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richinny · 07-25-2010, 08:07 AM

i don't think you let it sit long enough for the bubbles to 'burp'. hanging something like a small fan on the coils, to gently vibrate them, might help.

wannaroam · 07-25-2010, 09:29 AM

Well, we put it upside down late yesterday afternoon and will check it again today. I have my fingers crossed!!

**azflycaster** · 07-25-2010, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wannaroam

Well, we put it upside down late yesterday afternoon and will check it again today. I have my fingers crossed!!

A little fine tuning on the coils with a mallet might help as well.

As far as putting in a house refrigerator, it is something that I would never consider in my trailer. We camp mostly without hookups which would mean camping without a refrigerator. I also think that the money you would be saving on an electric refrigerator would be lost if you were to sell your trailer.

Harleyjohn · 08-01-2010, 02:26 PM

I'm currently working thru a similiar problem to yours. Hope this may help.

Mine also quit running on elec while on the land line and the gas was the only source that would work. When I contacted our local rv dealer, I was told that the "heating element" had failed. I just received it yesterday and have questions on the install.
What is the function of a "heating element" in telling the elec to be the priority over the lpg?

richinny · 08-01-2010, 03:37 PM

the electric element heats the ammonia, inside the coils, to cool the fridge while on shore power mode. when in lp mode, the flame from the burning gas does the heating.

Harleyjohn · 08-01-2010, 04:02 PM

Thanks, I'll make the exchange and give it a try.

Kristi Foster · 08-01-2010, 04:19 PM

I have also heard that you can burp the refrigerator, by leaving it in the trailer, and then driving the tow vehicle like you are testing the brakes. Short jerky stops are supposed to burp the bubbles formed from having the refrigerator unlevel. Place a level inside of the refrigerator, when parked, and be sure it is level front to back and side to side. Good Luck.

Harleyjohn · 08-01-2010, 06:40 PM

Well, I replaced the 'heating element' and found that it didn't correct the problem. The 'probe' I removed seemed firm and the replacement fit loosely. Couldn't find anyway to fit it snugly against the metal 'tube'.
Anyone have any suggestions? Will Dometic answer my questions on Monday?

richinny · 08-01-2010, 09:13 PM

it is worth the call. they should be able to verify the correct part numbers.

Foiled Again · 08-01-2010, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wannaroam

Ok, so it looks as though the fridge is dead. Hubby refuses to pay $1000 for a new one.
We found a Frigidaire almost the same size as our Dometic for $279.
Can you put a regular electric fridge in? Will it get enough air circulation?
We seldom boondock so that wouldn't be a problem.

The original equipment refrigerator is by my count 33 years old (a '78 model having actually been made in 1977). So, spending $1000 on a refrigerator that's likely to outlive YOU? $30 per year or so.

That aside, $1000 is a lot of money. If the burp doesn't work, I'd start by looking in local junkyards for dead RV's. None of your appliances are Airstream specific, so find a wrecked SOB with a refrigerator that will fit in your space - you could get a replacement that's less than 5 years old for $200 or so if you negotiate - with CASH.

Meanwhle good luck with burping it! Paula