Dometic RM2551 Refrigerator Instruction Manual

Manual Dometic RM2551 Refrigerator Instruction Manual

Dometic RM2551 Refrigerator Instruction Manual

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Dometic RM2551 Refrigerator

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Dometic RM2551 Refrigerator

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Dometic RM2551 Refrigerator Instructions

Here we offer the Dometic RM2551 Refrigerator manual completely free and in English. We have cataloged this manual in the Refrigerator section on Manualverse, and it has been rated by 1 users with an average rating of 5. If you have any specific questions about Dometic RM2551 Refrigerator, we suggest checking the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section of this manual.


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Dometic RM2551 Refrigerator Specifications

Feature Specification
Model Dometic Americana RM2551
Refrigerator Type Absorption refrigerator for LP gas and electric operation
Energy Sources for Cooling 120 V AC or LP gas (not designed for 12 V DC cooling)
Control Voltage 12 V DC (continuous supply required)
Minimum Control Operating Voltage 9.6 V DC
Minimum DC Wire Size 14 gauge (AWG)
Total Refrigerated Volume 5 cu. ft.
Overall Height (A) 43-1/2 in (1104 mm)
Overall Width (B) 24-7/8 in (632 mm)
Overall Depth (C) 24-11/16 in (627 mm)
Recess Height (H) 42-5/8 in (1083 mm)
Recess Width (W) 23-11/16 in (602 mm)
Recess Depth (D) 24 in (610 mm)
Minimum Ventilation Height (roof vent and lower side vent) 44-1/2 in (1130 mm)
Clearances to Combustible Materials (Top/Side/Bottom/Rear) 0 in
Minimum Vent Opening Dimension 1/4 in
Gas Connection 3/8 in SAE (UNF 5/8 in-18) male flare at the manual gas valve
LP Gas Operating Pressure 11 in water column
Burner Jet No. 43 (Part No. 200 74 19-16/7)
Electrode Gap 1/8 in to 3/16 in (3–5 mm)
AC Cartridge Heater 195 W, 120 V (Part No. 17 37 71-02/3)
Control System Fuse 3 A
AC Heater Fuse 5 A
Ignition Attempt Period Approx. 45 seconds
Temperature Control Factory preset, automatic
Operating Modes AUTO (AC priority over gas) and GAS only
AC Power Cord Three-prong grounding plug, 2 ft free length
Initial Cool-Down Time Up to 4 hours
Door Panel Maximum Thickness 5/32 in (4 mm)
Door Panel Height 38-5/8 to 38-11/16 in (981–983 mm)
Door Panel Width 20-5/8 to 20-3/4 in (524–527 mm)
Certification ANSI Z21.19 / CSA 1.4 (Refrigerators using gas fuel)
Certified Vent Kit Components Roof Base 3103633.XXX, Roof Cover 3103634.XXX, Lower Side Vent 3109350.XXX
Mounting Screws 6 (not included)
Coolant Corrosion Protection Sodium chromate (less than 2% by weight)

Dometic RM2551 Refrigerator Details

The Dometic Americana RM2551 is an absorption refrigerator built for recreational vehicles and manufactured homes. Ammonia turns into liquid in the finned condenser coil at the top rear of the unit, then flows into the evaporator inside the freezer section. There, circulating hydrogen gas makes the ammonia evaporate, which produces the cooling effect. The unit has no compressor, so it runs silently. However, the evaporator tubing is sloped to work by gravity, which means the vehicle must be reasonably level when parked for several hours.

The control panel has two buttons: a main power ON/OFF button and an AUTO/GAS mode selector. It also has two indicator lamps, AUTO and CHECK. In AUTO mode, the control system picks the energy source automatically. It uses 120 V AC when available and switches back to it as soon as AC returns. In GAS mode, it runs on LP gas only. If ignition fails, the CHECK lamp comes on. You can reset it by turning the main power button OFF and then ON again.

A useful safety feature is the limp mode. If the control cannot read the temperature sensor, the cooling unit keeps running continuously on whatever energy source is available. The refrigerator can stay in this mode indefinitely, until a new sensor is installed and the system is reset. This keeps food cold while travelling even when a major component fails. When the unit is first started on gas, or after the LP tanks are refilled, you may need to reset the power button three or four times to purge air from the lines.

