IT'S OVER For This Propane Fridge (Advice Needed)

[@kevinmckinzie]

15 Years ago I would have just bought another propane fridge. But technology has come along far enough that I would use a 24 volt fridge/freezer. Sizing a battery bank and solar accordingly isn't difficult. One less appliance relying on pressurized fuel in a small living space.

[@Greystone1]

As you pointed out, this is actually an ammonia fridge (not freon , entirely different principle), driven by heat. The heat is generated by a flame or an electric heater. Turning it upside down is said to put the ammonia back where it belongs. If the ammonia has leaked out, then all bets are off. If that's the case, I would get a real fridge for the trailer. Even if it works, I would leave it in the shed and get a real fridge for the trailer, but that's just me. The ammonia techs (or stinkies as we call them in the trade) would disagree... lol

[@123456BILLY]

Had a bar fridge that shut down turned it upside down for few days then normal for few days. Plugged it in 5 yrs counting still running

[@bts650]

As you know, the propane fridge is the most convenient option. Your current fridge is old, if your budget allows, a new propane fridge would be the best choice (long term). Also, please shut your generator off when refueling. Gasoline is very volatile and the smallest spark from the engine or even just static could cause an explosion. Enjoyed the video, stay warm.

[@hhawg1]

Your an awesome lady. Very independent and self-sufficient.

[@vincentdsnt]

It's good to see a person so capable of troubleshooting and taking a repair project on themselves ! From a retired serviceman and mechanic Bravo ! You do not know how many grown men and women would not do the repair I have watched you undertake ! You're in the top 5% !

[@Mr.Schitzengigglez]

Also, I only had enough time before work today, to catch the beginning of this. Please allow me to compliment you, on being a very rare breed of woman. I love that you have no fear, and just do what needs to be done. Even when you can't feel your fingers. Much respect! And, thank God for snow fridges!

[@colleenlongardner2692]

Jenna, I'm proud of you. You keep your cool and don't whine. I wouldn't have any idea of what to do next. You go girl!

[@bigmowerman03]

As Rosanne Rosanadana used to say, "it's always something!" Not to make light of your situation, hope you get it figured out. As always, love your videos, Jenna!

[@gypsyjenna]

Thank you 🙂

[@DebbieNobodyneedstoknow1]

I had a brand new fridge in my first 2020 RV that broke down and my RV tech said that it was probably built on a Friday. The older fridges seem to work better since people took more pride in their workmanship back in the day, but if it's an original fridge, maybe it's time to let it go. I would not recommend a new fridge! They all seem like Friday units! Maybe online there are some decent old ones, or ask an RV tech if he knows of any good working used ones available with some sort of warranty. My Dometic from my 2008 Cougar works amazing. I never use the auto mode. Gas only. The propane usage is so minimal. Also, my generator says to allow it to cool for 10 minutes before refueling since heat and gas don't mix and explosions can happen. I'm not sure that it is safe to refuel while it's running. I just want to help to keep you alive and well because you're such an awesome lady and Ramsey and Rory need you! (they're so adorable!) Best of luck Jenna! 💞

[@gypsyjenna]

Thanks for the info and like you, I really enjoyed how little propane my fridge took to run. However, I think it might be time to let that hunk of junk go, haha

[@PlanetaryThoughts9861]

@@gypsyjenna I can't find much info on your model online except for an installation manual dated 1993. It could be time to recycle it!

[@gypsyjenna]

Thanks for checking. Yeah my unit is from a 94 trailer lol

[@free2binnh]

Replacing frig would on my shopping list, the snow bank is your backup frig. ❤

[@gypsyjenna]

True enough!

[@jimsears2434]

This may be a blessing in disguise. Propane refridgerator's are in general fire hazards and constant problems. I agree a stand up fridge is better for being stationary but for a moving rig or trailer a 12 volt chest combo is what I chose. I have the Dometic 95LDZ and it pulls 48 watts with the compressor going. The best thing is the cold air doesn't fall out like opening the door on a stand up fridge and the food is not getting thrown around while in travel mode. If I want to go 4x4'n all I have to do is throw it in the back of my Range Rover and plug it in......wallah....done! My advice is to replace with a unit that is more reliable and no chance of being a huge fire hazard. Don't let that sour cream go bad either....😅....that's good stuff! God Bless ya and keep ya'll safe.

[@gypsyjenna]

Haha thank you and glad you like sour cream, slap some on your chili next time! Lol

[@jimsears2434]

Imma gonna try it next time I whip some chili up! I'll give ya an honest opinion...but I've done chili the same way my whole life. I'm a little scared I've been missing out all this time.....ugh..🥺

[@gypsyjenna]

Don't forget green onions on the sour cream too 👍

[@jimsears2434]

O.K....and served up in a wilderness Bull Elk bowl will make it all come together perfect....😂😂😂😂😂

[@southernprojectsyt6340]

okay, i'll leave my last statement alone, correcting myself here and hopefuly solving your fridge issue. My fridge acted up, it turned out the receptical you plug the 110 into was lifeless, aka no power going to it. I ran a heavy duty extension cord from a good receptical and my rv fridge was working FLAWLESS once again.

