pictures of a black square on the outside behind the frig as it went up.

  80. Joan Miller on Thu, 17th Jun 2010 3:36 am

    81. We were getting our 2006 Laredo ready for the camping season only to find that our fridge isn’t working, it has the yellow powder and amonia smell. Of course after checking with a dealer to find out how much it would be to fix or replace we were told $1800.00. I got on line looking for something less expensive only to find out about the recall. We were never notified. I have read all the documents filed with the NHTSA and I just don’t understand how Dometic can document their knowledge of a fatigue crack that may develop due to an inconsistant weld process and not take care of the problem!! They actually say that all of these units have been used and are no longer in inventory. Of course they aren’t in inventory, they are in our RVs. I just can not believe that they are not being held responsible for replacing the documented problem. Has anyone had any luck getting a replacement part paid for? I contacted Dometic today and the person who you talk to has no clue what is going on, she just keeps reading the same information that is printed on their web site.

  81. Marilyn Rigby on Wed, 4th Aug 2010 10:32 pm

    82. We received a recall notice for our fridge in out 5th wheel. We had the recall, and I am quoting an earlier complaint, BAND-AID put on our unit. We only used the unit for one week in April. We were planning on going to Yellowstone next week and upon checking everything out found the same orange gue running down the back of the freezer part of the fridge along with a terrible oder. We took it in today to the dealership service that did the recall fix-it and he informed us that our fridge is unfixable and there is nothing they can do but replace it. I am really ticked that this outfit can get away with doing a recall that doesn’t work and call it good. We really do need a class action lawsuit against them. The service man said that he has had a number of units with the same problem and the same response from the manufacturer. He agreed that it is not fair but there is nothing he can do.

  82. colleen on Thu, 12th Aug 2010 3:38 pm

    83. Welll I have had my RV (travel trailer) since 2004 and the original owner. I never received the recall notice. I and three children were sleeping in the trailer and I heard a loud noise coming from the refrig. and an odor so I shut it off. A friend looked at it and noticed the yellow gue around the boiler stack, (where apparently the fire startes). We researched Dometic and found the recall. Called them and they said yes there is a recall and to call a repair service and they would fix the refrg. The repair service finally came out and said it is only a safety part and that it would contain the fire not stop it.. From what I was told if I received the notice they would have replaced the refrig at that time (4 years ago) when I still had a warranty, but since I didn’t receive a notice and the warranty is over, sorry about my luck. I guess if I didn’t shut the refrig off at the time and just let it go it would have caused a fire and who knows what would have happened. Would Dometic have done anything then. I think they need to be held accountable for the repairs of the refrig whether the warranty is over or not for anyone that has the model numbers involved. Class Action or something so these people can be accountable.

  83. Joan King on Sat, 18th Sep 2010 3:33 pm

    84. My 4 yearold Dometic refrigerator leaked through a stress crack. The RV Center said the refrigerator would have to be replaced at a cost of $1700 after tax and labor. This is rediculous! I did not receive the recall letter. When I called the company they said the recall was only a safety kit to prevent fires caused by leakage due to stress cracks. So apparently, they knew there would be stress cracks and where they would occur. This is a product defect and the refrigerator should be replaced. If the company wouldn’t do anything maybe a class action suit is necessary.

  84. Harry Warren on Sat, 23rd Oct 2010 1:48 pm

    85. I agree with Joan King’ s comments(Sep. 19,2010) on Dometic refrigerators. There have been far too many problems with the refrigertors leaking ammonia, of which mine is one, for this not to warrant a recall. Dometic.’s failure to issue a recall for this fault and CORRECT it just shows the buyers that product quality and safety is not not their primary concern.

