Dometic RM182 on 12v question

DAV!D · Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2014 3:43 pm Post subject: Dometic RM182 on 12v question

I was reading through my manual for the Dometic RM182 and it says the frige does not use the thermostat while running on 12v. Has anyone figured out a way to use a thermostat while running on 12v?

I'm assuming it just runs at 100% all the time when on 12v sucking down 7amp/hr.. Seems like a pretty dumb design, so has anyone figured out a work around other than replace the frig?

I have 200 watts of solar mounted and 2x group 31d batteries.. I would be able to run the fridge off my 12v but I don't want it to run non stop.
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86 Syncro Build - Ecotec Motor Swap - Pop Top Conversion - Camper Build & Syncro Conversion

furrylittleotter · Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2014 3:49 pm Post subject:

Thanks. had a little giggle thinking the fridge could ever reach a set point on 12v. Wink

Neil2

DAV!D · Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2014 3:55 pm Post subject:

DeanZimmer · Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2014 4:11 pm Post subject:

That is a good question, and I would extend the question to be does the fridge even work on 12V? I have removed mine, had it completely checked out on the bench in all modes. I have run it all 3 ways while in the van and when on 12v it may as well not be on at all. So now I run it on propane (while driving, stopped etc) or else 120V if I have a serviced camp site and ignore 12V altogether.

Dean

70coupyel · Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2014 4:23 pm Post subject:

I guess that is the reason why the rule of thumb is to run your frig on 12v when the motor is running. I have only done like 2 times(12v) and you have to remember to spark off the propane when you get to where your going. It's just so much eaiser to run propane.
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crazyvwvanman · Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2014 4:45 pm Post subject:

I have found that the 12 volt element can make the Westy fridge as cold as the other 2 modes. Ours would frost up the fins and sometimes freeze salads on long drives. It may take a little remedial wiring work to get it up to snuff on 12 volts.

Someone long ago came up with a how to for adding thermostatic control for the 12 volt mode. I will look to see if I can find it.

Mark

DAV!D · Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2014 4:46 pm Post subject:

Na, has to be 12v as I'll be doing a very long road trip and can't deal with propane. Guess I will just make my other fridge fit. It works great, but its a little wider, i think I can make it fit with out too much hassle. I was just wondering if there was any improvements I could do to the stock one to make it work full time on 12v.
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86 Syncro Build - Ecotec Motor Swap - Pop Top Conversion - Camper Build & Syncro Conversion

DAV!D · Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2014 4:50 pm Post subject:

PDXWesty · Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2014 5:31 pm Post subject:

The original wiring on the Westy had a relay that only allowed the fridge to run on 12 volts while the van was running. This prevented excess battery drain. Most people have rewired that at some point. The 25 year old technology on the dometics was good at the time, but not up to todays standards. They weren't meant to run on 12v while parked. That's what the propane mode was for. They could run for several weeks on propane. You're better off getting a modern fridge if what you need is 12v operation.
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89 Westy 2.1 Auto

kamzcab86 · Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2014 6:11 pm Post subject:

Ahwahnee · Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2014 6:47 pm Post subject:

furrylittleotter · Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2014 6:53 pm Post subject:

We should start a thread on " things we as a group disagree on". It is amazing the varieties of experiences we have on here. Personally I think I did the world a favor when I bashed my dometic westy fridge to bits in the front yard saving anyone else the aggravation of ever trying to use the damn thing, yet here we have another person say they can actually get one to work. I will say this I have a dometic cf18 and that sumbitch will make ICE within an hour. gowesty agrees with me on this one as well!

Neil2

crazyvwvanman · Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2014 7:03 pm Post subject:

If your long road trip will involve driving for hours each day on most days then you might get by on 12 volts if you do things right. Staying put is more of a problem and the problem will go up along with the outside temperature. Propane mode is the best way for staying put off the grid, that is why it is provided. My guess is that the batteries you will possibly kill trying to make 12 volts work will cost more than the propane would. I would save the aggravation and run propane or switch to a modern electric fridge.

Mark

Howesight · Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2014 7:10 pm Post subject:

To the OP, you have the solar panel and house battery set up, so I strongly suggest you use your compressor fridge. The 12V mode on the Dometic 182 draws more power than your headlights. The Dometic 182 is just plain tiny.

Don't worry about the 19" width, that is, if your compressor fridge is a TruckFridge TF-65. The mounting flanges on the sides of the TF65 are not needed and after removal, you have a unit that is 17.5" wide (approx.) You do have to modify your Westfalia cabinet, but it is not difficult.

See this thread for help:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=359831&highlight=fridge+projects

To Neil, I think there is a great deal of variability of the Dometic 182's, even after you do all the right maintenance things (placing it upside down etc to recover ammonia, extra fan(s), etc), there is a lot of variability in the performance. I have had several Dometic 182's and none performed the same. The one good one I had tempted me to think the Dometic might, with overhaul and added fans, be "okay". Wrong.
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'86 Syncro Westy SVX

Dampcamper · Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2014 7:27 pm Post subject:

Dampcamper · Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2014 7:46 pm Post subject:

BTW - the 182 is a "vapor absorption-cycle" fridge, not a compressor type. It uses the heater to force a chemical reaction (separation) that when reversed absorbs heat from the interior: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absorption_refrigerator
It is a slow process to get going and if it works at all it's better to keep it going slowly than to try to cycle it on and off like you would a compressor. Thus the constant but relatively low source of heat.
As noted in the article, it is nowhere near as efficient as a "vapor compression" (conventional) system but makes sense in some situations. The jury is still out on whether this includes Westfalia campers.
Compressors are usually way bigger than needed to make up for the heat gain in the fridge, so they cycle on for a while then off until needed again.

DAV!D · Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2014 7:58 pm Post subject:

After thinking it over, I think I will figure out a way to mount my other 12v fridge. It's not a Truck Fridge, but it's the same size as the TF-65. It's another Dometic, but a 12v/110 compressor model from a sail boat and the thing works like a champ.

I only have about 2 weeks before I'm hitting the road, so it's best I go with what I know works. It's likely a bad idea to try to make the factory fridge work and then ending up with dead batteries..
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86 Syncro Build - Ecotec Motor Swap - Pop Top Conversion - Camper Build & Syncro Conversion

crazyvwvanman · Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2014 8:28 pm Post subject:

Is it a TJ-22? I have a couple of the smaller Dometic TJ-18 models that match up with the smaller TF and Vitrifigo fridges that most people replace their stock fridges with.

Mark

msinabottle · Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2014 10:24 pm Post subject: 3-Way

I would cheerily consider replacing the fossil Dometic with a modern, superior 3-way--12 v. /110AC/Propane. To my knowledge, there isn't such. I make do with the stock fridge and Blue Ice.

Best!
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'Winston,' '84 1.9 WBX Westy
Vanagon Poet Laureate: "I have suffered in
many ways, but never, never, never in silence."

luVWagn · Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2014 11:55 pm Post subject: Re: 3-Way


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