Any tests for buying a used Fridge?

[Toddnick]

I've been looking on craigslist for a new fridge for my sovereign and bought one, only to find it didn't work. The guy left town so I'm left out, but for the next one I'd like to hear on any tips for buying a used fridge.
Many thanks
Todd

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Toddnick

I've been looking on craigslist for a new fridge for my sovereign and bought one, only to find it didn't work. The guy left town so I'm left out, but for the next one I'd like to hear on any tips for buying a used fridge.
Many thanks
Todd

If the seller is not a long established neighbor, then don't.

Andy

[easyride]

Main thing is make sure it doesn`t smell like ammonia,most of the other things can be repaired. Dave

[AIR-Quarius]

Keep it sitting in an up right position while transporting.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by easyride

Main thing is make sure it doesn`t smell like ammonia,most of the other things can be repaired. Dave

Not necessarily true, if the cooling coil has been "vapor locked".

Unfortuantely, that cannot always be corrected.

Andy

[Toddnick]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Not necessarily true, if the cooling coil has been "vapor locked".

Unfortuantely, that cannot always be corrected.

Andy

This is true- its what happened to the first one I got. Its a dometic RM100 and NO ONE remanufactures the coil system on them that old.
Its sad b/c the 110 and gas heater work fine on it.

[Aage]

Well, do a search on burping a refer. Many have reported good results. If you can smell ammonia, though, it prolly needs more than a burp.

Also, even if the main guts are gone, for many models there are complete rebuild kits that sell for considerably less than buying a new one...

[samb]

I have "acquired" six used fridges for various projects, all of them on craigslist. The price ranged from free to $75. Five of them work perfectly, but the $75 one was garbage. I now call ahead and have the seller either plug them in or hook up to propane the day before I get there if it isn't already in operation. If it is cold on one or the other I know I can make it work for me. If someone wants to buy it out from under me before I can get there or the seller does not want to hook it up early I am out of luck or will pass. Someone else can have the possible headache. I know that a used fridge, like a new one, will not last forever, but if the price is right I go for it. I also now have a spare for each of my trailers.
Sam