|
|
07-07-2016, 06:36 PM
|
#1
|
1 Rivet Member
2005 25' Classic
New Braunfels
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 9
|
Dometic Refrigerator Flame Going Out on Highway
When traveling on the Interstate at or near 70 miles per hour, our refrigerator is shutting off while running on propane. We noticed this when we kept seeing the 'Check' light illuminate after traveling on Interstate 40. On slower back roads and while camping we aren't having any issues. I've removed the burner windshield, cleaned the burner/orifice area, and reinstalled the windshield, but we keep having this issue. Any thoughts on what else I should check or anything I can do do better protect the flame? I think after 30 seconds of trying to relight, the refrigerator stops and illuminates the 'Check' light. Is that correct?
2005 25' Safari
Thanks,
Corey
Turnerstream.com
|
|
|
07-07-2016, 06:59 PM
|
#2
|
3 Rivet Member
1974 25' Tradewind
Calgary
, Alberta
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 109
|
I know this is going to foment a flood of indignant replies that "We never shut off our propane and it's okay!" but I think you'll find that if you look at any trailer towing publications anywhere, they will all tell you to shut off your propane tanks at the tank valve while traveling.
For instance:
Manitoba Insurance pamphlet (page 8)
BC Things you need to know
Just sayin'. I'm sure that you could find a recommendation from every state and province's DMV, to shut off the propane while traveling.
The fact is that if your fridge is worthy of the name, and you have it and the freezer reasonably stocked with food items and beverages, it will keep itself cool enough through a day of towing that there is no problem shutting the thing off while on the move.
Edit:
According to this link, it's illegal to travel with the propane (tank) valves open. That means you would be charged and possibly be found negligent if any problem were to occur due to the valves being open while you're going down the road. Any lawyer for a third-party injury or property damage claimant would definitely have a field day.
|
|
|
07-07-2016, 11:43 PM
|
#3
|
Rivet Master
2008 27' Safari FB SE
Miami
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,138
|
Don't know where the author of the article you linked to got her information but it is perfectly legal, at least in Florida, to travel with the propane on and the refrigerator operating on it. I know of no U.S. Jurisdiction that prohibits the practice other than a handful of vehicle tunnels (I.e. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel).
Most of us do it. But everyone is free to make their own decision.
I suspect that towing at 70 has a lot to do with the reefer flame blowing out. You may need to extend the baffling or add a screen behind the door louvers.
__________________
Sorta new (usually dirty) Nissan Titan XD (hardly paid for)
Middle-aged Safari SE
Young, lovely bride
Dismissive cat
|
|
|
07-08-2016, 07:13 AM
|
#4
|
Rivet Master
1974 Argosy 26
Morrill
, Nebraska
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,014
|
Dometic Refrigerator Flame Going Out on Highway
Why even have a refer if you shut it down while traveling? You might as well have an ice box.
|
|
|
07-08-2016, 07:13 AM
|
#5
|
Site Team
2007 30' Classic S/O
Somewhere
, South Carolina
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,436
|
Not sure if your unit was part of the recall to add extra shroud. Search for your fridge.
__________________
S/OS #001 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L 6 Speed
16" Michelins, Hi Spec Wheels, Max Brake, Dexter 4 Piston Disc Brakes, Carslile Actuator, Equal-I-Zer, Dill TPMS. Campfire cook. BMV-712. DEMCO 21K Lb Cast Iron coupler
|
|
|
07-08-2016, 07:25 AM
|
#6
|
Rivet Master
2008 25' Classic
Full Time
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,309
|
I had the same problem on my preowned 2008 Classic 25fb when I purchased in 2013. I had the recall performed which added a larger shroud around the burner unit. Luckily this fixed the issue.
Kelvin
__________________
2008 Classic 25fb "Silver Mistress"
2015 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins. Crew Cab, 4x4, Silver
|
|
|
07-08-2016, 11:42 AM
|
#7
|
Rivet Master
2000 19' Bambi
mt. Prospect
, Illinois
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 829
|
I had this problem for a couple of years- I'd stop while on the road, and half of the time find the propane flame had gone out. Problematic, at the least, if you want to keep things in the fridge from warming up. Tried all of the suggestions - cleaned the burner assembly and chimney, put a wind blocking layer of furnace filter material inside the exterior fridge door, etc. I started thinking about replacing the thermocouple, and while examining what would be involved, I found that the connection in the thermocouple line (it's inside the exterior fridge door) had come loose - it was finger tight, and a bump would probably cause a loss of voltage and shut down the gas flow. Tightening with wrenches fixed that problem - it's been a couple of years with no further problems.
__________________
No WD, but a great DW!
|
|
|
07-08-2016, 12:37 PM
|
#8
|
"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by GCinSC2
Not sure if your unit was part of the recall to add extra shroud. Search for your fridge.
|
X
X2
Here is what the recall shroud looks like on our fridge.
Bob
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
|
|
|
07-08-2016, 12:46 PM
|
#9
|
4 Rivet Member
2009 28' International
Pacific Palisades
, California
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 436
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by KJRitchie
I had the same problem on my preowned 2008 Classic 25fb when I purchased in 2013. I had the recall performed which added a larger shroud around the burner unit. Luckily this fixed the issue.
Kelvin
|
Anybody have a link to this specific recall? I can only find the link for older models for the unit working on electric, and nothing for a larger baffle recall.
