Fridge access

[meaded]

1988 Dodge Roadtrek Versatile, Dometic fridge. I would like to clean the burner and flue, it does not seem to be possible without removing the fridge. Any suggestions, I am considering cutting an access hole and installing a hatch.Anyone else have solutions otherwise.

[PJW73NH]

I know this post is bit old, but I find myself in the same position. I have an 03 190 Versatile. I want to clean burner and flue but can't seem to get at from the outside. I haven't thought about the idea of a hatch. I would also be curious as to how to remove the black grate that is above the fridge access panel, and just under the window. It appears to be part of the window assembly. If I could get THAT off, I may be able to get a flue brush in, and then vacuum the debris out with a wand of some sort.

Hopefully someone has some ideas.

Thanks. P.../NH

[mkguitar]

my PW has top and bottom plastic grill, like the one some RT's have on the bottom.

with both removed servicing the fridge is straight forward- I just did what the manual tells me. to clean the flue, jet etc.

there has to be a way to remove your top grill...if it is not apparent, I'm sure an RT owner can clue us in

Mike

[PJW73NH]

MK, Tnx for the reply. The problem with my RT is that the access panel, only reveals the left 1/2 of the rear of the fridge as you're looking at it. The burner and flue assy is on the far right and BEHIND the van body.

Attached pics, may make more sense.

Tnx.

P.../NH

[mkguitar]

I'd show you my access, but you'd be depressed.

let's see who has the secret to getting into that top vent panel.
i'd hope that by looking into the vent with a light, you'd see latches you can turn with a screwdriver 9 look for previous tool marks)




while you are in there you may want to consider adding a fan kit.

I have added 3 fans, 1 is controlled by a temp sensor, the other 2 are controlled by switch. I also have a fan inside the fridge.
I also rotate blue freezer packs between the freezer and fridge door shelves

on shore power or propane I can reliably get 60º below ambient temps--- which in PHX will work when it's 100º outside.

[PJW73NH]

MK,

Tell me more about the fan kits please. Link?

Tnx

[mkguitar]

You can google- there are few kits available for sale.

i work with electronics, so i bought a bunch of fans on ebay and installed.

mike

[peppster66]

We have a 97 dodge Roadtrek, and I actually found it much easier to just remove the fridge to do the cleaning and maintenence with the flue. It really only takes about 20 minutes to completely remove the fridge, there are some screws on the front holding it into wooden frame, after those are removed, disconnect the propane line, then the 110volt plug in receptacle wich is easy todo, then all that is left is the 2 wires for the 12volt supply, carefully mark where you took them from, so they go back in the right place...Those fridge fans are a great idea, they really do make a big improvement in the air circulation, which results in better cooling. I added 3 fans to the back of my fridge, placed a on/off switch, so I could control it better.very happy with the results so far,, very cheap to do, and done it all in one afternoon,, I will include some pics of my installl, hope it helps,,,,, take care,,,,

[PJW73NH]

peppster, Thanks so much for the info and the pics. If I end up pulling the fridge, I'll follow your directions.

[peppster66]

I just wanted to mention about the top vent, the black grate that is attatched to the widow...Take it from me, Do Not Bother With It!!!!!!!!I thought it would be a good idea, but it wasn't, You have to remove the microwave, the curtains, all the side panels, all the window casings, the top of the kitchen counter, and then when you finally get to the window/grate, it is attatched by a screw on metal casing around the window, that was clearly installed before any of the cabinitery was installed, because some of the screws are almost impossible to reach . without stripping them, because of the angle you have to remove them,, ,It is possible, but that is one project that was not worth the trouble, and when you finally get it out, there is no benefit, because the fridge is only half way under the grate, and the other half behind the cabinitery.....That was a hard day, full of curse words, scraped knuckles, and no better off in the end, take it from me,,,,,,,Its not worth the trouble,,,,,,,,take care,,,,,

[fwdanielson]

Originally Posted by peppster66

That was a hard day, full of curse words, scraped knuckles, and no better off in the end, take it from me,,,,,,,Its not worth the trouble,,,,,,,,take care,,,,,

Thanks for learning that for us. I've been eyeballing the upper vent and thinking about trying to take it off. When I need to service the fridge it is coming out.

