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RE: UPDATE #2 - Dometic Warranty Issue - HELP
OK, after almost 2 months of dealing with Dometic and the repair shop I finally got my new fridge. Dometic must have authorized the reapir shop to install 4 or 5 parts to try and fix my fridge, but none worked. They finally gave in and shipped out a new unit. They tested it and it got down to 32 at night with outside temps in the low 70s.
The repair shop reinstalled the recirculating fan with thermostat from my original fridge that Dometic paid for too. I'll consider that a gift for what I had to deal with. Anyways, it looks like I finally have a working fridge. Thanks Dometic.
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DJMeeka
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07/09/08 10:10am |
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RE: UPDATE #2 - Dometic Warranty Issue - HELP
Mike Up - Thanks for the informative post. The repair shop installed a similar fan with a built in thermostat but I haven't seen it so I don't know where it is installed. Do you switch on the fan only when it is hot out allowing it to cycle on and off depending on temp?
When all of this confusion is fixed I plan on installing a custom baffle below and above the fins to direct the air flow up and out along with repositioning the fan if necessary.
Thank you all for your posts
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DJMeeka
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06/01/08 10:33pm |
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RE: UPDATE #2 - Dometic Warranty Issue - HELP
It's a shame you are going through this. From what you have written, your dealer, the authorized repair center and Dometic seem incompetent.
One would think you go to an authorized repair center to fix the fridge. They get the repair authorized and repair it.
The diagnosis seems relatively simple! Keep Fleetwood informed about how you feel the dealer and Dometic have dropped the ball.
I'm going to have to blame this one on Dometic. Although they have been willing to help, they have taken they're sweet time to get this problem fixed. The repair center knows I am not paying for any repairs since the fridge is under warranty so everything they do they must get it authorized through Dometic for payment, thats the hang-up. Dometic probably sees similar situations where the fridge does not cool and I bet 9 out of 10 times what Dometic has suggested to fix the problem actually fixes it. I'm that 1 out of 10 that actually has a faulty fridge (I believe).
Unfortunately the diagnosis is not that simple or maybe it is and Dometic is not used to seeing my problem. Miscommunication between the repair shop and Dometic complicated matters.
I'll be getting a new cooling unit if the parts that Dometic sent do not cure the problem. I wonder if I'll get to keep the thermostat controlled 12V fan that Dometic sent out to the repair center to try to fix the problem the first time. I better!
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DJMeeka
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05/31/08 12:27pm |
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RE: UPDATE #2 - Dometic Warranty Issue - HELP
OK, so Dometic authorized the repair center to install a thermostat controlled fan. Fan was installed but didn't run due to cooler temps in garage. Fan was wired to run continuously and the fridge was tested for a day. Temp inside fridge remained at 58 degrees. Not good.
I contacted Dometic again and they are going to send a new gas safety valve and a new thermostat for the fridge for the repair center to install which they claim should fix the problem. The part should come in next week so we'll see. I'll keep you all updated.
Thanks,
Darren
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DJMeeka
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05/30/08 03:01pm |
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Calling all E1/E2/E3 owners - Fridge Question
My E3 is at the repair shop because the fidge isn't cooling on propane. I was just wondering how your fridge on your E3 or E1/E2 operates? Should be the same Dometic RM2193 3-way fridge. If you could post any internal temps along with what the outside temp was, I would greatly appreciate it.
Basically mine will to upper 30's on AC at night but during the day it climbs to 60. It won't cool below 50 on propane and shoots up to 60 during the day. Dometic is claiming that I need a baffle and fan which is NOT covered under warranty. I may install a baffle and fan myself in the future but I don't think the fridge is performing how it should.
Thanks,
Darren
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DJMeeka
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05/19/08 01:39pm |
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RE: UPDATE #2 - Dometic Warranty Issue - HELP
Why doesn't the authorized repair shop repair it?
Cooling Unit Diagnosis
When I first discovered that the fridge didn't cool on LP I called my dealer. He said that they do not repair appliances and I would have to take it down the street to the "authorized" repair center. This repair center will repair the unit and contact the manufacturer to try to get them to authorize the repair under warranty. BUT, any work that the repair center does that is not covered under warranty must be paid by the customer.
I contacted Fleetwood a few weeks ago about this same issue and they said if I have any trouble with either the repair shop or the dealer with fees to give them a call and they would help me. So I have some hope.
All I want is a fridge that works. Mine clearly doesn't. When other fridges in PUP's are cooling great on LP and mine doesn't, you can use logic to figure out it is defective. Installation, line pressure, and flame have all been checked and are ok. I'm sure it will get fixed but it is a hassle none the less and I am pretty unhappy with my dealer just pawning me off on a repair center.
