I just installed, and then corrected the install of a Dometic 2351 2-way
refrigerator. My old original Instamatic had quit working on 12 volt, and the I had
propane leaks in the back at the
propane control box. I didn't try very hard, but the leak appeared to be unrepairable (not a thread leak), so I just replaced it.
I purchased a Dometic 2351 and just finished installing it last week. It was slightly smaller (3/4 inch on all sides) that the instamatic, and not as deep. The installation manual that came with the new
fridge called for minimum clearances on all sides of 0 inches, and a maximum clearance of 1" at the back, between the coils and the trailer outside wall. I reduced side and top bottom clearances to about 1/8" by installing baffles from 1x2 frame and leftover paneling. I added a baffle of the same material at the back, reducing the clearance at the back to about 1/2 inch.
The
fridge started up and ran beautifully, and kept temperature well, even though that is not adjustable in this model.
BUT, the
furnace vent was quite warm, the inside trailer wall next the
refrigerator propane chimney was very warm, and there was the distinct smell of wood heating! I shut it all down, and went to the trusty web. I found an installation manual for the 2351 only (the one that I had was a multi-model manual with tables to direct you to your specific model). It specified the same clearances as my manual,
EXCEPT the rear clearance, coils to trailer outside wall. The new manual specified a minimum clearance of 1 inch from any combustible material, with no maximum clearance!
Once I made the appropriate change, everything ran well, including this past weekend out.
If you are installing this
fridge, check the web for the updated installation manual.
Vic