Thanks!
|
|
|
07-08-2016, 12:58 PM
|
#10
|
3 Rivet Member
1974 25' Tradewind
Calgary
, Alberta
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 109
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by n2916s
Don't know where the author of the article you linked to got her information but it is perfectly legal, at least in Florida, to travel with the propane on and the refrigerator operating on it. I know of no U.S. Jurisdiction that prohibits the practice other than a handful of vehicle tunnels (I.e. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel).
|
I did some more reading and I may stand (sit) corrected, at least partially. I did find out some interesting stuff. - Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and New Jersey prohibit travel with open propane cylinders
- At least one state (Virginia?) has a maximum of 2, 20 pound tanks
- Ferry services definitely prohibit open propane cylinders.
We've always traveled with closed propane tanks; we pre-cool the fridge before leaving on a trip and we haven't had any issues with food warming up during a day's travel. As noted, you're free to do what you like...
|
|
|
07-08-2016, 04:52 PM
|
#11
|
Site Team
2007 30' Classic S/O
Somewhere
, South Carolina
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,436
|
__________________
S/OS #001 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L 6 Speed
16" Michelins, Hi Spec Wheels, Max Brake, Dexter 4 Piston Disc Brakes, Carslile Actuator, Equal-I-Zer, Dill TPMS. Campfire cook. BMV-712. DEMCO 21K Lb Cast Iron coupler
|
|
|
07-08-2016, 06:14 PM
|
#12
|
1 Rivet Member
2005 25' Classic
New Braunfels
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 9
|
Thanks for the responses. I'll look into the recall and the thermocoupler fitting.
|
|
|
07-08-2016, 08:22 PM
|
#13
|
4 Rivet Member
2011 30' Flying Cloud
Arvada
, Colorado
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 411
|
We travel with our refrig operating on propane and from time to time the flame will blow out. I agree with others that a day of travel all not adversely impact keeping your box cold if it happens to be off.
|
|
|
07-08-2016, 08:31 PM
|
#14
|
Moderator
2004 30' Classic Slideout
Fenton
, Missouri
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 10,411
|
I know there have been some Dometic recall's over the years to add a larger baffle to deal with blowouts of the flame on the road. My 2001 Safari had that problem and the dealer built a larger baffle which fixed that problem. Some folks have actually fabricated some small furnace filters to fit on the door. However those need to be removed when parked to allow proper airflow into the refrigerator compartment.
Jack
__________________
Jack Canavera
STL Mo.
AIR #56 S/OS#15
'04 Classic 30' S.O.,'03 GMC Savana 2500
|
|
|
07-09-2016, 12:30 AM
|
#15
|
:SPACE A" S/O 11 Air19745
2006 34' Classic S/O
Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,766
|
I had that problem and cleaning the circuit board terminal connections and adding dielectric grease solved the problem forever. The circuit board contact are not gold and therefor corrode easily. Hope this helps. Mine will stand 80MPH and semis passing.
guskmg
|
|
|
07-09-2016, 09:48 AM
|
#16
|
2 Rivet Member
1990 34' Excella
Waterloo
, Ontario
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 26
|
I recently had the exact same problem. I solved it by fitting a furnace filter (10 x 20 x01) in the opening behind the louvre door of the exterior fridge access. This prevents the flame from being blown out while travelling.
Problem solved, for me anyway.
|
|
|
07-09-2016, 10:57 AM
|
#17
|
New Member
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Merritt Island
, fredbrandeberry
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 4
|
LP on is dangerous - If you don't open the door for 8 hours on an 80 degree day the temp will go up 2 degrees.
Use wireless thermometer to tell temp - if you must run refer, get an inverter.
RV101byFred.com
|
|
|
07-09-2016, 11:14 AM
|
#18
|
Rivet Master
1974 Argosy 26
Morrill
, Nebraska
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,014
|
Pointless to have a refer that you can't have access to make lunch or get a cold drink while on the road. You will lose temp if the door is opened numerous times during the day.
We travel with the refer operating. And will continue to do so.
|
|
|
07-10-2016, 05:18 PM
|
#19
|
Rivet Master
2005 31' Classic
Garner,
, North Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,031
|
have not noticed a flame out issue on a 2005 classic with trip from florida to nc and raleigh to boone and back.
not sure what tires you are running but 70 is like WAY to fast for most of the ST tire i have heard.. the only time i see 70 is going down hill seeing another hill ahead and wanting to gather some steam to help pull up the incline..
sorta like when i used to drive a tractor trailer for Thurston Motor lines.. We had what everyone called "dragon fly" trucks. we would drag up the hill and fly down the other side.. seems the trucks were governed to 1800 RPM which limited speed to 62 MPH. We ran detroit 8v71 motors that like to run 2000 rpm to get in the power range so being limited to 1800 was an anchor.
__________________
Carl, Raleigh NC
2-24-16 got a 2005 Classic 31D 460 watts solar, lithium 230 AH, 16" LT's, pulled by:
2003 F-250 SD, CC, 7.3L PowerStroke
WBCCI#1691, Piedmont Airstream Club, Unit #161, Region #3
|
|
|
07-17-2016, 11:53 AM
|
#20
|
2 Rivet Member
1987 33' Argosy
Campbellsville
, Kentucky
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 29
|
This is why I will NOT drive with my refrigerator running when we travel:
__________________
"Not all who wander are lost."
87 Argosy 33 F since April 2010
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|