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Why RV refrigerator service is so important

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A photo that says RV refrigerator service

By Dustin Simpson
RV refrigerators have different maintenance requirements than home refrigerators. Watch my video below where I’ll go over why it’s so important to keep your RV refrigerator serviced annually. I’m referring to absorption refrigerators, those that operate on both LP gas and electricity.

House models simply sit, whereas RV refrigerators must endure a strenuous existence of regular jostling, periods without consistent cooling and out-of-level situations.

In addition, environmental factors such as high ambient temperatures combined with dust, dirt, pests and rust truly challenge the operation of any absorption-type refrigerator throughout its service life.

Video: RV refrigerator service

Flea collar is sometimes added to help keep the pests away. Just make sure to change out regularly.

These combined stress points and other mechanical considerations make it important to service RV refrigerators annually.

If your unit is dirty or has spider webs, please clean out before operating.

Not servicing your unit can cause damage or even a fire. For your safety and those around you, make sure that proper maintenance is being performed.

Example of a clean burner and a damaged burner. This happens from not having the burner chamber cleaned. The rust flakes from the chimney burned and clogged the burner. This will block off the flame and cause the unit to not operate correctly.
Look for a blue flame during RV refrigerator service
Look for a clean blue flame and burner. You also want to make sure there is no “cherry” (burnt particles) on the electrode.
Removing burner assembly for cleaning and inspection during service.
RV refrigerator service
This unit does require service. There is still manufacturer-installed paper that was not removed in the burner area. The insulation is coming out on the right-hand side. Lucky that this unit had a heat shield added to help protect the burner area. It could have caught on fire because of the insulation coming loose in that area.

I hope this helps to explain more about refrigerator maintenance. Make sure you refer to your owner’s manual and visit your local dealership or repair shop. It’s always a good idea to inquire about what you’re paying for, as well, and make sure everything looks good before you approve it. Travel safe!

More from Dustin

Read more of Dustin’s articles here.

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Comments

3 Comments

Drew
2 years ago

As a side note: If you are a d.i.y.’er and call Norcold (and probably Dometic too) for support they won’t provide it unless you’re an rv shop. They do this because they claim their gas appliances can only be serviced by qualified people due to the dangerous nature of propane.

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Neal Davis
2 years ago

Thank you for furthering my RV education, Dustin! 🙂 Safe travels! 🙂

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Scott B
2 years ago

Dustin, thank you for the primer on the 2 way refrigerators along with the pictures. A picture is definitely worth a thousand words when describing the issues. A couple of those look like the camper took a mud bath.

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