Installation requires a solid, level enclosure. A complete seal between the front frame and the enclosure keeps the combustion system separate from the living space. The six mounting screws must be installed in order: front base first, then top frame, then rear base. Doing them out of order can cause leaks. Any gap above the refrigerator larger than 1-1/2 inches should be blocked, because trapped heat lowers efficiency. Never place the unit directly on carpet. You must also drill a hole for the drain hose and route the hose so it does not kink.

The food compartment is fully closed and unventilated. The coldest spots are under the cooling fins and at the bottom, while the upper door shelves are warmer. In the frozen food compartment, food keeps about three times longer than in the fresh food section, but the compartment is not meant for quick freezing. To make ice faster, set the trays directly on the freezer floor. Never store explosive substances such as lighter gas, gasoline or ether inside the cabinet.

To defrost, turn the unit off, empty it, and leave the drip tray in place with the doors open. Filling the ice trays with hot water shortens defrosting time. Do not use hot air blowers or sharp tools, because they can warp parts or puncture the ammonia system. Clean the interior with a weak lukewarm soda solution. Clean the evaporator, gasket and shelves with warm water only. If the unit will be stored for weeks, leave the doors ajar.

A qualified technician should do maintenance once or twice a year. This includes clearing vent obstructions, brushing the coils, leak-testing gas connections with bubble solution, checking gas pressure at the test port, cleaning the flue and burner, and checking that the flame burns clear blue. The door is reversible using the optional conversion kits, and it accepts a decorative panel that slides into the door frame grooves and is held in place with a decoration strip.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can't find the answer you need? Here are some frequently asked questions about the Dometic RM2551 Refrigerator, and we answer them below.


Can the Dometic RM2551 cool using 12 volt DC power?
No. The RM2551 is not designed for 12 V DC cooling. It cools on 120 V AC or LP gas only. However, it needs a continuous 12 V DC supply to run its electronic controls, which work down to 9.6 V DC.

How long does the refrigerator take to cool when first started?
On the very first start, the cooling cycle may need up to four hours before the cooling unit is fully working.

What does the CHECK indicator lamp mean?
The CHECK lamp comes on when the control fails to light the burner on gas within about 45 seconds. To reset it, press the main power ON/OFF button to OFF and then back ON. If the lamp keeps coming on after several tries, stop resetting and contact a service center.

Why won't the burner light after refilling the LP tanks?
Air may be trapped in the gas supply lines. To purge the air, you may need to reset the main power button three or four times. If it still won't light, make sure the tanks are not empty and that all manual shutoff valves are open, including the one on the back of the refrigerator.

What is the correct LP gas pressure for the RM2551?
The correct operating pressure is 11 inches of water column. Measure it at the pressure test port just ahead of the burner jet.

Does the refrigerator need to be level?
Yes, whenever the vehicle is parked for several hours with the refrigerator running. If the unit is not level, liquid ammonia can collect in the evaporator tubing and cooling can be lost. The vehicle only needs to be level enough to live in comfortably. Leveling does not matter while driving.

What fuses does the RM2551 use?
It has two fuses: a 3 A fuse for the control system and a 5 A fuse for the 120 V AC cartridge heater. Both are under the power module cover.

What is limp mode?
If the control cannot read the temperature sensor, it runs the cooling unit continuously on the available energy source. The refrigerator keeps cooling until a new sensor is installed and the system is reset.

How do I safely defrost the refrigerator?
Turn it off, empty it, leave the drip tray under the evaporator, and leave the doors open. You can put trays of hot water in the freezer to speed things up. Never use a hot air blower, a knife or an ice pick.

Can the door swing be changed?
Yes. The door is convertible. Door reversing kits are available in light brown and black, for both right-to-left and left-to-right conversion.

What size decorative door panel fits the RM2551?
The panel can be at most 5/32 in (4 mm) thick. It should be 981–983 mm (38-5/8 to 38-11/16 in) high and 524–527 mm (20-5/8 to 20-3/4 in) wide.

How often should the refrigerator be serviced?
Dometic recommends inspection and cleaning once or twice a year. This includes vents, coils, gas leak checks, gas pressure, and the flue and burner. A qualified technician familiar with LP gas systems should do the work.

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