Mounting before mechanism
A dryer installed in a vehicle is bolted into a light structure that travels, so noise complaints here are usually mounting rather than mechanism. A machine that has worked loose in its cabinet, or one running on a surface well out of level, will be far louder than any worn part.
What you are seeing
- A rattle or bang from the cabinet during a cycle.
- The machine moves in its housing.
- A rumble that follows the drum turning.
- A noise that appeared after a journey.
- A metallic tick in time with the drum.
- Not this fault: A machine that hums but does not turn is a start fault - read that page.
- Not this fault: A quiet machine that will not dry is a drying fault.
Most likely causes, in Dometic order
- Mounting fixings loosened by travel — Why ranked: First on this equipment. A machine that has worked loose bangs against its cabinet, and the noise usually appears after a journey.
- Vehicle or boat well out of level — Why ranked: Second: an unlevel machine loads its drum unevenly and rumbles, and levelling is under the owner's control.
- An object in the drum or trapped at its front edge — Why ranked: Third. Coins and buttons scrape in time with the drum, exactly as they do in any dryer.
- Blower wheel fouled with lint — Why ranked: Fourth. It gives a whirring or ticking that follows the airflow rather than the drum.
- Drum roller or belt worn — Why ranked: Last, and identified by a rumble or squeal that has grown over time and is unaffected by level or fixings.
What to check, in order
- Ask whether the noise appeared after a journey. — Because: Travel loosens fixings, and timing tied to a journey points straight at the mounting.
- Press on the machine and its cabinet while it runs. — Because: A change in the sound is contact and mounting rather than a failing part.
- Check whether the vehicle is reasonably level. — Because: An unlevel machine rumbles and works harder, and it is the cheapest variable to change.
- Look inside the drum and around its front edge for objects. — Because: A scrape that follows the drum exactly is nearly always something caught.
Checks you can do safely
- Check every mounting fixing is present and tight. — N: 1 — Tools: Screwdriver, spanner — Time: moderate
- Level the vehicle as far as the site allows and run a cycle. — N: 2 — Tools: Level — Time: moderate
- Look inside the drum and at its front edge for coins and buttons. — N: 3 — Tools: Torch — Time: quick
- Clean the lint filter and check the blower area is clear. — N: 4 — Tools: Torch — Time: moderate
- Run an empty cycle and compare with a loaded one. — N: 5 — Tools: None — Time: one cycle
Before you open anything
Safety
Unplug the appliance or switch off its breaker before removing any panel. A capacitor can hold a charge after the power is off. A machine that has worked loose in a travelling installation is a hazard on the road as well as a noise - secure it before the vehicle moves again. Never reach into a drum that is still turning. Do not travel with a machine whose fixings are loose. Never run the machine with a panel removed to listen to it.
When this becomes a service call
A grinding or squealing noise that is unaffected by fixings and level. The machine has moved in its housing. A scrape that reproduces when the drum is turned by hand. Any noise together with a burning smell.
What this page does not cover
This is generalized information for Dometic dryers as a group. It does not separate machines mounted in motorhomes from those in boats and cabins, whose mountings differ, and it names no model-specific fixing, roller or belt. Where a family- or model-specific page exists it supersedes this one.
Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 12 years experience
Experienced technician with 12 years specializing in washing machine and dryer repairs across all major brands.
