Problems with refr8

[Janet Parrell]

We just bought a 2003 Shadow Cruiser Fun Finder 139. We tried using the refrigerator for the first time using the propane. Our fridge has a 3 way switch (AC, DC, propane) We didn't have the battery hooked up. We ended up starting a small fire behind the fridge. We were able to put out the fire immediately and removed the outside vent. What did we do wrong? Has anyone else ever have this happen to them?

[APD]

Oh Wow! Glad you caught it quickly. Sounds like there's a problem with the heat exchanger or venting. I never had the problem. Could you tell if it was a propane fire or electrical fire? Maybe a wasp nest or other?
Ours is 110 volt AC or Propane. Ours only uses the 12 volt DC for ignition and thermostat operation.

[Janet Parrell]

It was a propane fire, we were not using any electricity. It appears that some of the insulation was smoldering behind the fridge. We are not sure what we did wrong. Our fridge is a 3 way fridge.

[Janet Parrell]

How do you light your fridge using propane?

[twinster2]

Normally, you need a 12 volt supply in order for the LP refrigeration to work. Did you have it plug into 110 volt AC with the converter providing the 12 volts? Unless you have a leak in the LP line, there is nothing in the combustion area that should burn. As mentioned above, check to make sure insulation or a wasp nest has not fallen into the combustion area.

[APD]

A video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCqiVqZx5k4

If this link doesn't have the info you need or you have a different brand, maybe it will lead to other links.
If you're not mechanically inclined I would suggest having an RV repair service take a look at it. There may be a mobile service in your area.

[Route66]

We have a 2003 Funfinder Shadow Cruiser with a Norcold refrigerator. We cannot get ours to get cold either. The stove burners work OK but refrigerator still does not work. Tried running on Propane and AC mode with our Generator. Pulled cover from outside to see Blue flame has ignited in the Ignotor, this is OK. Not sure what else to try. Do not want to buy a new refrigerator until exhausted all possibilties.

[Michigantraveler]

Norcold manual

http://www.thetford.com/wp-content/u...ers-Manual.pdf

[Michigantraveler]

Originally Posted by Janet Parrell

We just bought a 2003 Shadow Cruiser Fun Finder 139. We tried using the refrigerator for the first time using the propane. Our fridge has a 3 way switch (AC, DC, propane) We didn't have the battery hooked up. We ended up starting a small fire behind the fridge. We were able to put out the fire immediately and removed the outside vent. What did we do wrong? Has anyone else ever have this happen to them?

What brand refrigerator?

[Michigantraveler]

Norcold recall information.

RV Refrigerator Recall Notice by Norcold | Thetford Corporation

[LJAZ]

If it does turn out that cooling unit is the problem, instead of buying a new one check out these guys:
Products | JC Refrigeration
I have not used them myself but have heard a lot of good things about them.

[Route66]

Mine is Model N510 one door model. I see the recall is for 1200, 1201, 1210...

[Michigantraveler]

That's good news for you. Ours had been recalled and the previous owners had ignored it. We got the repair kit installed on our Dometic. Free of course.

[Momo]

My refrigerator will not come on? I have it plugged in to my house. I'm a new owner and Rver. Any help much appreciated 😊

[profdant139]

Momo, maybe start a new thread so we can focus on your symptoms? Is this a brand new trailer? Did it work at the dealership?

[ChasWray]

The fridge uses either 110v or propane for operating the cooling process, however the electronic controller runs on 12v. Nothing will happen if no 12v is present. Check your battery, converter, fuses etc.