We woke up last Tuesday to a flurry of messages from guests asking about the Dometic refrigerator recall that just hit the news. Several RVs here at Arrow Creek have the affected models, and the concern is real. If you own or travel in an RV manufactured between late 2024 and early 2025, there’s a chance your refrigerator is part of this recall. The issue involves a potential fire hazard related to the cooling unit’s heating element, and Dometic has issued a stop-use notice for specific models until repairs can be completed. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about this RV refrigerator recall, which models are affected, and what steps you should take right now to protect your family and your investment.
Which Dometic Models Are Part of the RV Refrigerator Recall
The recall affects Dometic DM2852 and DM2862 absorption refrigerators installed in RVs manufactured between October 2024 and March 2025. These are the larger models, typically 8 to 10 cubic feet, found in Class A motorhomes, fifth wheels, and larger travel trailers. We’ve seen these units in several popular brands including Forest River, Grand Design, Jayco, and Thor products that rolled off assembly lines during that window.
The specific problem centers on a manufacturing defect in the heating element assembly. During the absorption cooling cycle, the heating element can overheat beyond its designed temperature range. This creates a fire risk even when the RV is parked and the refrigerator is running on propane or electric mode. Three incidents have been reported so far, including one that caused significant damage to a fifth wheel parked at a campground in North Carolina.
Here’s what you need to check on your refrigerator. Open the door and look for the data plate, usually located on the inside left wall near the top. You’re looking for the model number and the serial number. The affected serial numbers fall within these ranges: DM2852 units with serials starting with 24J through 25C, and DM2862 units with serials starting with 24K through 25C. The third and fourth characters indicate the year and month of manufacture.
We’ve helped about a dozen guests check their units since the recall notice went out. The data plate can be hard to read after a few years of use, especially if moisture has gotten to it. Bring a flashlight and maybe a damp cloth to wipe it clean. Take a photo with your phone so you have a record. If you can’t locate the data plate or it’s too damaged to read, you can also find your RV’s manufacturing date on the certification label near the main entry door, which will tell you if your rig was built during the affected timeframe.
What the Safety Issue Means for Your RV
The technical details matter here because they affect how you use your RV right now. The heating element in these Dometic absorption refrigerators operates at around 400 degrees Fahrenheit during normal cooling cycles. The defect allows temperatures to spike above 600 degrees in certain conditions. That’s hot enough to ignite nearby insulation, wiring, or even the refrigerator’s own housing materials.
The risk increases when the refrigerator switches between power sources or when ambient temperatures are high. We’re heading into summer here in Gatlinburg, where afternoon temperatures regularly hit the upper 80s. Running your refrigerator on a hot day while parked at a campsite creates exactly the conditions where this defect becomes dangerous. The smell of burning plastic or an unusual chemical odor near your refrigerator compartment is the first warning sign several owners reported before discovering problems.
Dometic’s stop-use notice is not a suggestion. If your refrigerator is on the recall list, you need to turn it off immediately and keep it off until the repair is completed. That means no propane mode, no electric mode, no operation at all. We know this creates a real problem for anyone planning extended trips or currently on the road. You’ll need to use coolers with ice or find alternative cold storage solutions until your unit is fixed.
One of our long-term guests discovered his 2025 Grand Design had an affected unit. He’s been running a high-quality cooler with block ice, which he replaces every two days from our camp store. Not ideal, but it’s keeping his food safe while he waits for the repair appointment. The reality is that RV refrigerators are complex appliances, and this particular defect could lead to a total loss of your RV if a fire starts while you’re away from the unit.
How to Register for the Recall and Get Your Refrigerator Fixed
Dometic has set up a dedicated recall hotline at 1-800-544-4881 and a web portal at www.dometicrecall.com. You’ll need your refrigerator’s model number and serial number to register. The process takes about ten minutes. They’ll verify whether your unit is affected and schedule a repair appointment through an authorized service center.
The repair itself involves replacing the entire heating element assembly with a redesigned version that includes additional thermal cutoff switches. Dometic estimates the repair takes two to three hours once parts are available. They’re prioritizing repairs based on when owners register and geographic location. Service centers in high-traffic RV areas are getting parts shipments first.
Here’s the frustrating part. Current wait times for repair appointments are running four to eight weeks depending on your location. Parts availability is the bottleneck. Dometic is manufacturing the replacement assemblies as fast as they can, but with thousands of affected units nationwide, the supply chain is stretched. We’ve heard from guests who registered in early June and are looking at late July or early August appointments.
