That is NOT a thermoelectric cooler. It is absorption just like the Westy. As such it takes along time for the cooling cycle to begin. They are best pre-cooled on 110 overnight and then transferred to the van. On 12 volt they take a lot of power so battery operation is useful only while driving. Once cold and filled it stays for some time without power just like an ice chest.

Dennis,
From my phone.
________________________________
From: Neil Cebara<mailto:neilcebara@GMAIL.COM>
Sent: ‎6/‎25/‎2014 10:47 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM<mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Subject: What to do with a Dometic RC160E cooler?

Hi all!

 First time post, first time Vanagon owners.... We just purchased an '85
Wolfsberg Edition in March which we love!  It needs a bit of love, but
that's what we're here for. Love. We have it in slop buckets.. ;>)

 It came with its stock Dometic RC160E thermoelectic cooler.... the
top-opening kind ..bolted to the floor behind the passenger seat.  I've
tested it, and talked to a local servicing shop that thinks they may be one
of the only shops in the country still able to service the RC160E.

 Verdict?  It doesn't work.  The control board is probably shot, which is a
$200 replacement.  The other electronic piece (might need that, not sure)
is a $400 replacement.
  So... I'm going to upgrade to a more recent type of 12v thermoelectric
cooler. (After I reinstall a secondary deep-cycle batt!)

 But what do I do with this Dometic cooler?
     Should I just recycle it through my city's various recycling options?
     Or is there a market out there of people wanting to repair these
relics?
  I'd be happy to even donate it to someone if they were going to fix it
up.  It's in otherwise good shape, it just doesn't run the fan and cool
anything.

 Any thoughts or experience on recycling versus finding someone to take it?

 Thanks!
 .
 Neil & Chelsea
 '85 Westy
*  "Phaedra von Vanagon Westphalia-Wolfsberg"  aka Phae, heir to the fabled
Westphalia-Wolfsberg throne.*