Dometic RM2510 cooling issue (on electric only)

[ksb]

This refrigerator works great on propane; we run on propane while traveling. However, when we connect to electric at a campsite, the refrigerator can't maintain the lower temp so the temp rises and then doesn't get much below 55 degrees. We eventually have to switch back to propane to maintain a lower temp. site is level, all checks indicate everything is fine.

Does it take an extended period of time for the refrigerator to work properly on electric even after it has been cooled properly for hours on propane?

[tractors1]

There is a separate electric heating element used when not on propane. You may need a new one.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by tractors1

There is a separate electric heating element used when not on propane. You may need a new one.

I agree. The electric element is not as efficient as the propane at producing heat, but if the performance difference is that dramatic, the element probably needs to be replaced.

[Mary F]

What Charlie and Robert said.

[Vermilye]

While it would be nice if it is a bad heating element because it is easy to replace, another possibility is the thermostat. Replacing the thermostat requires pulling the refrigerator & an $85.00 part (plus two hours of labor). I've had mine fail twice, once so that the electric element was always on no matter where you set the dial, and once so it was always off, no matter where you set the dial. Both times the refrigerator worked fine on gas...

[ksb]

this is so weird....after returning home from camping, we plugged in the electric and it works! Put a meter on it, and it reads as it should when turning the selector....go figure..

thanks for your comments, we will check into replacing the element if this problem continues....

Originally Posted by rbryan4

I agree. The electric element is not as efficient as the propane at producing heat, but if the performance difference is that dramatic, the element probably needs to be replaced.

[ksb]

will keep that in mind as another solution....thanks.

Originally Posted by Vermilye

While it would be nice if it is a bad heating element because it is easy to replace, another possibility is the thermostat. Replacing the thermostat requires pulling the refrigerator & an $85.00 part (plus two hours of labor). I've had mine fail twice, once so that the electric element was always on no matter where you set the dial, and once so it was always off, no matter where you set the dial. Both times the refrigerator worked fine on gas...

[Vermilye]

Originally Posted by ksb

this is so weird....after returning home from camping, we plugged in the electric and it works! Put a meter on it, and it reads as it should when turning the selector....go figure..

thanks for your comments, we will check into replacing the element if this problem continues....

I hate to point this out, but that is the way my second replacement thermostat started failing. There is a small lever that the diaphragm in the thermostat uses to push against the electrical contacts. Mine failed by sticking when the contacts opened after the refrigerator reached the set temperature. After that it would not close the contacts no matter what the diaphragm did. You have to destroy the thermostat to discover the problem, but I kept the old one to see why it failed.

[Fox hunt]

My fridge doesn't start when I turn it on no lights dead. Then later the light comes on but still won't start then later hour or so it starts and works fine. It's like it has to charge up but the trailer is plugged in and has been for weeks all other elect things working fine.

[tractors1]

Originally Posted by Fox hunt

My fridge doesn't start when I turn it on no lights dead. Then later the light comes on but still won't start then later hour or so it starts and works fine. It's like it has to charge up but the trailer is plugged in and has been for weeks all other elect things working fine.

Have you checked that all electrical connections are tight - they can loosed up from vibration. Otherwise I'd suspect the control board.

[Fox hunt]

It lit up tonight pretty sure by tomorrow it will be on -odd

[cpaharley2008]

Gremlins.......

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by tractors1

Have you checked that all electrical connections are tight - they can loosed up from vibration. Otherwise I'd suspect the control board.

Probably. If the control board doesn't sense sufficient voltage, the fridge won't power up.