Fridge frame heater mod

[Gary M]

This is a really simple mod that's been done numerous ways, and is mainly for boondockers wanting to preserve those precious amp hours, as the frame heater uses a substantial amount of power with its "climate control" function. It's really only needed in humid environments to battle condensation. Previous models came with a switch to toggle the climate control, but dometic has decided to save money by not installing it on some models. Without this switch to turn it off, the frame heater will draw 12v power continuously at a rate of about 12 amp hours a day(24 hours).

Some people choose to just remove the J2 connector in the exterior panel, and that will disable both the frame heater, and the interior light. I wanted to keep my light working to be able to find my beer in the dark 

Here's how I did it on my dometic 2652 2-way fridge in my Camplite 2018 21BHS...

I removed the light cover and installed this $5.00 rocker switch from amazon by driling a hole in it with a 7/8" bit.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0057M4J4E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

For the wiring, I disabled power to the fridge with my battery disconnect switch, and verified the shore power plug was disconnected. Then I cut the thicker of the 2 red wires that are behind the light housing(if you cut the wrong one the light won't work, just re-connect it), and extended the two cut ends of the wire to be able to reach the switch. Then I just installed some female spade connectors, connected it to the switch and that was it. Mod complete. Almost....

Next step was finding an LED replacement for the incandescent bulb, resulting in even more power savings. The only place I was able to find one was on Ebay. Just do a search for "dometic refrigerator LED".

Now I just flip the switch to turn off the frame heater while boondocking, and I turn it back on when the trailers back home plugged into shore power. Hope this helps someone else looking to save some amp hours

[DavidM]

That is a pretty slick mod! I don't have a frame heater on my fridge (only double door units do), but if I had one this is exactly what I would do.

David

[gbpack]

Great mod Gary! So this way you can disable the frame heater (by flipping the rocker switch) but the light in the fridge stays on? If so, then I need to do this as well!

[Gary M]

Great mod Gary! So this way you can disable the frame heater (by flipping the rocker switch) but the light in the fridge stays on? If so, then I need to do this as well!

Yea, frame heater will be disabled, and the light will still come on when you open the door. The LED makes it look alot better inside too. More modern looking. Highly recommend getting that bulb.

[GrampaKilt]

Excellent mod! GK