When our fridge died while at an RV show, we were told it would cost $1,000 to replace it. We travel on a budget (working as we go) and we're going on a big far north four month tour starting in June. A chance conversation with an RVer led us to "burping" the fridge, lying it on its side before bringing it back upright. We were happy campers to see it working again. But I have since been told it may only be a temporary fix. What do you know about this process and have you heard how long it lasts?
Mark says:
Back in the '70s we would burp RV refrigerators frequently. Older RV refrigerators (pre-early '80s) required precise leveling to work properly. If the unit wasn't level the flow of ammonia in the coils would get vapor locked and the refrigerator wouldn't cool. You would remove the refrigerator and (burp it) turn it upside down for 24 hours. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't.
Newer RV refrigerators don't require as precise leveling as older models. If it's within half a bubble on the level it will operate okay. If you experience a problem with a newer model you can usually turn the refrigerator off a couple hours, make sure the RV is level and turn it back on. If a refrigerator is operated out of level (more than half a bubble) for extended periods the coolant can pool (stop moving) and overheat, resulting in the cooling unit failing.
There are some tell-tale signs of a failing cooling unit. If you smell ammonia in or around the refrigerator the cooling unit is bad and will need to be replaced. If the refrigerator makes loud noises during the initial cool down process the cooling unit may be going bad.
If you burped the unit it's possible that it removed an obstruction that was restricting the flow and now it is okay. If it has other symptoms like I mentioned, or was operated out of level, it will probably need to be replaced. I wish I could tell you more, but it's difficult to say what the outcome will be.
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Does this apply to all-electric fridges? We have a 12-volt refrigerator that operates on an inverter when the RV is plugged into shore power or the generator is running. Otherwise, it works on the house batteries.
ReplyDeleteGas refrigerators are nothing but JUNK. I hate the SOB's. When you replace it buy a 120v 12v compressor type and a extra battery to run it. After you do all of that take the old gas unit out to the rifle range and use it for target practice, that is all they are good for.
ReplyDeleteSince my 1970 travel trailer that we lived in, to my 2005 Class A, six trvel trailers, and three motorhomes and never once had a Domedic or Norcold refriderator failure.
ReplyDeleteWe have a 2001 Class A Diesel MH and have NEVER turned our refrigerator off. Is this advisable? We are snowbirds from Canada living in CA/AZ for 5 months and home in B.C. for 7 months a year.
ReplyDeleteThanks. The Spracklins