Absorption fridge question

[s1000pre]

I leave my absorption fridge set to “4” and typically the ice cream is rock hard. Today after plugging in to shore power, I noticed the freshly filled ice trays haven't froze through after sitting in the freezer for 7-8 hours. I also noticed the ice cream in soft. The temperatures reached 90 today, though I have been in temps into the low 100’s without an issue. Has anyone noticed if an absorption fridge performs better off propane than plugged in?

[Bill M.]

I know that now that it is going above 90 daily here in Fl we have our older absorption fridge running on electricity set on 5. We had similar issues as you when on 4 where it was set for the last 2 months. We also sometimes have a problem getting the doors really closed, The fridge is sorta marginal at high ambient temperatures.

[field & stream]

Not an expert on this, but I have heard a thousand times that they are more efficient on propane than electric. However, I have always wondered whether that meant they functionaly work better on propane or meant that in terms of engineering analysis they use less energy. I have never cared because we camp where there is no electric service almost exclusively.

One variable is certain: absorption fridges regardless of power source work less well at higher ambient temperatures, with 90 degrees being kind of an inflection point.

I hope an expert weighs in here….

[GCinSC2]

Does your fridge have a thermistor (temp sensitive resistor) attached to a cooling fin? This may vary by model etc. mine does and its location on a fin is part of the temp control system.

[Turbulence]

I tried moving the thermistor and adding an extra fan - but when it's hot, the absorption fridge would not keep up on shore power. I tried using propane, and that solved the problem. I check all of the voltages as in the service guide - and everything checked out so I never got the bottom of it.

But...I upgraded to a 2022 with a DC fridge and no more worries about that.

[richard5933]

If your electric functions poorly but things are good on propane I'd start inspecting the electric side.

The basic operation is an electric element which gets shoved up inside the flue where it tries to mimic the heat from the gas flame below it. The electric elements themselves can burn out and fail, and the connections to them can also get corroded and dirty causing a reduction in voltage, causing a reduction in the heat from the element, causing a reduction in the cooling of the fridge.

You can find the specifics for your electric element online. Then use a multimeter to check the resistance of the element using the ohm function. If the element tests good, then move on to the connections.

The element has two leads going to it - follow them and make sure that all associated connections are clean and tight all the way back to the control panel.

There are many videos online about how to further troubleshoot the electric side of an absorption fridge.

Good luck.

[s1000pre]

I disconnected shore power and ran off propane today. It was 92 outside, inside temp reached 96 in direct sunshine without AC. Everything in the freezer was rock hard at (level 4) items in fridge were nice and cold. Like mentioned above, I'll dig in and figure out why my fridge remains colder at level 4 when running off propane.

Appreciate the feedback.