RV refrigerators are one of the most expensive appliances in an RV. So when they go out it can be a real emergency.
RVers often choose electricity over propane for their fridges especially when they are at high altitudes. However, the electrical system can have its own set of issues.
Power Issues
RV fridges are usually powered by a combination of propane and 120-volt AC power. Using electricity rather than gas to cool your RV refrigerator will help you save money and is much more convenient.
If your RV refrigerator won’t work while plugged into 110-volt AC power, the first thing you need to do is check the circuit breaker to see if it has tripped. Resetting the breaker and trying the fridge again will let you know if there’s a problem with your RV refrigerator like a burned out heating element or a control board.
A digital multimeter, or voltmeter, is the tool you need to troubleshoot electrical issues on your RV. These handy tools will also help you determine if you need to replace parts in your RV fridge, such as a new heating element. If you’re uncomfortable with working on electrical components in your RV, it may be time to call a professional. They can quickly diagnose the problem and fix it so you can get back on the road.
Thermocouple Issues
RV refrigerators have a thermocouple which is responsible for detecting heat and controlling the gas valve. If the thermocouple is not functioning properly it can cause problems with your fridge.
This can be caused by a few things. Firstly it can be as simple as a tripped breaker in your RV or it could be a problem with the thermocouple itself. If you reset the breaker and it trips again this is most likely an electrical issue and will require professional assistance.
Another possibility is that rust, dirt, soot or other debris has built up on the sensor or on the area around the thermocouple. You can test this by shutting off the power and gas to your fridge, removing the service panel (if your RV has one) and using a multi-meter with continuity settings to check the thermocouple’s wire or wires for a reading. If it reads zero or close to this you will need to replace the thermocouple.
Electrical Issues
If the fridge works on propane but doesn’t work when powered by electricity there may be an electrical problem. First, you should check the refrigerator circuit breaker box to make sure that it hasn’t been tripped. If it has, you can reset it. If it continues to trip, then you might have a more serious problem like an electrical heating element or control board issue.
A visual inspection of the wiring and a multimeter are your best tools for this. RV owners often use the internet to troubleshoot issues and YouTube is full of helpful DIY videos but it’s important to know your limitations and when you should call in a professional. Electrical work with your RV fridge is dangerous and should only be performed by a qualified, certified technician. Attempting to repair an RV Refrigerator yourself can be expensive and dangerous. An expert should be able to diagnose and fix this quickly and inexpensively.
Gas Issues
RV Refrigerator Problem #5: The Cooling Unit Is Leaking
If the refrigerator works fine on electricity, but not on propane, the problem is likely with the cooling solution. This is a combination of water, hydrogen and ammonia that keeps everything in the refrigerator cold. If you see signs of a leaking cooling solution, such as a yellow-green powdery residue around the burner assembly area in the lower exterior refrigerator compartment, it’s time to replace the cooling unit.
You can also try turning the fridge upside down and hoping that this dislodges any ammonia sediment that has built up over the years. If you can’t find the cause of the problem, it might be time to call an RV technician. You may want to start with the simplest fixes, though, such as a tripped circuit breaker. These are easy and inexpensive for most owners to do on their own. Then you can move on to the more complex repairs.rv refrigerator repair