RMD 8555 Refrigerator Audible Alarm

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by C&G in FL

He says when he turns on the Maxfan, even for a short time and with windows open, the fan is apparently sucking air through the refrigerator because the temperature will go up into the 50s.

I have to wonder if there isn't something else going on here, as the air will follow the path of least resistance, that being an open window. Though, Alf did mention a door leak, or something like that.

[rbryan4]

Yeah, I don't see how the MaxxFan would have any effect on fridge temps. If the fridge door is sealed, it's sealed. Perhaps if the fridge was installed with gaps that allow the air behind the fridge to be drawn into the cabin when the fan is on? But how would that affect the fridge temp? Are we still talking about the 2 door?

[C&G in FL]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

I have to wonder if there isn't something else going on here, as the air will follow the path of least resistance, that being an open window. Though, Alf did mention a door leak, or something like that.

Yea Jim, but Alf's door leak was on the single door model. I know this individual had an appointment with a Dometic certified service facility. He should be getting back to me once he has the appointment. I dies seem strange.

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

I have to wonder if there isn't something else going on here, as the air will follow the path of least resistance, that being an open window. Though, Alf did mention a door leak, or something like that.

Hi: Jim Bennett... I'm sure there's some relation to using the MaxxFan and rising fridge temps. As long as we don't run the fan and there's some breeze blowing outside the RML8555 is good. I did add a panel of furnace filter material to the outside vent door to stop the propane blow outs, So far so good!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[padlin]

Just ran into this. Long winded but the gist is an open condensation tube can raise the fridge temp by up to 9 degrees. They state you need to create an air lock, like a P trap, to keep the outside air from entering the fridge. I know we have the little bucket on the 6.7, might try putting some water in it next time I'm traveling to see if it stops the temp from rising.

Carl, might be worth passing along to your friend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2olgFfBEAuo

[C&G in FL]

Originally Posted by padlin

Carl, might be worth passing along to your friend.

Thank's Bob. He is a forum member, and actually picked up his 5.0TA the same day I did. I just didn't feel it was my place to mention him by name. But when he lets me know how his Dometic "service" appointment turns out, I will mention this to him.

[Ian G]

Our door open alarm went off on our second trip in early June, I called ETI and went through the "hard boot" protocal, but the alarm continued. I found this thread and spoke to ETI again and disconnected the light switch/sensor, the alarm continued to sound. ETI indicated to take the unit in to a service center for repairs. Since we were out camping we endured the alarm that continued for 3 days (we had to turn off the fridge at night to get some sleep). On day 3 I was playing with the fridge and turned on the exterior heater, within an hour the alarm stopped and has not come on again.

I am wondering if this is a problem with moisture on the circuit board?

[ksitte]

Originally Posted by Ian G

On day 3 I was playing with the fridge and turned on the exterior heater, within an hour the alarm stopped and has not come on again.

So how did you turn on the exterior heater?

[cpaharley2008]

There are completely new instructions and they reference the frame heater to eliminate condensation around the doors, if it exists. I'll have to get mine and repost.

[Ian G]

Originally Posted by ksitte

So how did you turn on the exterior heater?

By the control panel. Not sure this is a fix for this issue but it worked for us.

[cpaharley2008]

I just added my 'J" trap to my condensate drain today, but now have to remember to winterize it.

[Jim Bennett]

With a flexible line, you likely wouldn't have to worry at all, Jim. Though, easy to do.

[cpaharley2008]

I may just uncoil for winter and then recoil next spring.

[paull5]

Robert,
I just had this same problem and Dometic solution was to take it to an AUTHORIZED service center and wait for the parts and installation.
Really glad the Forum and you all are out there to help. This was such a small issue to interrupt a trip for.

All the best,
Barry (paull5)
Feb. 13, 2018

[rbryan4]

You're welcome Barry. Although it's not documented on this thread, the cause of the beep was condensation inside the fridge light cover interfering with the wire that plugs in the light. It shorts it somehow and so then the fridge light doesn't send the signal that the door is shut, and the alarm sounds. The "permanent" fix is to add a dab of sealant to the plug under the light cover, so condensation can't affect it.

We didn't figure this out until a year after the first problem. It started beeping again with the new light assembly that Reace had replaced a year before. I knew enough to pull the wire from the light so it would silence, but it was very puzzling that it had now happened again. I sat and thought for awhile about when and where it happened the first time. We were in Oregon and it was very damp with lots of rain and high humidity. This time, a year later, we were on the Texas gulf coast where it was also very damp and rainy. I started examining the light assembly with a penlight and found the little drops of water all around the plug area. I dried all the water, plugged in the light and voila - no alarm. So as it turns out, the first light wasn't faulty at all. The common denominator was condensation under the light cover, and this only happened in extremely damp conditions. When it's very damp/humid, and the fridge is of course cold, the heat from the tiny LED light is enough to cause condensation under the cover, even though the light is only on when you open the door.

[Eggscape]

Thanks...great info. I hope you past this onto Reace.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

Thanks...great info. I hope you past this onto Reace.

We did pass it on. It's kind of a moot point now with the 2nd Generation trailers and the Americana fridges however, because their fridge light is a different design, and I haven't heard of a similar problem. This seemed to be unique to the RMD or RML 8 series.

[C&G in FL]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

Although it's not documented on this thread, the cause of the beep was condensation inside the fridge light cover interfering with the wire that plugs in the light. It shorts it somehow and so then the fridge light doesn't send the signal that the door is shut, and the alarm sounds.

A bit off topic but somewhat related, on more than one occasion after extended operation with infrequent opening, I have been unable to operate the latching mechanism on the RMD 8555’s freezer door. Directing heat on the outside of the door where the actuating mechanism has resulted in a couple of tiny drips emerging around the latch button (that which is depressed to open the door). The latching mechanism will then operate freely. I attribute that to the freezing of a small amount of condensation which “gums up” the internals and essentially freezes them in place.

Disclaimer: For the those who would presume to know the intent of my statements, I am not being “judgemental.” I am merely stating MY OPINION based upon MY experiences, which is what I typically do when posting responses to others. I do not assume that which is applicable to me applies to everyone else.

[paull5]

Thanks for the additional information. It did fix the problem

paull5

[BCnomad]

Thank you for the follow up Robert. Mine is just starting to do it.


Morgan