Atwood Helium Fridge

minnow wrote:
I read today from comments in another forum that Atwood was bought out by Dometic so maybe these helium refrigerators will float away. From what I've read, they are not very reliable.

Dometic acquired Atwood Mobile Products Oct. 2014


Atwood rolled out the 'Helium' fridge in 2011.


Don't be surprised when Dometic & Atwood rv fridges are all helium.

Test/Evaluation was between Dometic & Atwood fridges........Norcold (Thetford) wouldn't provide any model for testing done in 2012

I read today from comments in another forum that Atwood was bought out by Dometic so maybe these helium refrigerators will float away. From what I've read, they are not very reliable.

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Helium vs Hydrogen

Both gases are excellent heat sinks.....transfer heat efficiently

Helium unlike hydrogen is NOT flammable

Side by side testing showed that hydrogen units cooled 'slightly' better than helium units....BUT both met/exceeded standards.

Evaluation/Test

I am going to need a twelve pack to read and understand all that!

Helium vs Hydrogen

Both gases are excellent heat sinks.....transfer heat efficiently

Helium unlike hydrogen is NOT flammable

Side by side testing showed that hydrogen units cooled 'slightly' better than helium units....BUT both met/exceeded standards.

Evaluation/Test

Don't forget that it's usually best to put a thermometer in a glass of water.

Lyle

this is in a 2015 so assuming that the unit is a 2015 also. did they have issues prior to or still ongoing? mine has maintained low 30s* and on gas. when I get home, maybe I will shut it down and see how long it takes to get cold on gas only. thanks

I own a FW with an Atwood Helium reefer. There are two things to consider.

1. Atwood had a terrible time with their supplier that provided the electric heating element. They have a very high percentage of failures on this part. The good news is that the refrigerator has a two year warranty, so if this part is defective, you can get it replaced under warranty at an Atwood authorized facility. If the reefer is cooling well on gas, but not electric, you'll need to get it repaired.

2. The temperature setting control on these units is not intuitive. If you haven't already done so, hold the temperature button down for several seconds to set it to the lowest temperature. You'll see that by the indicator lights on the front panel. Five lights indicates the lowest temperature setting.

If you have it set on the lowest temp setting, and it's not cooling properly, you may need to have it looked at. Have you placed a thermometer inside the unit to see what the actual temperature is? Mine typically stays around 35-36 degrees on the lowest setting when the outside temp is in the 90s.

Jim