Rpod 171 refrigerator exhaust problem

I'm tempted to use a very small amount of expanding foam in a can to seal all around the refrigerator. Just enough to make a seal but no so much that it would prevent the refrigerator from being removed.

Anyone think that would be a bad idea and, if so, why?

Seems as if there is not enough sealing between the back of the fridge and the inside of the trailer. The manual says there must not be any leaks whatsoever but evidently there is.

The last owner lived at and used the trailer at a much higher altitude, 5000' and above. He put in a propane burner orifice for more efficient operation of the fridge. I need to put an orifice in for my range of altitudes, 1800 - 5000'.

Nonetheless, this should not have anything to do with smelling exhaust fumes inside the trailer. They are two separate issues.

thanks for the input.

budwich wrote:
OP... are you actually smelling fumes or are you making a "guess" that "some sensor / alarm" is going off and you think its because of fumes?

Based on readings of rpod's, it doesn't appear that they use an integrated detector. Most indicate a problem with low voltage causing an propane alarm because of the sensors "importance". Alternatively, a bad detector maybe a cause. Again, it depends on what the actual issue is.

I am actually smelling combustion fumes. They smell the same as those emitted by the top outside vent from the propane fridge when running. I do not smell propane.

The detector is not bad and the battery voltage is above that required by the sensor.

naturist wrote:
Was that the propane detector or the Carbon monoxide detector? I note that some propane detectors also do carbon monoxide, and when the alarm, they don't distinguish which gas it was caused the alarm.

Regardless of whether it was propane or carbon monoxide, you cannot neglect fixing the problem, as either can kill you. The propane system and the refer need to be gone over by someone who really knows what to look for before you use that thing again. Do not neglect to do this lest you wake up dead one morning. It could be as simple as spider webs in the venting. If you can, have that technician show you how to keep it clear yourself. It could also be something requiring parts replacement. Whatever it is, it is important you deal with it.

It was the propane detector. The CO detector is separate.

Boon Docker wrote:
Check to make sure the stove hood fan vent is closed. The wind could blow the exhaust fumes from the fridge into the trailer through that vent.

No stove hood.

OP... are you actually smelling fumes or are you making a "guess" that "some sensor / alarm" is going off and you think its because of fumes?

Based on readings of rpod's, it doesn't appear that they use an integrated detector. Most indicate a problem with low voltage causing an propane alarm because of the sensors "importance". Alternatively, a bad detector maybe a cause. Again, it depends on what the actual issue is.

budwich wrote:
I didn't think the propane detector detects "exhaust"... its supposed to detect leaking propane (as in unburnt).

Aren't most detectors installed in TTs these days combination LP and CO detectors?

What naturist said is valid logic and good advice.

Was that the propane detector or the Carbon monoxide detector? I note that some propane detectors also do carbon monoxide, and when the alarm, they don't distinguish which gas it was caused the alarm.

Regardless of whether it was propane or carbon monoxide, you cannot neglect fixing the problem, as either can kill you. The propane system and the refer need to be gone over by someone who really knows what to look for before you use that thing again. Do not neglect to do this lest you wake up dead one morning. It could be as simple as spider webs in the venting. If you can, have that technician show you how to keep it clear yourself. It could also be something requiring parts replacement. Whatever it is, it is important you deal with it.

I didn't think the propane detector detects "exhaust"... its supposed to detect leaking propane (as in unburnt).

Check to make sure the stove hood fan vent is closed. The wind could blow the exhaust fumes from the fridge into the trailer through that vent.