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Old 07-10-2018, 10:23 AM   #1
Art
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Thermistor issues

I have a problem running my fridge - DM2663 - on DC. The freezer works fine but the fridge part doesn't cool down. I have been told the thermistor is the likely problem. I first found it hanging loose and reattached it to the fin. It worked fine after that but stopped cooling again. I don't like to run on propane driving down the road (too many horror stories) and you have to stop and turn it off before buying gas, etc. Has anyone replace their thermistor? I want to put one on that doesn't have to be attached to a fin, on the far right or third from the end, etc. It's still under warranty buy they would replace it with what's there and I want something that works better. Any ideas?
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Old 07-10-2018, 10:38 AM   #2
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I have a problem running my fridge - DM2663 - on DC. The freezer works fine but the fridge part doesn't cool down. I have been told the thermistor is the likely problem. I first found it hanging loose and reattached it to the fin. It worked fine after that but stopped cooling again. I don't like to run on propane driving down the road (too many horror stories) and you have to stop and turn it off before buying gas, etc. Has anyone replace their thermistor? I want to put one on that doesn't have to be attached to a fin, on the far right or third from the end, etc. It's still under warranty buy they would replace it with what's there and I want something that works better. Any ideas?
Hi: Art... IMHO the thermistor shouldn't be attached near the fins. Close but no cigar!!! That's sensing at the coldest part of the fridge and causing the cooling unit to shut down or go to defrost cycle. Mine is just below the drip tray and I replaced the screw back in the fins... sans the thermistor and bracket. Even there a cold can of beer under it will cause the fridge to warm up!!!Alf
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Old 07-10-2018, 10:41 AM   #3
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and operation on propane will get the unit colder than on 12v, so your decision.
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Old 07-10-2018, 11:28 AM   #4
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Thermistor issues

Mine is also not attached to the fins, the fridge works much better with it just hanging beside them. I’ve only ever tried mine on 12 volt once and it was pretty dismal. We’ve been travelling with our fridges running on propane now for more then 30 years with no problems.

As for the thermistor you might want to look at one of these.
https://www.snip-the-tip.com/cgi-bin/articca.cgi
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Old 07-10-2018, 11:34 AM   #5
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There are so many variables running your refrigerator on DC that it is near impossible to trouble shoot. The general conclusion is that it does not work without significant modification to the tow vehicle and the Escape wiring. Oh! a very few vehicles come from the factory able to cool on DC while driving but you will be hard pressed to find them.

If the refrigerator cools properly when connected to shore power, it appears from your post that it cools when using propane, then the issue is the inability of tow vehicle/batteries to deliver enough power to keep it cold. You do not mention what batteries you have, another of those variables I mention above.

My experience says a refrigerator on 12 volt will never cool down, it will only maintain an existing temperature. As delivered, the ability to cool a refrigerator is best with gas (propane), next comes shore power and finally 12 volt.
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Old 07-10-2018, 12:53 PM   #6
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I pulled the thermistor from the fins last year before heading to GA in August, my RMD8555 works much better this way.

I tried 12v for a couple days one trip then gave up and went back to propane, both for the amount of power it sucked from the batteries and it's cooling inability.

I'm another propane whilst traveling, the only time I've shut it off is for tunnels. But there are many who do shut it off, your choice.
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Old 07-10-2018, 01:09 PM   #7
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I'm curious where you've heard these "too many horror stories".
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Old 07-10-2018, 01:13 PM   #8
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Mine is also not attached to the fins, the fridge works much better with it just hanging beside them.

This I don't get. What is the difference between moving the thermistor and turning the knob one notch higher?
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Old 07-10-2018, 01:30 PM   #9
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This I don't get. What is the difference between moving the thermistor and turning the knob one notch higher?


Hi Glenn

I think removing the thermistor makes the unit think that it’s not as cold since it’s not touching a cooling fin and therefore it tries to cool more, think of it as turning the adjustment knob (that only goes up to 5) to 6.
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Old 07-10-2018, 01:54 PM   #10
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I'll have to look. Should anyway since I turned it to electric a couple days ago and forgot.
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Old 07-10-2018, 01:58 PM   #11
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I'll have to look. Should anyway since I turned it to electric a couple days ago and forgot.