  85. pat stancato on Sun, 21st Nov 2010 2:54 am

    86. Another Rm 2852 dometic fridge, mine died last weekend I had the recall installation kit installed several years ago interesting to hear and see that there are numerous owners with consistent problems and seems little recourse… Glad I got this education that alot of us owners are not too extstatic about the customer service or quality

  86. CRaulerson on Wed, 1st Jun 2011 7:42 pm

    87. What are we wanting for. I think a class act suit should have been in placed long before now. Dometic should be made to repair not patch the problem with a piece of metal. Also any or all refrigerators that this problem has effected the cooling unit it self. How get the safty board allow this quick fit.. It is a scary thought when I lie down to sleep….. Some one please let mw know how we can get on board with the class action.

  87. Roger on Fri, 10th Jun 2011 1:24 pm

    88. Breaking RV Industry News
    FIRE HAZARD HELP US SAVE A LIFE
    Authors to write book on RV refrigerator recalls
    Greg Gerber posted on June 01, 2011 11:58
    BENTON, Ky. — Authors Roger D and OnnaLee Ford, owners of Ford RV Refrigeration Training Center in Benton, Ky., today announced they are writing their third book on RV refrigerators.

    This latest book will be titled “RV Refrigerator Recalls,” up in smoke and will be released in late 2011.

    “If you want your RV refrigerator fire or recall adventure to be included in this new book, go to http://www.rvrefrigeration.com and click on recalls. This is your chance for your story to be heard,” said Roger Ford.

    SOURCE: Ford RV Refrigeration Training Center press release Posted in: RV Industry

    FMCA-May- http://rvdailyreport.com/news/id/12740/ford-rv-refrigeration-featured-in-fmca-article

  88. Shelley on Tue, 14th Jun 2011 4:25 am

    89. Well, I submitted our story for Ford RV. We had no clue our refrigerator was on recall or the part or whatever the heck is wrong with it. At 1 a.m. our hero dogs woke us, looked like a fire outside, my husband opened the door in our Tahoe fifth wheel and the whole thing was already on fire, engulfed. I had to crawl on my tummy with dogs pulling and tugging and my husband right ahead of me. I couldnt see as the smoke was so thick. I thought I was trapped. We all got out thank God. Everything we owned is gone. Red Cross helped us as we had no shoes no nothing. Needless to say, fire forensics experts came out and determined in deed it was the refrigerator. The Thursday before the fire we had shut it off as it wasnt working and we smelled ammonia. We are not hooked up to propane. The gases and the refrigerant combined ignited and went up rather than blow the whole place to pieces. Honest to God, I am furious that some stupid piece of metal is their answer to a harmful, deadly fire hazard. Thats ridiculous to think when a product is defective that a bandaid is going to work, and after that, replace the bandaid again. I dont care about money or lawsuits, I care that people are going to get killed in this situation (I do not know that statistics across the country about others). I just dont want anyone to have to go through this. Shame on this company with all its money, to not go above and beyond and replace all the units period. Lives are at stake for crying out loud. That should be of the utmost importance. Please continue to pass the word to everyone you know with an RV. And by the way, we bought a new travel trailer and had the ratty Norcold refrigerator replaced with a Westinghouse.

  89. Roger Ford on Thu, 16th Jun 2011 9:16 am

    90. TELL US YOUR STORY
    Authors Roger D and OnnaLee Ford, owners of Ford RV Refrigeration Training Center, are writing their third book on RV refrigerators to educate RV owners.
    This latest book will be titled “RV Refrigerator Recalls – Up In Smoke” and will be released in 2011.

    “If you want your RV refrigerator fire or recall adventure to be included in this new book, go to http://www.rvrefrigeration.com and click on recalls. This is your chance for your story to be heard.

    Thank You!

  90. Roger Ford on Wed, 13th Jul 2011 10:31 pm

    91. Good News For The RV Owner
    With over 30 years experience in refrigeration, Ford RV Refrigeration Training Center, in Benton KY, has been ask to test a NEW BRAND of RV refrigerator. Testing should start in late summer 2011.

