I need HELP!!!: Hot Water and Fridge issues

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Hot Water and Fridge issues

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16021
Printed Date: 09 Jun 2025 at 3:58pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Hot Water and Fridge issues

Posted By: CB9282
Subject: Hot Water and Fridge issues
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2024 at 6:30pm

Hi,

I am having two issues with my 178 RPod and not even sure how to start trouble shooting it.

1) The Hot water heater is not heating the water, I am not hearing it click to try to light either.

2) I am not able to get the dometic fridge to turn over to electric or to turn on. The reset button is not working. It was last on Propane and the propane is not working on the fridge (or the hot water).

But I am able to start the propane stove and get a easy fine flame there.

The pod is in storage and I dont have easy access to it. I did buy some fuses, thinking that would be a good place to start.

Any thoughts on a trouble shooting process?

Many thanks for your help and wisdom!

Colleen

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Living the DREAM!

Replies:

Posted By: Rpod-Couple
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2024 at 9:10pm

Do you have 12V turned on?

Do your lights turn on?

The 12v battery needs to be connected and 12v fuses to these appliances need to be good to ignite the gas flow at the fridge and water heater.

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Steve & Elaine
2021 R-pod
2023 VW Atlas Cross Sport

Posted By: CB9282
Date Posted: 01 Aug 2024 at 12:56am

Thank you, I will check these things on Saturday. The lights worked last week, but I was plugged into shore power. Good start on things to check, I appreicate the help.

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Living the DREAM!

Posted By: CB9282
Date Posted: 02 Aug 2024 at 12:41pm

Does anyone know what kind of help I could get for this issue/issues? What type of company would I call? I have not had good expereinces with the larger RV companies that have technical suppot.

Thank you!

Colleen

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Living the DREAM!

Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 02 Aug 2024 at 2:00pm

The first thing I would tackle is the stove. It is the easiest to debug and will determine if you are getting gas out of the tank. Make sure the tank has propane, I know that is obvious but it's a step that has to be done. Make sure the propane connector is tight. Loosen it and tighten again and turn on the gas. Then try to ignite your stove. That will ensure you have gas in your line that also supplies the fridge and hot water heater. If you hear nothing coming out of the stove burner, you most likely have an issue with your propan regulator or your hose pigtail (host that connects the propane tank to the regulator)

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Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Kawasaki KLR650

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2024 at 8:50am

Okay. Given in the first post that the stove was able to be lit and was burning cleanly, we can rule out lack of propane.

I agree that if the trailer is plugged in, the converter would be supplying power to the RPod, so the converter is apparently good.

If there is a battery, is there a battery disconnect switch? If so, make sure that is turned on. If no battery, install and connect one, making very sure of the polarity. My trailer isn't here right now to check. If I recall correctly, the two cables are black (positive) and white (negative). Do not reverse these. If for some reason, they are red and black instead, then red is positive and black negative.

If there is a battery and no battery cut-off switch, then the battery may be run down. There are parasitic power drains such as the LP/CO detector that draw power constantly. Given long enough, these will discharge the battery if the negative terminal was not disconnected. For safety, disconnect negative first and connect it last to avoid arcing if the terminal touches metal. A battery cut-off switch makes sure the battery can be disconnected and reconnected safely without having to mess with the terminals. If the battery is dead, it will most likely need to be replaced. Even if you can get it charged, it may not have the capacity as deep discharges are not good for the battery.

I am going to assume that the warranty is expired. That opens up your options. Do a web search for RV repair in your area. Then look for reviews. That should help you find a repair person/place that is likely to give you a better experience.

Here is one search with results:

https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=rv+repair&find_loc=Seattle%2C+WA - https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=rv+repair&find_loc=Seattle%2C+WA

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2024 at 10:08am

Ooops. Mis-read the OP. I thought the stove didn’t light. My bad.

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Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Kawasaki KLR650