I have an 87 terry taurus with a propane/electric fridge (not sure the make, but i'd know it if I heard it). The fridge will operate on 110V, but won't operate on propane. When I try to run it on propane, it not only doesn't work, but the freezer portion smells a whole lot like ammonia - very strong too. any ideas?
An RV fridge works by recirculating an amonia/chloride solution through a coil in the back of the unit, which causes the 'evaporative' properties of this type of fridge. If you are smelling an amonia scent, then it sounds to me like the coil is leaking. It may be an easy fix, by a professional shop though, or it may require a total replacement of the coil, or, heaven forbid, the whole fridge.
The only thing I can think of that causes the smell to be strong when you run it on propane is that the operation on LP causes a hotter coil, which heats up and circulates the solution at a higher temperature. Have you ever noticed that, during a real hot day, if you switch your fridge to LP, it will cool better/quicker? The propane makes a direct flame contact with the coil thus cooling your fridge better.
Do you smell the amonia at all when on 110V? I would recommend you take the trailer to a local dealer for an evaluation, and then, if possible, take it for a second opinion (espescially if the first one tells you that you must replace the whole fridge...that is a lot of money). Good luck and let us know what it turned out to be.
2005 Silverado 2500HD 4X4 C/C/6.0/4.10/Pullrite Super 5th/Prodigy.
2004 Puma 249RBS fifth-wheel bunkhouse.
Jim, Darlene, Michael, Sam, Brian and Hollyann, and cats Biscuit and Stardst USAF/GULF WAR VET.
thanks for the thoughts. no, i don't smell it at all when on 110v. the catch is that the trailer has been set down permanently so i can take the whole trailer in. as you suggest, i am also suspecting a leak in the coil, so i make take that in to be tested. we will see.
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