Dometic Fridge: Can I run it while RV Under a Tarp?

Last Train · 02-08-2017, 01:35 PM

Only on electricity, that is. Typically our Freedom Express 192 RBS is covered with a tarp until we are ready to hitch up and go again. We like to turn our fridge on a day or so in advance to get it nice and cold before departing. Must I remove the tarp before powering up the fridge - again, only on electricity? I have taken note of the vent on the roof for the Dometic, but does that vent only apply to venting while the fridge is operating on propane? Thanks!

bob caldwell · 02-08-2017, 01:50 PM

Can you feel any heat up at the vent?....

SidecarFlip · 02-08-2017, 01:58 PM

The roof vent MUST BE UNCOVERED when using electricity or, for that matter propane or 12 volt. The 110 heating element in the bioler is don'g the same thing as the propane burner, heating the amonia and causing the refrigerant flow through the evaporator which must rid itself of heat and that heat goes out through the upper vent. It's a chimney effect. The hot air from the evaporatr draws the cold air in the bottom. It has to be uncovered or the unit will overheat and shut down.

**Flybob** · 02-08-2017, 02:05 PM

The heat removed from the Fridge and the heat generated in the cooling process must exit somewhere or it will not operate properly. If you do not have the roof vent uncovered, it will perform poorly if at all. If you are planning to use it in a day or two, what is the issue not uncovering it.

Last Train · 02-08-2017, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SidecarFlip

The roof vent MUST BE UNCOVERED when using electricity or, for that matter propane or 12 volt. The 110 heating element in the bioler is don'g the same thing as the propane burner, heating the amonia and causing the refrigerant flow through the evaporator which must rid itself of heat and that heat goes out through the upper vent. It's a chimney effect. The hot air from the evaporatr draws the cold air in the bottom. It has to be uncovered or the unit will overheat and shut down.

That makes total sense, and thanks for the explanation. (And thanks to you, also Bob Caldwell.) I had not even tried to operate the fridge while the tarp was on top, because I sort of intuitively thought it might not be best - hence, I could not "feel any heat." So I'll not turn the thing on until we yank that tarp off!

Appreciate the feedback.

bob caldwell · 02-08-2017, 02:13 PM

You're welcome......I knew the answer, but I like to have the op find out these things buy testing things, as in the future if a problem arises, they'd be a little more confident in their own abilities.......

CedarCreekWoody · 02-08-2017, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

You're welcome......I knew the answer, but I like to have the op find out these things buy testing things, as in the future if a problem arises, they'd be a little more confident in their own abilities.......

Dang Bob, we didn't know there was going to an Exam! Lol

bob caldwell · 02-08-2017, 04:59 PM

Film at 11....Stay tuned!...lol

Last Train · 02-08-2017, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CedarCreekWoody

Dang Bob, we didn't know there was going to an Exam! Lol

Lesson learned by all viewers . . . !!

EOT!!!!!!

Vince and Charlette · 02-09-2017, 07:57 PM

I caught on one other thing you mentioned. I hope that "tarp" you are using is not waterproof e.g. plastic. It will retain a lot of moisture inside the camper if it is laying on the camper and draped over the sides to any degree. If you are just parking under some sort of overhang or a suspended tarp, then the air space in between should give adequate ventilation. Wrapping just about any RV with a plastic cover can lead to lots of problems. That's why most commercial covers are a fine mesh type fabric that allow moisture to pass through them.

dalford · 02-09-2017, 08:20 PM

You could cut a flap in the cover and attach Velcro around it so you can open and close as needed. That is what I would do...

DouglasReid · 02-10-2017, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Last Train

Lesson learned by all viewers . . . !!

EOT!!!!!!

exactly, if we think you are sharpshooting us, we will sto pansering your questions............................rather like"the little boy who cried wolf"

Last Train · 02-11-2017, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vince and Charlette

It will retain a lot of moisture inside the camper if it is laying on the camper and draped over the sides to any degree.

Thanks, but we are totally aware of the cautions against moisture accumulation. Here along the Texas Gulf Coastal Plain we are particularly aware of the ambient humidity in the region, so we are proactive about such things. In our case, we provide for air flow by using a number of Lynx blocks on the roof to allow for fresh air to circulate a bit. And, we hardly go a couple of weeks without removing the covering to head out on a trip, anyway. I also step out to the rig fairly regularly (it's kept here at our home) and run the A/C for a while - especially after returning from a trip (with the roof uncovered, of course!). We're blessed that we can use our 192 RBS year 'round, and you know how things can deteriorate if not used.

In fact, I just got back yesterday evening from a short hunting trip at a ranch north of here. Pulled the rig up there in order to have a place to clean up. The rancher friend of mine is plagued by wild hogs that destroy his pastures, and we just "knew" we would be able to take out a few. Well . . . there is a reason they call it "hunting" instead of "harvesting!" Came back empty handed, darn it! Maybe because it was a full moon . . . or any other excuse I can conjure up.

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