Dometic refrigerator fire June 28, 2025, 03:50:19 pm The fridge on our 2006 31-foot mid-bath caught fire just as my wife was exiting the door, so she put it out right away with the fire extinguisher WE ALL CARRY THERE, RIGHT? I'm not sure what part of it broke enough to leak, but it's definitely coolant that burned. No other damage there apparently, due to wife's quick action.So now I have to know what I need to do to repair this sucker. I presume the best approach is to find a Dometic repair center and let them handle it...but this was normal operation, so will the fix prevent this? I know the rig is twenty years old, so maybe they just don't last that long, and a new [coolant line/condenser/whatever part that broke] replacement is the only fix short of a new fridge. This fridge had the recall implemented, for whatever that is worth.Has anyone had a similar experience and what did you do about it? 2 Likes
Re: Dometic refrigerator fire Reply #1 – June 28, 2025, 05:34:25 pm VERY glad you're okay and caught it right as it happened. Fridge fires happen because the refrigerant leaks out, then when the propane burner fires it ignites the refrigerant.All the recall does is extend the burner shield. It doesn't stop this sort of fire.I personally wouldn't use Dometic; I'd get a new cooling unit from JC Refrigeration Home - JC RefrigerationThis is assuming it can be repaired. Be sure that fridge is completely disconnected from power and consider shutting off the LP tank as well until it's repaired/replaced. 6 Likes
Re: Dometic refrigerator fire Reply #2 – June 28, 2025, 06:39:04 pm if you stay with an absorption frig, consider having the repair person add a fire prevention device such as the ARP. Here's a link:ARPjor 7 Likes
Re: Dometic refrigerator fire Reply #3 – June 28, 2025, 08:03:46 pm Dometic has a recall for fire risk that might have included your 2006 unit, as you note. I see you had the recall done. Details here for anyone else who might have the issue: Refrigerator Recall | Dometic USAI also had the recall done on my 2003 and assumed it fixed the issue. If you ever find out what happened in your case, please let us know. I'd prefer not to have a fridge fire. Rich 1 Likes
Re: Dometic refrigerator fire Reply #4 – June 28, 2025, 11:38:33 pm With a twenty-year-old refrigerator, it may be money better spent on a new one. There are other parts that wear out with age. If the interior plastic is in good shape,a rebuilt cooling unit can be used but will not be a huge savings unless it's a DIY project. RV shop hours rates are very high.As JOR suggested, an ARP will help keep a new or rebuilt unit running at full capacity longer. If buying, get the kit with the three fans, two inside and a large one on the back of the cooling unit. They help keep the interior temps more constant.Larry 4 Likes
Re: Dometic refrigerator fire Reply #5 – June 29, 2025, 08:49:16 pm I replaced the cooling unit on a Dometic RM2663 with a JC Refrigeration cooling unit. It functions better than the original and have had no trouble with it in five years or so. I also purchased a 12 volt compressor cooling unit from them. I have chosen not to install it but will keep it for the future.A direct replacement is not available from Dometic. A member here went through the same issue 2-3 years ago. I think she replaced it with a Norcold.Should you choose JC Refrigeration you can drive to them and they will do the cooling unit replacement. The charge used to be $150. It is a big PIA to do it yourself and requires two people, some ingenuity to remove the fridge, place it on the couch, replace the cooling unit and reinstall.It all depends if any of your plastic parts are melted. If not, I would drive to Indiana.Just an opinion. I did the work myself.
Re: Dometic refrigerator fire Reply #6 – June 29, 2025, 08:58:41 pm It is possible an ARP unit would not have helped you. It will help with an overheating unit but a leak of the hydrogen gas that ignites would not have been detected till it was already burning. 1 Likes
Re: Dometic refrigerator fire Reply #7 – June 29, 2025, 10:09:57 pm Good point. If it were me, I'd replace that fridge. Twenty years is old for an absorption fridge.
Re: Dometic refrigerator fire Reply #8 – June 29, 2025, 10:46:35 pm DEBINVENICE is the last member that solved this problem.
