Flame out on Refrigerator When Traveling

[jcanavera]

Some Airstream owners have reported problems with their newer trailers keeping the flame lit on the refrigerator when traveling.

According to Airstream, there are two fixes. One involves building a metal baffle that covers the area in front of the burner. Another solution is to get a small furnace filter that you would install on the compartment access door. In some instances the metal baffle does not always fix the problem but the furnace filter does.

If you use the furnace filter technique, you need to remove the filter once you reach your destination point otherwise air flow into the refrigerator compartment will be negatively impacted.

I have the metal baffle on mine and it ended my problems. For further information check with your Airstream dealer.

Jack

[markjoandall]

Jack,

We've had the same problems with our 2001 30' excella. It sure is frustrating. We've taken it back to the dealer and they installed the baffel. The baffel hasn't worked for us. About 20 minutes down the road, and the refrigerator is on check. We took the trailer on a 24 hour tow from New England to Florida and the food in the freezer was beginning to thaw out.

I'll try the furnace filter thing.

Mark

[jcanavera]

Mark,
A fellow I know with a '99 Safari had the baffle installed in his, and it didn't work either. The filter did do the job for him. Just don't forget to remove it once you are parked.

Jack

[wyhjr]

Hi all,
Had the same problem with our 2000 Safari 27. The dealer simply repositioned the existing burner baffle and the problem went away!

Bill Howell
2000 Safari 27
WBCCI 2526
Wappapello, Mo

[jcanavera]

Originally posted by wyhjr
Hi all,
Had the same problem with our 2000 Safari 27. The dealer simply repositioned the existing burner baffle and the problem went away!

That's interesting Bill. Did you buy your trailer new from Bill Thomas here in St. Louis? Did you notice what was repositioned or does it look pretty much the same as before?

Regards,

Jack

[wyhjr]

Hi Jack,
No, our trailer was advertised in the "Blue Beret" by a fellow in Galveston,Tx. He bought it in summer 2000, took it home, backed it into a shed and NEVER used it!?! I saved a bunch on an essentially brand new trailer. The plastic wrappers were still on the carpet, mattress and appliances.
The baffle I referred to, was a small sheet metal part attached to the inside of the fridge and located adjacent to the burner. It apparently was positioned too far away from the burner and allowed air currents to blow out the flame. Since the adjustment, we haven't had a problem using the fridge on the road.
Bill

[jcanavera]

Hi Bill,
Here is a picture of a dealer built baffle used to prevent flame out on the refrigerators while traveling. This picture comes from a '99 Safari and according to the owner, didn't work. They ended up using the furnace filter idea. My baffle is a little wider and has corrected my problem.

Jack

[83Excella]

You may want to read this about running the propane while traveling.
www.rvsafety.com/MorePropSafety.htm

John

[Raptorrider2001]

Had the same problem when I picked mine up in Utah and headed home a few months ago. A quick stop at Home Depot and a couple of dollars solved it. I purchased a small A/C filter and placed it inside the access door. It will not block ventilation but keeps the gusts from blowing the flame out. I think it was about 12" x 18", not sure. I just measured the inside of the door opening and bought one as close to that size as I could find. You may have to cut one to fit. I have used this fix on several units I have had over the years.