The repair is completely free. Dometic is covering parts and labor at authorized service centers. If you’re currently traveling and can’t easily get to a service center near your home, you can have the work done anywhere there’s an authorized Dometic repair facility. Keep all your documentation, including your registration confirmation and any correspondence with Dometic. Some RV insurance policies may offer coverage for related expenses like food spoilage or temporary lodging if the recall affects your travel plans.
Several mobile RV repair services are also getting authorized to perform these repairs. That might be an option if you’re staying at Arrow Creek or another campground for an extended period. The mobile techs can come to your site, though you may wait a bit longer for an appointment compared to taking your RV to a fixed service center.
What to Do If You’re Currently Camping with an Affected Refrigerator
We’ve had this exact situation play out here at our campground. A family from Ohio arrived last week for a ten-day stay and discovered their refrigerator was on the recall list. Here’s what we walked them through, and what you should do if you’re in the same boat.
First, turn off the refrigerator immediately. Switch it to OFF, not just to a different power mode. If you’re on a full hookup site like the ones we offer here at Arrow Creek, unplug the refrigerator’s power cord if you can access it. If your RV has a dedicated circuit breaker for the refrigerator, flip it off. For propane operation, close the valve on your propane line if possible. You want zero power going to that unit.
Next, deal with your food. Anything perishable needs to go into coolers with ice right away. Our camp store stocks ice, and we keep plenty on hand. If you’re at a campground without a store, find the nearest grocery or gas station. Block ice lasts longer than cubed ice for this purpose. A good cooler kept in the shade with minimal opening will hold safe temperatures for 24 to 48 hours per ice load.
Register for the recall as soon as possible. Even if you’re in the middle of a trip, get your information into Dometic’s system. The sooner you register, the sooner you’ll get a repair slot. Ask Dometic’s recall hotline about service centers near your current location or along your planned route. You might be able to get the repair done during your trip if timing works out.
Consider modifying your plans if needed. If you were planning to boondock or dry camp, you’ll need hookups now so you can run coolers and possibly a small backup refrigerator. Some RVers carry portable 12-volt refrigerators as backup units. If you don’t have one, you might want to invest in a quality cooler setup that can get you through the next several weeks. The Yeti-style rotomolded coolers actually work well for extended use if you manage your ice and minimize opening them.
Check your RV insurance policy. Some policies include coverage for food spoilage or additional expenses related to manufacturer recalls. Document everything: photos of your refrigerator’s data plate, receipts for ice and coolers, records of any changed travel plans. This documentation supports any insurance claims you might file.
Resources Available at Arrow Creek for Guests Dealing with Recalls
We’re here to help our guests navigate situations like this RV refrigerator recall. Our camp store stays stocked with ice year-round, and we’ve increased our inventory since this recall news broke. We sell both block ice and bagged cubed ice at reasonable prices. If you need larger quantities, let us know a day ahead and we can make sure we have enough on hand.
Our office has WiFi and a quiet space where you can make phone calls to Dometic or your insurance company without background noise. The recall registration process works better on a computer than on a phone, and you’re welcome to use our office computer if you need to access the web portal. We can also help you locate authorized Dometic service centers in Tennessee and surrounding states.
For guests staying with us long-term while waiting for repairs, we can work with you on extended stay rates. Several folks are doing exactly that right now. They’re enjoying everything the Smokies have to offer while their repair appointments get scheduled. You’re only two minutes from Bent Creek Golf Course and five minutes from downtown Gatlinburg. Cades Cove is a 35-minute drive, perfect for a day trip while you wait.
We’ve also connected guests dealing with the same recall so they can share information and solutions. The RV community is strong, and people help each other out. Someone might have tips on the best cooler setup or know which service center has the shortest wait times. That kind of real-world information is valuable when you’re dealing with an unexpected problem like this.
If you discover your refrigerator is on the recall list while you’re here, talk to us right away. We’ll help you figure out the best path forward, whether that’s extending your stay, finding a local service center, or adjusting your travel plans. We’ve managed TRG Resorts campgrounds long enough to know that RV life comes with unexpected challenges. This recall is a significant one, but it’s manageable with the right information and support.
The most important thing is safety. We’ve seen what RV fires can do, and they spread fast. A refrigerator fire can destroy your entire rig in minutes. The inconvenience of using coolers for a few weeks is nothing compared to that risk. Take this RV refrigerator recall seriously, check your model and serial numbers today, and register for the repair if your unit is affected. We’re here at 4721 East Parkway in Gatlinburg, right at the border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, ready to help however we can. Stay safe out there, and we’ll see you at the campground.