Automotive / RV Appliances
Installation Manual for Dometic 10-Series Absorption Refrigerator RMD10.5T and RMD10.5XT
Comprehensive installation guide for Dometic 10-Series absorption refrigerators (RMD10.5T, RMD10.5XT). Includes safety instructions, recess dimensions, ventilation requirements, gas and electrical connection procedures, and technical...
Table of contents
Manual images
Click an image to enlargeQuick Guide for Installation
This manual provides essential instructions for the professional installation of Dometic 10-Series absorption refrigerators. Key requirements include ensuring the vehicle is parked horizontally (max 3° angle), maintaining proper ventilation, and adhering to strict gas and electrical safety standards. All installations must be performed by authorized personnel.
Safety Instructions
Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious injury or death.
- Explosion Hazard: Never open the absorber unit as it is under high pressure. Only operate at the pressure specified on the type plate.
- Fire Hazard: Use only propane or butane gas. Never use natural gas or town gas. Do not use naked flames to check for leaks. Ensure clean handling of silicone sealants.
- Health Hazard: Do not operate if visibly damaged. Repairs must be performed by qualified personnel.
- Asphyxiation Risk: When disposing of the old device, remove doors and leave shelves in place to prevent accidental enclosure.
Installing the Refrigerator
The refrigerator must be installed in a recess that secures it while the vehicle is in motion.
- Recess Dimensions: Ensure the recess meets the specific height, width, and depth requirements for your model (RMD10.5T or RMD10.5XT).
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation is critical. Install air inlet and outlet vents to allow heat dissipation. The distance between vents must be at least 1250 mm. If this is not possible, a roof vent must be used.
- Draft-Proof Installation: Gas-powered refrigerators in RVs must be installed in a draft-free location. Use appropriate sealing (single or double lipped sealing) between the refrigerator and the vehicle interior.
- Flue Duct: Install the Dometic gas flue kit 3776. Do not install an additional flue stack.
Connecting the Refrigerator
All connections must be performed by a specialist in accordance with national regulations.
- Gas Supply: Use flexible gas piping. A hose connection is not permitted. The gas filter must not be removed. Perform a leak test and flame test after installation.
- DC and AC Power: The refrigerator requires a D+ signal to detect when the engine is running for automatic mode. DC connections for electronics and the heating element must be protected by appropriate fuses (2A and 20A respectively) and must not be joined on a single wire.
- CI-Bus: The refrigerator features a CI-Bus interface for control via a central vehicle display.
Technical Data
Key specifications for the 10-Series refrigerators:
- Connection Voltage: 230 V~ / 50 Hz and 12 V DC.
- Gas Pressure: 2.75 kPa.
- Climate Class: T (Tropical).
- Gas Consumption: 522 g/24 h.
- Weight: 43.9 kg (RMD10.5T) / 45.5 kg (RMD10.5XT).
Manufacturer information
Dometic
Practical help
Common problems
Smell of ammonia
Indicates damage to the refrigerant circuit. Switch off the device immediately, avoid naked flames, and ventilate the room well.
Poor cooling performance
Check ventilation. Ensure the distance between the refrigerator and the rear wall is 15-25 mm. Ensure vents are not covered by vehicle parts.
Gas leak
Check connections with soap and water. Never use an unshielded flame for leak detection.
Before use
- Ensure the vehicle is parked horizontally (max 3° angle).
- Verify gas pressure matches the type plate (2.75 kPa).
- Ensure ventilation grills are installed and not obstructed.
- Verify that the gas connection is secure and leak-tested.
- Ensure electrical connections (D+ signal) are correctly wired for engine-running detection.
Specs in practice
- Gas connecting pressure
- 2.75 kPa; must match the pressure regulator on the gas cylinder.
- Climate class T
- Tropical class, suitable for high ambient temperatures.
- Gross capacity
- 153L for RMD10.5T and 177L for RMD10.5XT.
Images and diagrams
- Fig 1: Recess dimensions for installation.
- Fig 8: Draft-proof sealing installation for different gap sizes.
- Fig 25: Wiring diagram for DC/AC connections.
- Fig 14: Condensation drain installation.
Model compatibility
- Only for use with propane or butane gas (not natural gas).
- Requires D+ signal for automatic mode operation.
- Must be installed in a draft-proof location for gas operation.
Manual page author
David Miller
Documentation analyst
Organizes user manual content into clear summaries, with attention to model details, product context, and everyday usability.