[fwdanielson]

Originally Posted by PJW73NH

MK,

Tell me more about the fan kits please. Link?

Tnx

These folks at arpv.com sell fan kits and controllers but are rather pricey. If you're handy at some lightweight fabrication and wiring you could make the same setup for less. There are any number of fans and thermal switches available on Amazon and eBay. This page has a very well done side vent cutaway drawing about halfway down that illustrates what you want to accomplish. https://www.arprv.com/rv-fridge-fan.php

Additionally most class B's have the wrong clearances in back of and above the fridge according to the manufacturers installation guides. They generally spec no more than an inch of clearance behind the coils and many vans have three or four. That reduces convection and airflow through the coils. At the top of the fridge there should be a curved baffle connecting to the top vent and most have empty space up there that lets hot air collect. This article http://www.redroverroadtrek.com/Ques...y%20Fridge.pdf is a good writeup of improving the factory install for proper airflow.

[Bud]

Originally Posted by fwdanielson

Thanks for learning that for us. I've been eyeballing the upper vent and thinking about trying to take it off. When I need to service the fridge it is coming out.

Why?

Bud

[fwdanielson]

Originally Posted by Bud

Why?

Bud

Why service? The fridge is 20 years old and could stand a good flue cleaning. It struggles to keep up with the hot Florida weather at times and I plan to re-install using the manufacturer's specifications for venting along with additional fans for circulation.

Why remove it? It would be much more difficult to perform the service with the fridge installed.

[Bud]

Originally Posted by fwdanielson

Why service? The fridge is 20 years old and could stand a good flue cleaning. It struggles to keep up with the hot Florida weather at times and I plan to re-install using the manufacturer's specifications for venting along with additional fans for circulation.

Why remove it? It would be much more difficult to perform the service with the fridge installed.

Could be that I'm not understanding. I understand removing the refer, just not the upper vent. I thought that all could be done with the upper vent as is?

Bud

[fwdanielson]

Originally Posted by Bud

Could be that I'm not understanding. I understand removing the refer, just not the upper vent. I thought that all could be done with the upper vent as is?

Bud

Sorry for the confusion. I meant remove the fridge instead of attempting to remove the upper vent. Once the fridge is out you can access anything and the upper vent can be left alone.

[Cindy and Steve]

Originally Posted by peppster66

We have a 97 dodge Roadtrek, and I actually found it much easier to just remove the fridge to do the cleaning and maintenence with the flue. It really only takes about 20 minutes to completely remove the fridge, there are some screws on the front holding it into wooden frame, after those are removed, disconnect the propane line, then the 110volt plug in receptacle wich is easy todo, then all that is left is the 2 wires for the 12volt supply, carefully mark where you took them from, so they go back in the right place...Those fridge fans are a great idea, they really do make a big improvement in the air circulation, which results in better cooling. I added 3 fans to the back of my fridge, placed a on/off switch, so I could control it better.very happy with the results so far,, very cheap to do, and done it all in one afternoon,, I will include some pics of my installl, hope it helps,,,,, take care,,,,

Hi. My RT is an 88. I can’t imagine it would be that much different then your 87. I have examined my fridge every which way. There is no access to the back of the fridge from anywhere. No panels or gaps at all. I can pull it out about 4” and then it stops, presumably by the power cord or the gas line. The little panel on the outside of the van does not show the back of the fridge at all. When I remove the black grill that’s part of the kitchen window I think I can see the 110 outlet but can’t get to it without chopping out the Heaven screening that behind it. Where are your 110 outlet and gas line connected?

[GallenH]

I'm surprised that there isn't any back access. Dometic presribes yearly cleaning of flue and burner. Is there no vent/access on the outside of your van? How does your fridge get any outside air to cool the system? What model fridge? Need more info. I just pulled my Dometic on a 1997 to replace thermostat. Some have actually done it without pulling via the back access panel. Come to think of it, how did they actually connect the gas line without rear access????