Fridge not working
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7930
Printed Date: 23 Jun 2025 at 1:59am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Fridge not working
Posted By: PodDude
Subject: Fridge not working
Date Posted: 13 May 2016 at 10:35pm
| Hi we're going on our 1st trip with the our new to us rpod tomorrow. I have it plugged in to my garage 120V with a "dogbone" converter right now. The dual batteries were charged but I thought it wouldn't hurt and I wanted to get the fridge cold. The fridge is on the "plug mode" and the front is lit up, but nothing seems to be going on- I don't think its cooling. Any ideas? Also , what is the coldest setting, all bars or one bar? I plan(ned) on using it on propane mode on our trip. Thanks |
Replies:
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 13 May 2016 at 10:43pm
|
The ammonia absorption refrigerators take a long time to cool. You won't hear anything. Let it run overnight before you fill it.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: PodDude
Date Posted: 13 May 2016 at 10:45pm
| Good to hear thanks Charlie! Is that true for all modes- electric/propane/ battery? |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 14 May 2016 at 8:31am
Yes. The basic cooling method remains the same. The only thing that changes is the heat source. You have to have faith; it's not rocket cooling  . BTW, the 12V battery mode should not be used unless your TV is connected and running, or for very short periods. It will suck a battery dry very quickly. Depending on the TV it may even inhibit charging while driving. Most folks run propane while driving. No problem, no danger, no issues. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: Pete Brayton
Date Posted: 14 May 2016 at 8:43am
| Is your camper level? I understand that is pretty important. |
Posted By: PodDude
Date Posted: 14 May 2016 at 9:45am
I thought that only mattered on propane, it's almost level |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 14 May 2016 at 9:53am
|
Almost level is almost certainly okay. As Charlie said, the fridge is pretty much silent, and it is slow. Once it's cool it's pretty good at staying cool though. X2 what he said about running it on battery. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 14 May 2016 at 10:33am
|
Level is a matter of degree, literally, and it's independent of the operating mode. Although it's difficult to get a manufacturer to commit to anything, there are some previous guidelines out there. At one time the published rule was level within +/- 6 degrees front to back and +/- 3 degrees left to right, relative to the fridge itself. Since most RV fridges are installed on a side wall this translates to +/- 6 degrees trailer side to side and +/- 3 degrees trailer front to back. Even 3 degrees is a pretty noticeable slope. All that said, the general rule is: If you're comfortable in the trailer, so is you're fridge. The concern might be when you're preparing for a trip and the camper is parked on the hill next to your mountainside home.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: timpod
Date Posted: 14 May 2016 at 2:19pm
|
Someone did mention that the flame on the propane might not heat properly if not straight up, but the other consideration is that these units have no pumps, they rely on hot gases flowing upwards and condensed ones flowing down. Depending on their internal tubing and layout, if you tilt them too far then things don't flow in the right direction... regardless of the heat source. ------------- 2016 Pod 172 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 14 May 2016 at 3:19pm
|
All bars = coldest setting. Our 2011 177 has 5 bars for the coldest setting, we normally run 4 bars or if it is cold outside (less than 50 F) we run it on 3 bars.
------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: sailor323
Date Posted: 14 May 2016 at 6:15pm
| Being level has nothing to do with using propane. The purpose for being level is to allow liquid in the cooling unit to settle back to the bottom. This is necessary regardless of which fuel source you use. When on 12V or 120V, the fridge is silent. When on propane, you can hear the whooshing of the flame. |
Posted By: David D
Date Posted: 20 May 2016 at 11:07am
|
Before leaving home, I'll throw in a couple frozen plastic water bottles to help the fridge... ------------- 2015 R-Pod 179 |