Thanks for all the responses,
Darren
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DJMeeka
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05/17/08 06:57pm |
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RE: UPDATE #2 - Dometic Warranty Issue - HELP
Darren,
PS I would suggest that you try the fridge on propane one more time. Make sure both the 12 and 120 volt switches are off and the propane valve is on high. Also confirm that the flame is on by touching the exhaust - it should be warm to the touch.
Hi Ruide,
Hows it going? When I have the fridge on propane the flame is strong an the exhaust is quite warm to the touch. When on propane, the temp only got down to 60 degrees this last time the repair shop tested it. This leads me to think that the fridge is defective.
My brother-in-law is an air conditioning technician and said sometimes with these ammonia fridges have to be "burped". He said there could be an air bubble or some sort of blockage in the system. I don't know if thats the case but who knows. I'll keep you updated.
Has anyone else had similar waranty issues with Fleetwood?
Thanks,
Darren
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DJMeeka
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05/16/08 07:25pm |
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RE: UPDATE #2 - Dometic Warranty Issue - HELP
It is an installation issue. More than 1/2 of the fridges we've seen/worked on were installed incorrectly to either Norcold or Dometic instructions/standards.
The most common problem is a missing or bad baffle. Which by the way is not part of the fridge, but something required by installation instructions to be fabricated by the installer.
The next most common issue is incorrect vent placement. If the upper vent is not at the top of the rear compartment it will trap hot air above it to the point we've seen counter tops discolored/warped from the heat. This greatly reduces the efficiency of the fridge.
So in conclusion Fleetwood's warranty should cover the rework/reinstall of the fridge to Dometic's standards.
The repair shop I took my trailer to took pictures of the rear of the fridge to verify it was installed correctly and emailed them to Dometic. Dometic was satisfied with the installation.
My question is why do other PUP owners have no problems with their fridges? If the fridge was installed correctly it should work. Other PUP owners actually complain about the fridges freezing things. My fridge only reached 37 degrees at night when outside temps were around 50. During the day (80 degrees) it rose to 60 degrees inside. The fan that Dometic wants the repair shop to install costs $90 just for the fan plus installation. If the fridge is installed correctly, it clearly is a problem with the fridge. I'll see what Fleetwood has to say on Monday. Thanks for your insight. It's much appreciated.
Darren
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DJMeeka
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05/16/08 07:15pm |
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RE: UPDATE #2 - Dometic Warranty Issue - HELP
I would take the trailer back to your dealer and demand that they either fix it or replace it. Document your problems and send to Fleetwood.
I already tried. My dealer claims that they do not work on appliances and that I have to take the trailer to a repair shop down the street. I am documenting and will contact Fleetwood and Dometic on Monday.
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DJMeeka
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05/16/08 07:02pm |
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UPDATE #2 - Dometic Warranty Issue - HELP
UPDATE #2 - Good News!! See my last post for update from Dometic.
I have a Fleetwood E3 with the Dometic 3-way fridge. I bought the trailer new in June 2007. I have a 6 year extended warranty. The fridge has never cooled on LP since it was new. I took it in to an authorized repair facility. They checked it out, said it cooled to 37 degrees at night on AC but during the day it rose to 60 degrees. It never cooled on LP. They called Dometic and Dometic had them email pics of the back of the fridge. They wanted to make sure it was installed correctly, it was. Now Doemtic is saying to temporarily install a fan on the back of the unit to circulate air and see if that works and IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY!! The whole point of a fridge running on LP is to not need electricity. The fan isn't even gaurenteed to solve the problem. So I buy a trailer, the fridge never works and now I have to pay more money to add a fan which is going to kill my battery!!! I am extremely upset with Dometic right now. These Dometic fridges are JUNK!! Very bad customer service.
Both Dometic and Fleetwood are conveniently closed right now being they are on the east coast. Anyone have any ideas on what to do?
Thanks, Darren
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DJMeeka
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05/16/08 04:11pm |
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RE: how many have been caught in a windy storm
Has anyone ever anchored down the top of their PUP with rope? I was in a wind storm up in the mountains last year and the top swayed like crazy. I thought the supports were going to bend. I was thinking that some rope tied off to a few trees or stakes in the ground may aid in the top swaying.
Darren
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DJMeeka
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04/29/08 12:07pm |
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RE: Fleetwood Evolution E3 battery location modification
Ok, after a lot of research and a couple of weekends here is the work that I did to upgrade from a 12 volt battery to dual 6 volt, AGM batteries. I also moved the batteries to the inside of the trailer to help with tongue weight constraints and added an inverter. I also installed a Trimetric battery monitor to help me manage the battery bank. The battery box that I built is sealed from the inside and then vented to the outside.
