Dometic refridgerator help

[McClure]

Well folks I am the proud new owner of a 2003 Scamp 19' and just got
> it home yesterday. This is the very first travel trailer I have ever
> owned and I have alot to learn. I am playing with it right now trying
> to figure everthing out and I can not get the RM model Dometic
> refridgerator to work. I have the manual and I have followed the
> instructions and it just wont come on. Unfortunately my gas tanks are
> empty and I cant get them filled today, I can only try and use the
> refridgerator from 120AC. In the little cabinet just right and at the
> lower end of the refridgerator I do find a 120AC outlet and there is a
> power cord plugged into it and it seems to be the refridgerator. I
> have tripped and reset all of my breakers, turned the knob A to ELEC
> and turned knob B a quarter of a turn.
>
> Can anyone give me a clue please!
>
> Thanks in advance.

[Donna D.]

Is the refer getting power...have you checked the plug where the refer is plugged in...easiest way for me to check that sort of thing is to plug a light into the plug and see if it comes on. Next check the fuses and/or circuit breaker....

[McClure]

Yes I have power, the trailer is level and it has been on all day.

[Mary F]

And, you are SURE you turned knob A to ELEC?

The reason I ask is, well, you know, some of us have been known to try it with the knob still on OFF. Don't ask for names...

And yes, it happens even though you are staring at the thing... I don't know why but sometimes the brain processes "OFF" as "ELEC."

* * *

Do you smell anything funny? (Is the fridge leaking ammonia?)

[Mary F]

I take it the manual says to turn Knob B a quarter turn. Maybe it needs more...

Also, these puppies take much longer to cool down than it seems it should. Put an ice tray (with water in it) in the freezer compartment and see if the water will start to freeze... Expect it to take awhile, perhaps overnight.

Ammonia adsorption fridges don't work the same way as those in our homes with compressors.

For what that's worth.

[McClure]

Thanks so much for you help, but I found the problem. I realized that the power outlet that I ran from my house to the trailer wasnt grounded. I provided power to the trailer from a grounded outlet and the refridge is working now.

Now that that has been discoverd it brings me to another question. If I run this trailer from a Honda generator will it work then? Do generators provide a ground?

And, you are SURE you turned knob A to ELEC?

The reason I ask is, well, you know, some of us have been known to try it with the knob still on OFF. Don't ask for names...

And yes, it happens even though you are staring at the thing... I don't know why but sometimes the brain processes "OFF" as "ELEC."

* * *

Do you smell anything funny? (Is the fridge leaking ammonia?)

[Frederick L. Simson]

This is the very first travel trailer I have ever owned and I have alot to learn.

I can not get the RM model Dometic refridgerator to work. I have the manual and I have followed the instructions and it just wont come on.

Unfortunately my gas tanks are empty and I cant get them filled today, I can only try and use the refridgerator from 120AC.

I have tripped and reset all of my breakers, turned the knob A to ELEC and turned knob B a quarter of a turn.

Can anyone give me a clue please!

I don't have the same make of refridgerator as you, but what kind of feedback are you expecting to know if it were on? Gas/Electric RV refridgerators do NOT have compressors, and run Silently. My refridgerator does not even have an electric indicator lamp! When operating mine on electric, I have to close it up with a thermometer inside, and check on it [b]at least 8 hours later. Cooling down a hot 'fridge is not an instantaneous thing, and the process is s-l-o-w-e-r on electricity than it is on Gas.

[Kurt & Ann K.]

BL,
Generators are equipped with a ground post. You should run at least a #12 wire from the ground post preferably to the location on the frame of your Scamp where the other ground wires are attached.
Kurt & Ann K.

[Benny K]

Usually you`ll get an inkling as to whether the fridge is working or not by putting your hand onto the freezer compartment interior walls after the fridge has been in operation for anywhere from 1/2-1 hour.....feel it when you start it and check it later......you`ll know....Benny