I smell ammonia

[twobikes]

It happened quickly between the campsite and the dumpsite strong strong ammonia smell inside the trailer only faintly in the refrigerator compartment. I turned off the propane and I turned off the refrigerator what is my next step?

[SteveH]

I go to an RV repair place because you most likely need a new refrigerator. They're not really practical to repair once the spring a leak.

[twobikes]

We are northbound on I 26 toward Asheville. Anybody have any experience with camper world in Asheville?

[65CV]

We had the same problem a couple of years ago. We had one drop shipped from pplmotorhomes.com and had it installed by a local mobile repair guy. Saved a good bit of money doing it that way.

Having been through it and knowing the hassle, I did a quick google for you. I have no idea if this guy is good, but it is the first one I'd call in that area (I'm over 1000 miles away). Try http://www.rvtrailerandmotorhomerepair.com, phone is (828) 380-0887.

Again, I don't know him, but it looked reasonable on a quick google search.

[twobikes]

Thanks for the quick responses. I'm booked to have a replacement. On Wednesday with an overnight stay to make sure it's working okay ....my wallet is a lot lighter now. Thanks again for the advice And sympathy....Al

[helmsman]

Hello twobikes:

Yes, the refrigeration unit has sprung a leak on you. The ammonia smell is so bad it will drive everyone out of the trailer. Some folks claim to have fixed leaks, but when it happened to me, I researched it on line and felt I had only two options. First, I could purchase a new refrigeration unit and install it myself or I could purchase a new refrigerator. I opted for the new refrigerator because the latch on the old one was broken plus a couple of the shelves as well. It wasn't too much work hooking up the new one. Getting it through the door was difficult. I didn't have any help. That could be taken as a blessing depending on how you look at it.

If your happy with your present refrigerator, I'd seriously consider getting a new cooling unit and installing that.

Don

[rodsterinfl]

Well my fridge is dying. Smell gone but now gurgling. I priced the units and the Norcold brand is cheaper 641N versus the Dometic 3762RB. Any concerns or advice?

[Aage]

Heck, your refer is only what, 7 years old? Put in a new cooling unit! They are around half the price of a new refer, and they replace the exact part that died.

Here's a link to where I bought a new heating element for my refer. He really promotes the idea of using one or more fans to improve refer performance and extend their life.

RV Cooling Unit Warehouse

ps: I am only a customer, and have no interest in them at all

[blkmagikca]

A friend had his cooling unit replaced at Trailer & RV Refrigeration - Sales and Service Gas RV Refrigerators
They rebuild the units themselves and will ship the cooling unit to you or to a shop you designate or you can arrange to bring your unit there and they will do the replacement. BTW, Tucson at this time of year is a nice place to visit.

[Aage]

Look on Youtube for videos on how to install an RV cooling unit.

Of course, it all depends on how apt you are with tools, but I don't think that it is a difficult job.

Watch the video, make your own decision.

[gsj]

The same thing just happened to us. We are in Austin and can't tow it at this moment. Is this an issue that is easy enough for us to fix ourselves? Otherwise, we'll need a mobile repair... ugh!