I am open to any comments or suggestions on what has been done. E3 Battery Upgradehttp://web.mac.com/craiglud/Ludwig/My_Albums/Pages/E3_Battery_upgrade.html#11
Wow, great work on that mod. I too am an E3 owner. Just curious, I have a single Group 27 battery and was thinking of possibly going to a second battery. What would be the advantages going to two 6V batteries versus two 12V batteries? Longer run time? I camp up at 9000 ft. and it gets cold. COuld two 6V batteried perform better to run the heater at night? Once again, great work.
Thanks,
Darren
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DJMeeka
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04/29/08 11:42am |
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RE: Where do I find a dual battery box?
I never even thought about just using two of the single boxes. See, thats why I ask you guys.
Does anyone have a picture of two boxes installed on the front of their trailer?
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DJMeeka
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12/17/07 01:03pm |
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Where do I find a dual battery box?
Right now I have a Group 27 battery installed in a single battery box. Well I have found out when camping in cold weather the single battery won't last through the night when using the heater. Does anyone know where I could find a dual battery box? I want to fit two Group 27 or larger batteries in it. I have the plastic type now mounted on infront of my LP tanks.
On another note I decided to go the route of getting a generator and a second battery versus getting a catalytic heater for heating purposes. I felt more secure having a way to recharge the system.
Thanks!
Darren
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DJMeeka
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12/17/07 09:42am |
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RE: Propane fittings and conenctors. Help Please
Thanks for the replies everyone. I'll look around for some local propane dealers and see what I can find. I was thinking a shut-off valve would also be good, but now I'll definitely get one.
I don't see why it would be illegal to install another low-pressure line inside the PUP. I'm sure I can do the work and my father has a propane gas detector that I can use to make sure there are no leaks.
Thanks again all!!
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DJMeeka
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11/28/07 02:08pm |
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Propane fittings and conenctors. Help Please
I am thinking of buying an Olympian Wave Heater. These heaters run off of low-pressure LP which is what our pups run on. I would like to tap into the system and install a quick-connect fitting inside similar to the quick-connect that I have outside for the stove.
Does anyone know where I could buy these fittings, connectors and hoses? Does Lowes or Home Depot carry them? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!
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DJMeeka
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11/28/07 12:43pm |
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RE: Fleetwood Evolution needs a 36RT Equal
I also have an E3. It suits my needs for now. Fleetwood used to make the Scorpion which may be closer to the 36RT. It was basically a PUP box mounted on a tandem axle trailer. Much more carrying capacity than the Evolution series.
I think when I out grow my E3 I am probably going to look into the Toy Haulers.
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DJMeeka
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11/07/07 02:38pm |
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RE: Olympian Heater Testimonials
Thanks for the advice. If I do end up getting an Olympian Wave heater, I plan on leaving the screen on the fron door open about 6 inches and I will also leave a portion of the tent screen open to vent near my head.
These units are designed for RV's and are typically permanently installed in RV's.
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DJMeeka
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11/03/07 03:04pm |
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Olympian Heater Testimonials
I want to hear from people who have used these type heaters (Olympian Wave 6 Catalytic Heaters) in their PUPs. I am getting mixed emotions about these heaters, mainly on how much heat they throw off. I want to run it at night when camping in the mountains with night time temps that drop down to the low 20's.
I have a Fleetwood E3 and it's over 27 ft. long when opened up from bunk end to bunk end. Any the Mr. Buddy heaters won't work for me due to them not working above 7000 ft.
Your help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Darren
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DJMeeka
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11/03/07 09:38am |
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RE: Catalytic Heater for PUP. Fan?
You may want to do a search, on this forum, on Olympian or Wave. I would also search on TT forum to find discussions. There is an endless debate about safety --- can you sleep with these, how much CO do they produce and is it safe, etc. You'll find pages of postings on this.
I was going to purchase a Wave, but was put off by price. I ended up with a Mr. Heater with a built in fan (uses "d" batteries). It is also a cat heater, and works nicely (I have 'big buddy', one of the larger models). However, a lot of people have, and swear by, their Olympian heaters so I would guess you can't go wrong.
And, as you stated, you're at higher elevations and the Wave series is supposed to function at lower pressure. As Mike stated, look at BTU's. You'll definitely want the larger (at least Wave 6) and unfortunately, more expensive model.
I wish I could get the Mr. Buddy heaters but they don't work above 7000 ft. :( I have read many posts about the Olympian Heaters. They are typically mounted in the trailer and used as the primary heater. Emissions are very low and barely detectable. It is recommended that you open a small vent as well. I think I may give it a try. Seeing that this options is so much cheaper than a second battery and a generator. I'll report back if I do get it.
Any recommendations on a battery powered fan?
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DJMeeka
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11/02/07 09:33am |
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