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Topic: Dometic Fridge Problem Model RM 3662 2003 MB (Read 2 times) previous topic - next topic
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Dometic Fridge Problem Model RM 3662 2003 MB
Yahoo Message Number: 119520
Any ideas as to why this refrigerator burner shuts off at high altitude.  The last 2 years it has done this at Yellowstone, which is about 8000'.  Now it is doing the same at 6000' on recent ski trip.  It always happens during a cold night.  Once I get to lower elevation it works fine.  I cleaned the burner tube and soaked the jet several times thinking that was the problem.  All other appliances work fine at that altitude so I assume gas pressure ok.  Could that solenoid valve be causing the problem?  Not sure how that works.
Joe Hamm-San Jose
Re: Dometic Fridge Problem Model RM 3662 2003 MB
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 119526
Joe,
 I have had no trouble with our Dometic at 6000'. I read that the problem with propane fridges at altitude is that there is not enough air
Lydia.
Current: 2020 JLUR w 15’ Squaredrop
Former: 2006 30IB Anniversary Edition
Re: Dometic Fridge Problem Model RM 3662 2003 MB
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 119527
Joe, I have experienced the same problem.  Mike Sylvester, The RV Guy has tuned and cleaned our unit, changed the thermocouple and the ECU.  Mike has had several conversations with Dometic with no suggestions for a cure.  Personally, I think the system is staving for oxygen, but that doesn't explain why the problem always occurs at night when the temperature drops. Dometic has stated that temperature is not the problem.
 Discussions on other forums have indicated that high altitude outages are not abnormal.
 Being unable to refire the unit from the control panel in the AM, I have resorted to lighting the pilot manually.

Malcolm Blue02MB Hill Country, TX Altitude: 980 Ft.
2002 Mid Bath
Re: Dometic Fridge Problem Model RM 3662 2003 MB
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 119529
Quote
Any ideas as to why this refrigerator burner shuts off at high altitude.
Joe,
 This is just a hunch but it might be the propane mixture you are using.  I understand that some propane sold in warm climates contains a higher percentage of butane which will not flow at low temperatures. I have heard stories of people filling their propane tanks in southern Arizona and traveling to the Rockies in winter where even the furnace would not work due to the mixture.  I assume your furnace was working since you did not mention it but it may have had a lower flame.  If you happen to get up in the middle of the night when it is pretty cold, you might light the stove to see if the flame is substantially diminished.

Monti

Monument, CO
Re: Dometic Fridge Problem Model RM 3662 2003 MB
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 119530
"some propane sold in warm climates contains a higher percentage of butane which will not flow at low temperatures. I have heard stories of people filling their propane tanks in southern Arizona and traveling to the Rockies in winter where even the furnace would not work due to the mixture."
 Good point, Monti! Once you've used up most of the propane you have now, a refill at a local place may improve the situation. If not, you can probably put it down to lack of oxygen at high altitude. Your water heater has a sliding adjustment for this, but as I recall, the fridge doesn't. (Just a reminder--your generator also has an altitude adjustment.)

Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"