In like flint? 1960 fridge

[Woodywhite]

I've got a 1960 Traveler with a Dometic model RM 45 fridge. Other posts show that the 1960 trailer was originally LP only so this may not have been stock. Anyway, it actually works on both LP and AC after having sat as an office for 10 years. It was great at cooling and freezing here in La Honda but it wouldn't freeze otter pops at Burning Man this year. Since I've got it out while repairing body work, I'll try the burp trick I've read about here in the forums.

But that's not my question. When lighting the LP, the procedure is to pull out and hold the orange knob and then spin the flint striker. It works but takes a number of efforts before the pilot (? - the blue light in the tiny window) stays lit.

Questions -
1. Does anyone else have an RM45? I haven't been able to find a reference anywhere for this model. I followed a thread to a fridge repair link for manuals, but it didn't have the RM45. Is it common for the flame to take a while to stay on?

2. The flint/striker works but does not feel robust. Does anyone know how to change the flint or striker wheel? The older manuals I have found show access from the side of the fridge but mine doesn't have the same port.

Thanks,
Bob

[VIKING]

Woodywhite, my Safari's refer is a later model I think, but I have the flint lighter. I rebuilt mine as it was very rusty and wouldn't turn at all. The spring and flint from a typical bic lighter fit perfectly. Yours may be the same, or....

Good luck,

Rich the Viking

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Woodywhite

I've got a 1960 Traveler with a Dometic model RM 45 fridge. Other posts show that the 1960 trailer was originally LP only so this may not have been stock. Anyway, it actually works on both LP and AC after having sat as an office for 10 years. It was great at cooling and freezing here in La Honda but it wouldn't freeze otter pops at Burning Man this year. Since I've got it out while repairing body work, I'll try the burp trick I've read about here in the forums.

But that's not my question. When lighting the LP, the procedure is to pull out and hold the orange knob and then spin the flint striker. It works but takes a number of efforts before the pilot (? - the blue light in the tiny window) stays lit.

Questions -
1. Does anyone else have an RM45? I haven't been able to find a reference anywhere for this model. I followed a thread to a fridge repair link for manuals, but it didn't have the RM45. Is it common for the flame to take a while to stay on?

2. The flint/striker works but does not feel robust. Does anyone know how to change the flint or striker wheel? The older manuals I have found show access from the side of the fridge but mine doesn't have the same port.

Thanks,
Bob

Bob.

A common problem with all RV reefers is the LPG burner.

Every 2 to 3 years, the burner should be removed and cleaned, along with the burner orifice.

The steel flue should also be cleaned by removing the spiral, then take a coat hanger and carefully add a piece of steel wool to the end. Then run the steel wool up and down the flue a number of times, until you see no further rust coming out of it.

DO NOT under any circumstances, use a sharp object to clean the orifice.

The burner and orifice can be properly cleaned in a jewelry ultra sonic cleaner, leaving it run for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Or, you can soak them in some Limeaway for 3 to 4 days, then rinse them very well with water.

Also make sure the LPG pressure is between 11 to 13 inches of water column pressure, preferably 12 to 12.5 inches.

Finally, when you fire up the reefer, make super sure that it is not more than 1/2 bubble off level. Measure the level point inside the freezer compartment. If not, you can cause a "vapor lock".

When the trailer is in motion, if it's off level for a while, nothing will be hurt.

Hope this solves the problem for you.

Andy

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Woodywhite

Questions -
1. Does anyone else have an RM45? I haven't been able to find a reference anywhere for this model. I followed a thread to a fridge repair link for manuals, but it didn't have the RM45. Is it common for the flame to take a while to stay on?

2. The flint/striker works but does not feel robust. Does anyone know how to change the flint or striker wheel? The older manuals I have found show access from the side of the fridge but mine doesn't have the same port.

Thanks,
Bob

Bob, it should take a couple of minutes before the pilot will stay lit. That's in case the pilot goes out, it won't continue pumping LP into that area, and maybe cause a fire.

If the striker feels "mushy", you can try stretching out the tension spring behind the flint a little bit, that may help.

[Woodywhite]

Thanks guys.
I couldn't find access from underneath or on the side so it looks like I have to access the flint and spring from the front by removing the front panel. Does that match any of your experience?

I'll take it on this weekend.

Thanks again,
Bob

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Woodywhite

Thanks guys.
I couldn't find access from underneath or on the side so it looks like I have to access the flint and spring from the front by removing the front panel. Does that match any of your experience?

I'll take it on this weekend.

Thanks again,
Bob

Bob.

There is a knurled long nut on the ignitor, immediately behind the front panel.

If you loosen it, the entire ignitor will easily come out.

Nothing to disassemble, nothing to do at the back of the reefer.

Andy