Always good to keep your beer stash cold [emoji6]
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Old 07-10-2018, 02:38 PM   #12
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There are so many variables running your refrigerator on DC that it is near impossible to trouble shoot. The general conclusion is that it does not work without significant modification to the tow vehicle and the Escape wiring. Oh! a very few vehicles come from the factory able to cool on DC while driving but you will be hard pressed to find them.
I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee 2014 with the trailer tow package, and I have solar on my Escape 19, all stock, and we always use 12v while we are traveling. We arrive with the refrigerator cool and the batteries charged so it can be, and is being, done. Even when traveling n cloudy days, this combo produces enough power to keep the fridge cool and batteries charged.
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Old 07-10-2018, 03:08 PM   #13
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i travel with propane on. My friends travel with battery they arrive with low battery but they recharge with a gen and they use frozen packs to maintain temp.
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Old 07-10-2018, 05:38 PM   #14
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Always good to keep your beer stash cold [emoji6]

My RM2510 control goes 2,3,4,5,6,7 MAX. I normally have it on 4 or 5.
Right now it's at 32.5 F with three bottles of beer and two cans of ale.
Will get tested next week when temps hit 90F.
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Old 07-10-2018, 06:01 PM   #15
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My RM2510 control goes 2,3,4,5,6,7 MAX. I normally have it on 4 or 5.
Right now it's at 32.5 F with three bottles of beer and two cans of ale.
Will get tested next week when temps hit 90F.
Hi: gbaglo... Lends another meaning to keeping your beer on ice. Alf
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Old 07-12-2018, 03:36 PM   #16
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I have a Ford F150 with tow package and have always towed my trailer with the fridge on DC and never had a problem until now. I have solar so my batteries charge while traveling. I think the thermistor may be the problem. Dometic says the thermistor should be attached to a fin to work properly. I think there are better thermistors on the market. Any ideas? I don't like using propane, you legally must stop and turn it off before getting gas or going thru a tunnel.
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Old 07-12-2018, 05:21 PM   #17
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My RM2510 control goes 2,3,4,5,6,7 MAX. I normally have it on 4 or 5. Right now it's at 32.5 F with three bottles of beer and two cans of ale.
Will get tested next week when temps hit 90F.
Please let us know how it goes with the high temps. Even with my modifications I’m struggling to get better than a 40F differential (inside fridge temp to outdoor temp) right now with our RM2510. Aiming for 50-60F differential. Freezer is great.
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Old 07-26-2018, 06:15 PM   #18
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Please let us know how it goes with the high temps. Even with my modifications I’m struggling to get better than a 40F differential (inside fridge temp to outdoor temp) right now with our RM2510. Aiming for 50-60F differential. Freezer is great.

Finally hot enough to report.
The RM2510 is on propane and set at '5'. Nothing in the fridge.
Interior of trailer is 87.4 F and interior of fridge is 37.9 F.
Fridge side of trailer is in shade.
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Old 07-26-2018, 06:58 PM   #19
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Finally hot enough to report.
The RM2510 is on propane and set at '5'. Nothing in the fridge.
Interior of trailer is 87.4 F and interior of fridge is 37.9 F.
Fridge side of trailer is in shade.
Thanks for the update. With the new regulator and propane pressure dialed in right at the test port our fridge has been amazing. Today the fridge was down around 30 degrees on a setting of “1” with outside temps approaching 90F and fridge side of trailer in full sun. That’s a 60F differential. I didn’t have my exterior condenser fans on either. I had to put the thermister back onto the evap fins as it was turning into a freezer. Now seems to be settling around 40F on setting “4”. Running my new inside fan for better circulation in the fridge cabinet. Yes!!!!
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Old 07-26-2018, 07:12 PM   #20
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Wow, this could be a huge breakthrough.....
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