Re: Dometic refrigerator fire Reply #9 – June 30, 2025, 03:20:22 am Debbie (in Venice, now Texas); had poor timing, trying to replace her refrigerator during the RV 'boom'. Camping World is advertising: Dometic Americana II 6 Cu. Ft. Fridge - Right Hinge | Camping World Commenters didn't like the cheap, door handles. Maybe Debbie will chime in with comments about her Norcold. RonB 1 Likes
Re: Dometic refrigerator fire Reply #10 – June 30, 2025, 11:35:18 am How does a person disconnect the propane specifically going to the refrigerator (if going to permanently replace the refrigerator)
Re: Dometic refrigerator fire Reply #11 – June 30, 2025, 11:55:11 am Hi Jack: Are you putting in a new refrigerator that uses propane? Turn the propane off at the tank, run a flame at the stove until it uses up most of the propane in the line and goes out. Don't be smoking while disconnecting the line. 11" of water column is about .5 psi. not much there. The biggest danger is that the propane tank valve could leak a little. If you aren't going to reinstall a refrigerator, a blank off fitting can be installed on the gas line. RonB
Re: Dometic refrigerator fire Reply #12 – June 30, 2025, 12:05:33 pm Quote from: RonB - June 30, 2025, 11:55:11 amHi Jack: Are you putting in a new refrigerator that uses propane? Turn the propane off at the tank, run a flame at the stove until it uses up most of the propane in the line and goes out. Don't be smoking while disconnecting the line. 11" of water column is about .5 psi. not much there. The biggest danger is that the propane tank valve could leak a little. If you aren't going to reinstall a refrigerator, a blank off fitting can be installed on the gas line. RonBThanks for the response. I’m actually thinking about replacing it with the Norcold N2175. Based on posts by JOR it should work with my mid bath. I hadn’t looked yet but based on your response, I’ll need to cut the copper gas line and put a fitting on it. Can do edit by RonB Amazon.com: Norcold INC N2175BPR 12V Refrigerator - 6.2 cu. ft., RH : Automotive As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Dometic refrigerator fire Reply #13 – June 30, 2025, 12:25:24 pm Hi Jack. Easier just to buy a flare fitting blank off, and plug the end of the line if it won't be in the way. https://www.etrailer.com/Propane-Accessories/JR-Products/37207-30425.html?feed=npn&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21691392423&gbraid=0AAAAAD_vMtn-sI31e0wGvcppgH_iatI2o&gclid=Cj0KCQjw64jDBhDXARIsABkk8J781zzmGvFrn3IPlvY1a1eRweYcqoro0amZvnuBkk7bRRphjhaI3VwaAvnCEALw_wcB RonB 2 Likes
Re: Dometic refrigerator fire Reply #14 – June 30, 2025, 12:36:23 pm Right. No need to cut anything. Just turn off and depressurize the propane system as Ron said; then pull out the fridge, unscrew the propane line's fitting at the rear, and screw in the plug Ron recommended, and you're done. Do not use pipe tape. This is a tapered fitting; sealants will just mess up the connection. (I see that etrailer's product page has an ad for sealant, but Just Say No.) 2 Likes
Re: Dometic refrigerator fire Reply #15 – June 30, 2025, 12:51:22 pm Quote from: Andy Baird - June 30, 2025, 12:36:23 pmRight. No need to cut anything. Just turn off and depressurize the propane system as Ron said; then pull out the fridge, unscrew the propane line's fitting at the rear, and screw in the plug Ron recommended, and you're done. Do not use pipe tape. This is a tapered fitting; sealants will just mess up the connection. (I see that etrailer's product page has an ad for sealant, but Just Say No.)This is sounding easier and I like it. When you say unscrew your propane lines fitting at the rear, where would that fitting be in my mid bath? Is it in the compartment where the refrigerator is?
Re: Dometic refrigerator fire Reply #16 – June 30, 2025, 01:05:48 pm Sorry that I’m asking questions that I know I’ll be able to answer once I visually look at it. Based on the responses it sounds like it’s just at their rear of the unit.Thanks so much for everyone’s advice.
Re: Dometic refrigerator fire Reply #17 – July 01, 2025, 06:50:39 pm Sorry I don't know how to just link to my post from 6 years ago. My fridge failed (lost refrigerant without the fire), and this was my solution. Mine is still working fine after the replacement, no complaints! I don't remember how I much I paid, but less than $1500 when it was done.Reply #21 – 6 years agoAn update: I called a local RV repair facility and asked for a price on a replacement for my RM3662. The service manager asked a few questions. I explained that both heat sources were working properly but no refrigeration and I could smell NH3. He suggested that rather than a new unit, I just replace the cooling unit. He said "we do lots of them, many more than just replacing with a new unit, and have had very good luck with them". I was reluctant at first, but it would end up being less than a new one, they could do it in four hours while I waited, and, I could come out and see the enclosure while the unit was out to see what the insulation looked like so I could take the unit out later and upgrade the insulation if I wanted to. Though my rig\fridge is 16 years old, the original owners were very gentle with the appliances, so the refrigerator cabinet, shelves, etc. are still in very good condition. Given what I've read about the components in the newer models, I decided to go with the cooling unit replacement.They ordered the replacement (a rebuilt Dometic, identified as a Nordic 39-5462), and I arrived at their shop at 9:00 AM yesterday morning. They came and got me around 10:00 once the unit was out of the wall to have a look, which was as Andy had described earlier in this thread. Came around again at 1:00 PM to let me know it had taken longer than expected to get the old cooling unit removed from the cabinet. By 2:30 they had finished, cleaned up, leak tested and had the unit ON. About 3:20 I walked out with a service person and could feel the outside coils were warm, though still no cooling as expected inside, temps. in fridge and freezer at ambient (84 degrees). Drove home and checked it at 10:30 PM, freezer was 18 degrees and fridge was at 36 degrees. It cooled down faster than I expected. The total, including a $16.00 purchase in addition to the fridge R & R was considerably less than they quoted me originally, which I didn't argue with. ;-) Very pleased with their service and communication during the process, and, I couldn't tell they'd been inside when they finished. Time to get the beer cold! Bill edit by RonB: link to this thread: Fridge out 1 Likes
Re: Dometic refrigerator fire Reply #18 – July 01, 2025, 10:31:13 pm Jack, you'll have to pull the fridge most or all the way out of its compartment before you can see the copper propane pipe going into the back. At the point where it joins the fridge you'll see a coupling with a hex nut. That's what you need to undo.
Re: Dometic refrigerator fire Reply #19 – July 02, 2025, 12:17:34 am Quote from: Andy Baird - July 01, 2025, 10:31:13 pmJack, you'll have to pull the fridge most or all the way out of its compartment before you can see the copper propane pipe going into the back. At the point where it joins the fridge you'll see a coupling with a hex nut. That's what you need to undo.Got it and thanks. I also talked to JOR who sent me some more pictures. Incredibly helpful person besides being so very nice.I was so encouraged after talking to JOR That I’ve actually ordered a 12v Norcold compressor unit. Replacing the refrigerator should be an interesting project. 2 Likes
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