Travato refrigerator

Whether or not auto ignition or 2 way or 3 way doesn't mean it can't have issues lighting off the propane.

Auto just means it has 'electronic ignition' vs standard pilot flame
2 way....fridge runs of 110V AC or Propane
3 way....fridge runs on 110V AC, Propane OR 12V DC

Any/all can experience problems lighting off propane....even plain old pilot

There are a couple threads on the Travato fridge - do a search for the details.

It's a 3 way fridge. To light the propane, you have to turn the knob and then hold down the switch to light it until the gauge indicates it's fired. One owner reported his fridge's flame blowing out and he had to take it in for repair under warranty. Another reported some difficulty starting it on propane.

I've had no problems. So if the point of posting this thread is to imply that Travato's are all having refrigerator problems, that is simply not the case, as reports of issues are only 2.

I have a travato. Its my first RV with a 3 way fridge. The problem i have encountered is that the pilot lite doesn't reignite when driving, so that if the fridge reaches temperature then needs the burner to relight, the flame goes out. The easy fix is that i make sure to switch to 12V when traveling. Since the propane tank is smaller than my other rigs, its been good to save fuel. The fridge itself actually runs better than the last two absorption fridges i've had. I am anxiously awaiting the day when all b class rv/s have 12 volt compressor fridges. In the meantime, its not been a problem

I had thought manual ignition of three-way absorption refrigerators had gone away. That's what I had in my 2005 Pleasure-way Plateau and elated with auto-ignition on my 2011 Great West Van Legend. Erip reminded me of the frustration of discovering a refrigerator warming up because it went off running on propane as well as the alternative of many times forgetting to take it off the DC during daytime stops and coming back to hearing a low battery chirping sound. It seemed you couldn't win either way. You learn to manage. One way was to put a remote digital temperature sensor in the refrigerator if you run on propane while driving so you could monitor from the cab.

If you want to buy a new B at the lowest industry price you have to understand there are reasons for that price, the refrigerator being one of many. That's a decision you have to understand.

I think the fridge is chosen for it's dimensions and not it's price. All rv fridges are expensive for what you get.

The fridge in the travato wasn't chosen for price it was chosen for size/dimensions. Some people who chose a travato, chose it for the floorplan, and the fact that its the first promaster rv already available. I myself am not interested in yet another couch across the back that folds down, tiny bathroom, unnecessary overpriced corian countertopped b van, so i didn't need to wait for pleasureway to recyle a lexor into a promaster. Seems as tho if people have issues or concerns about their RV's, its fair game for the armchair critics to come in and trash a product.

Sorry guys but you can design and size a refrigerator any way you want when you start from scratch with a new RV. That argument is just rationalizing not putting in an auto-ignition 3-way. Does anyone else still currently offer a Class B refrigerator you have to hold down a button to light it?

With the technology of solar and the availability of 12V compressor fridges, why would any manufacturer use an absorption fridge, auto ignite or piezo ignite, in this day and age, yet thats where we are. The only perfect RV is one designed exactly by the person using with top quality materials. Sadly the rest of us are not Romney rich, so we research and then go with the closest fit possible and try to enjoy what we own.

erip wrote:
With the technology of solar and the availability of 12V compressor fridges, why would any manufacturer use an absorption fridge, auto ignite or piezo ignite, in this day and age, yet thats where we are. The only perfect RV is one designed exactly by the person using with top quality materials. Sadly the rest of us are not Romney rich, so we research and then go with the closest fit possible and try to enjoy what we own.

erip-Davydd's not the one making the original post. Having said that 3 way fridges are yesterdays technology even if they keep getting improved. modern compressor rv refrigerators have low amp draws are the better way to go-although they can be noisier.

Most Roadtreks and sportmobiles and Advance rv have gone to compressor fridge. mine will have a compressor fridge also.all roadtrek sprinter models have them and i've been informed today that the Roadtrek 190 will have compressor as special order option

There are still plenty of people that want an absorption/lp powered fridge. Me being one of them.

This is the first one I've had with the "manual" start. I thought it was odd too, but I suspect that it's not that way due to cost cutting. This unit apparently is used in Europe, so I suppose it adheres to their standards.

Other than the start tech, this appears to be a very nice fridge, from a leading supplier (Dometic).

And yes, I'm a Travato and a Promaster fan. And I bought one, so I'm familiar with the truth about them. It just seems that someone is always trying to start something negative about them for some reason. It doesn't take to many posts for people to perceive there is a "problem", when none really exists. That is why I responded.