our fridge is colder on propane than AC Why?
Why is our fridge colder on propane than when we are plugged into shore power? With propane everything is nice and cold, everything is frozen solid in the freezer. On AC power the fridge can't seem ...
Forum Discussion
dougrainer wrote:
The RV refers will operate the SAME on LP or 120. The BTU's supplied by both LP and 120 are almost identical in cooling capacity.
IF you have a refer that is operating better on LP than 120, you need to verify that the 120 element is indeed pulling the required amperage. What Brand and model do you have? Has anyone changed the 120 element since it was new(they may have installed a lower wattage unit than is required). What is the line voltage? LOW AC voltage will cause lower heat from the heat element. It is also possible the sleeve that the 120 element slides into has slightly separated from the burner flue tube which will cause a loss of cooling on 120. I see you have a Newmar Ventana. IF Newmar installed a Norcold 4 door or a Dometic side by side refer, one of the 2 heating elements may be bad. Doug
I recently listened to a rep from Norcold at a rally discuss how a RV refrigerator works. His presentation supports what Doug is saying. He didn’t discuss the electric operation a lot but he did say that the heat requirement is the same for either gas or electric operation. The proper heat band is narrow for both modes of operation and that gas is faster at reaching the proper temperature. He then talked about cleaning the gas burner as that appears to be the biggest problem with RV refrigerators.
My old RV had a three way refrigerator. I replaced the 12 volt heating element many times over the years.
You might try this. E-mail the manufacturer and ask for the proper operating temperature of the electric heating element or elements. Or perhaps it is available on line if you do a search. Then take an inferred thermometer and check the temperature of each element. According to the Norcold rep the heating section of their refrigerators should behind the access door to allow for easy service. Not all coach manufacturers follow their suggestions and some locate the access door away from the heating area (service area) of the refrigerator.
If the operating temperature of one or both of your elements is below that specified by the manufactures then follow Doug’s advice to find the problem.
Good Luck and Safe Travels.
JD
