2000 Coleman refrigerator/propane issues

[Ealy]

Hello, this is my first post and first of many stupid questions!

We bought this 2000 Coleman Destiny series Timberlake PUP last summer and used it twice. We're heading out this Friday for the first trip of the year.

Yesterday we set it up in the driveway and tried using some of the appliances. From what we remembered, the fridge didn't cool well on electric, so I tried getting the LP going. It has the push button lighting method and specific instructions, however I couldn't get it to light. I never heard or smelled propane either, but twice heard a faint (whoomf) sound as if it had lit, but nothing happened. Am I likely dealing with air in the lines? Any ideas or suggestions?

I have a couple of other questions I'll create new topics for so...stay tuned!

[Cape_Cod_Mounta]

Very typical problem. After sitting for an off-season there needs to be time to let the gas get back up into the line. That take pushing in the red button - sometimes for a minute or more. I use a long stem lighter instead of the peiso-electric sparker and keep it lit so that it lights as soon as the gas reaches the burner.
Th poof you heard means that gas has reached the burner but blew itself out upon ignition.
Every year I have to remove the burner and clean it up good. It can get a little rust or a spider might take up residence during the winter. (Same with the stove top). Once I soaked it in vinegar a few days and blew it out with my air hose (keyboard cleaner air will do too). If the flame is not 5 or six solid blue points of flame coming up from the burner (no yellow) the fridge will not get cool. BTW - takes overnight for the gas to get the fridge good and cold. I found the battery power on the fridge worthless (even when driving). Shore power works as good as the gas and is a fine alternative for the initial cool down.

[bondebond]

You can find the 2000 Coleman owners manual here if you don't have one already.

[red31]

find the manual and do the maintenance (cleaning)

[Ealy]

Thanks for the good info, I'll give it a shot this weekend. The trailer is level by the way.

[lfloom]

Remembering my 2000 PUP, it was not easy to light, so give it some time, and yes, light the stove first, because it will get the gas closer to the fridge.

[opnspaces]

On mine I can hear it once it's lit. It's kind of a dull roar if I put my ear near the vent. You can also probably see the blue flame once lit.
I second lighting the stove first to purge any air out of the propane line.

[horton333]

Is the trailer reasonably level, if not level then this would impact the fridge's ability to cool.....

[Ealy]

Thanks, how/when will I know when the burner lit? Will it be an obvious poof like with a gas grill I'm assuming?

[midnightsadie]

light the stove let on for a min, then try the frig again, frig will cool better on gas remember the frig needs about 10hrs to cool . uses very little fuel.