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LeifheitB's avatar
LeifheitB
Explorer
Nov 13, 2015

2014 Starcraft AR-One 18FB Refrigerator Problem

We have finished one season in our camper. We ran into problems on 2 trips with the refrigerator not keeping the temperature in the "safe zone". We've had 2 trips to the dealer. The first trip, they were unable to duplicate the problem and all diagnostics checked out. I discovered that the problem is related to running the air conditioner. On trips when we ran the air we had problems. I was able to replicate the problem at home. The problem can be replicated whether the frig is running on electric or gas. Trip number 2 to the dealer was recently and outside temperatures have dropped. They are not able to replicate even in their shop. They've talked to the manufacturer and claim they've never had a problem like this. In talking with the local service technician, he suspects that something with the air conditioner is altering the flow of air across the refrigerator coils and I tend to agree with that. Unfortunately, they have no idea what to do about it.

Has anyone else run into refrigerator problems related to holding temperature with this camper?

My next step is to talk with the manufacturer directly, but the local service technician indicated that there isn't much they can do unless they can replicate the problem. That may mean waiting until May and I'd like to get this fixed "off season" if possible.

Any ideas on how to approach this?

13 Replies

  • I assume you have a Norcold refer as that is what they show on the website.
    1. The Pics show a residential type AC mounted at the top roof line? Is this how yours is mounted? If so, the AC would have NOTHING to do with the refer cooling
    2. IF the refer has the 2 sidewall vents(upper and Lower), This type install really requires an additional 12 volt exhaust fan blowing OUT the top access vent/door. This gets the hot convection air out faster and will allow cooling better
    3. The design of the rear cabinet the refer is in is critical on these type 1 door refers. The rear must be sealed and designed so the rear air flows smoothly from bottom out the top. No gaps or areas where the hot air can stop.
    4. What were the outside temps when you had the cooling problem?
    5. You WERE level? Doug
  • We have an AR-One with a Norcold refrigerator and have had a similar problem, but only when the temperature was pushing 100 degrees for a week. Other than that, if I don't adjust the thermostat on the fridge, it can freeze everything.

    BTW, I don't know how you're getting the temperature, but every time you open the fridge it warms it up and it has a hard time getting the temperature back down. These refrigerators are not the most efficient appliances. I put a wireless transmitter in the fridge and use an indoor/outdoor thermometer to monitor temps.

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