    We will be testing this refrigerator with the RV owner, in mind. Our tests will answer the following:

    How cold will it get?
    How well does it maintain temperature?
    Is it user friendly?
    Does it have durable construction?
    Will it BE SAFE?
    We will test this refrigerator in every way it can
    be tested at our training facility!
    More good news – this new brand of refrigerator is made by a company you already know and trust for dependability and safety.

    We hope to report that this refrigerator is the BEST operating and the SAFEST refrigerator available.

    In June we had over 15,000 hits on our web site. Thank you for your support! We are here for one reason
    TO HELP YOU!

    Spread the good news about the testing of this new refrigerator to all your RV friends and check our website often for updated reports.

    For more info go to http://www.rvrefrigeration.com and click on recall.

  91. Pam on Sat, 24th Sep 2011 8:40 pm

    92. I have a 2007 dometic rm2351. Not recalled. But no secondary housing or plate in place. I’m new to this. But forced to deal with this. My work and play burned to the ground yesterday. The area around back of fridge is burnt out flames up the wall and burnt out ceiling. I’m going to find an expert on Monday. I lost everything inside. I was on the way out of town Anyone else have a fridge without the corrective shield or secondary housing. But not recalled?

  92. garret lebois on Sat, 18th Feb 2012 7:34 pm

    93. I had & used a single Coleman Portapotty from 1990 to 2010. 50 bucks from Sears in Hialeah, FL— a great unit; it never failed me. I figured it was time for all new equipment so retired it. I bought a new ‘Dometic’ brand portapotty at a Texas Sporting Goods store for $79 + tax. Bigger. The new plastic stunk so bad I couldn’t sleep in my camper once I hit the road & I had to triple garbage bag it in the box & all. I began using it when I got to CA. Derned thing wouldn’t hold fresh water but would slowly fill the potty from the holding tank & if I didn’t stay ahead of it, it would completely drain into the potty. There was no vent, so pressure would build up & splash back when opening to flush (There were some awful times I forgot to vent it before dumping it!) I’m only 170 pounds but it smells if I ever sit on it like a seat. Today, after a busy night camping I noticed it was leaking from the drain. Despite tightening it up it still leaked! I also notice that on cleaning the seal & tightening the closer, that if you tighten it too much —it slips back a thread. OMG! One of those lousy thread jobs where the whole thing could leak out on your beautiful custom van carpet & which way could you tilt it? Disasterous! I long for my Old Faithful Coleman I left clean & empty at my son’s place. But how in the World despite emptying the thing could you ever return it to the Manufacturer. And I’ve suffered with it for a year, so I’m sure it’s out of warrantee. When manufacturers send their stuff overseas to make the product cheaper —it usually results in ‘making their product CHEAPER!’ There needs to be strict oversight & attention to specs. I’ve been short-sheeted manufacturing T-Shirts abroad & although I sympathize, why not limit offshore manufacturing to open countries where you can send a ‘chaser’ into the plant to see if they are following the order & not substituting cheaper parts? Does anybody want this port-a-potty?

  93. garret lebois on Sat, 18th Feb 2012 7:57 pm

    94. …PS: And as for dumb design —Why is the handle right next to the stump of a dump spout instead of on the opposite side? What were they thinking? That means you are guaranteed to get spash-back while emptying! I guess that’s at least one guarantee Dometic offers. I included this is the fridge recalls because this came up in the Search & I think if it is a company-wide/manufacturing problem it shows up in more than one product & the company will soon be dumped. Unfortunate since so many of their products were included in the RV’s I’ve owned over the years.

  94. Chris on Sat, 18th Feb 2012 8:37 pm

    95. Hi Garret- There are Dometic products, then there are Dometic products. Dometic has a long history of buying other companies- DuoTherm is the first I remember- when they were bought by Dometic, they built both air conditioners and furnaces for RVs and mobile homes. A&E awnings were the next, and Sealand sanitation, who makes the porta potti you have. In all fairness took Dometic, Sealand is the most independent off the major Dometic brands.

    — Chris

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