I have 2 Vanagons with Dometics that I use quite a bit. Both will build
up frost to the point where it is a solid block, obscuring the fact that
there are individual fins, after a few days of continuous use on
propane, even in hot weather. You need a clear burner gas jet orifice,
11" WC propane pressure, and a working rear fan. I don't have an inside
fan in either of them. I don't run either of them turned up full since
they will freeze vegetables and salad during the night. I am not
concerned with measuring the inside temps since my food stays fresh for
a long time. My brother's works as well as mine do. I run only on 12
volts driving and always switch to propane when stopped for any length
of time. The Dometics can have their quirks but they keep food cold just
fine if they will light and stay lit. They are not great for cooling
down warm beverages, so I only add cold stuff or at most 2 warm drinks
each night before bed. This means that extended camping in hot weather
requires a drink ice chest to supply enough cool beverages for 2 people.

Mark

Michael Elliott wrote:

> You must have a remarkably efficient Dometic. I have removed the
> Dometic and have blown clean the combustion chamber and stack and have
> taken things apart and fluffed and folded where applicable. I have
> installed that exhaust fan; I have, O yes I have, installed that
> internal fan to circulate air, and it is TRUE that I have installed
> additional insulation between the hot metal on the sunlit side of the
> van's outside skin and the rear of the Dometic. Indeed, I have hung a
> Space Blanket on the skin outside to REFLECT the evil heat away from
> the metal to aid the Dometic in its endeavor to dump its own heat. I
> have mounted a new blower on the rear, as have you, to urge the hot
> air to Move Along, Nothing To See Here, Folks.
>
> Yet, and still, the best I could pull was an internal temp no fewer
> than 40 degrees Fahrenheit below the outside temperature. "Thick
> frost" on the inside fins?!? -- never seen such a thing when the
> outside temp was greater than 70F -- either my Dometic is a wastoid,
> or yours is some steroid-drenched MONSTER!
>