[@peterpiper487]

My answer to all the problems presented by appliances is simple not to use them. Buy canned food if you have to. What I do is make sure I grab a large salad and a fresh meat from a store every day and that's my meal. After that, if I want another meal in the same day, I simply use canned goods... canned meat and vegetables heated and spiced the way I like them. Works great for me, but you may not be in the same situation I'm in where I can drive to a local store. Actually I could bike there. I DON'T PUT UP WITH PROBLEMS; I GET RID OF THEM. I adopted that habit a few years back and it has done WONDERS for my happiness and sense of well-being. I feel so FREE from the woes of everyday living. And not only am I happier, I save a HELL OF A LOT OF MONEY to boot!! I have found that most people's problems remain because they REFUSE to think differently about things.

[@jamespeters920]

Bummer. My heart goes out to you. I'm sure this was the last thing you needed.

[@gypsyjenna]

All good, just a bump in the road :)

[@Andrew-k1m]

Knowledge is power = survival, your a great student of lifes tribulations

[@DomingoDeSantaClara]

I had the same problem when i took my motorhome from the UK to France, first day there the fridge shit itself, took it out and put it upside down for 24 hrs, worked fine after that but it's also worth giving it a good vacuum around the flue and pilot light.

[@jmcbrew]

We replaced our propane fridge with a 120V mini fridge and have been super happy. It uses less energy than a propane fridge and a lot less than a thermoelectric 12V fridge. Even if a thermoelectric uses fewer watts, it uses that energy 100% of the time, rather than a compressor fridge that only runs when it needs to. Just make sure the sides have some airflow, since most mini-fridges shed their heat through the skin on the sides.

[@MHawkeye]

that is a good point, the 12v will constantly run while the 120v will cycle on and off which will basically sip on power(mini fridge uses 50w -150w with a compressor initial start of 300w) if the fridge isnt being opened constantly. personally i would get a 120v deep chest freezer and leave it outside which will give her a bigger capacity for frozen stuff

[@Greystone1]

Thermoelectric is less efficient... by far.

[@handsonwithblg4949]

Yup . went 120v mini fridge /freezer here and love it .

[@lakecavanaugh]

Home Depot has a 120v 10 cu ft model that will fit that space for around $400 usd that draws about 80w. For the difference in price for another RV fridge, you could buy 800w of solar and a big LiFeP04 battery.

[@MHawkeye]

@@lakecavanaugh this is one of the few times i would suggest just getting a big 48v battery and inverter instead of panels. Reasons for getting the battery and not the panels is that she doesnt seem to mind too much on running the generator and her current setup isnt very efficient when it comes to charging the current battery station. She charges at ~800w with a large generator that uses more fuel than if she had a dedicated 1kW generator that could do the same with less fuel.

[@jettpro6647]

If you follow a lot of RV channels, most people ditch the propane for an electric unit. You would probably need more solar and more power storage capacity though

[@bradsmith5998]

When the fridge went in my trailer I ended up putting an apartment size fridge in its place. I had to remove the trailer door and cut one side wall out but it was great. A lot more space with the bigger fridge.

[@gypsyjenna]

Not a bad idea!

[@carld3184]

I did the same in 2003, bought an apartment size fridge at Lowe's to replace my 1986 RV style ammonia fridge. I was quoted USA$1,500 for a new RV fridge, delivery in a week or more, the apartment fridge still works and cost less than $300. Yes, I have to run my generator more often when not driving every day but at approximately $5 per day for gasoline i feel it was the correct choice to buy an apartment fridge.

[@joeyjennings9548]

get a mini fridge small apartment size upright with an electric compressor. you cant keep losing food playing games moving food. ours is old.. 👍

[@P_RO_]

When I got my trailer it had a 120V Whirlpool fridge/freezer in it, which fits in the hole but needed some trim on the sides and top to close the gaps. It seems to have a fairly good sized 'surge' when the compressor starts but it's probably a cheaper model. I know there are ones made with 'soft start' for the compressors designed for off-grid applications and that's what I'd recommend. With mine, it leaked cold air in from outside so I put plastic over the lower vent and left the top vent open. There's enough air coming from inside to let the fridge cool properly, and now there's no cold draft coming in from outside. I hardy use a freezer and don't have much in the fridge, so my remodel plans will see this thing go and a 12V chest fridge come into play mounted on a slide-out drawer for aesthetics; I can do without a freezer. Then I can clear the roof except for ceiling and plumbing vents, thus eliminating potential roof leaks. Will use a portable A/C for when summer goes crazy as I do have grid power, but in time I want to go solar with enough 'oomph' to carry the load. Gonna be awhile for that as I'm poor...

[@gypsyjenna]

Good luck to you and I did the same thing with the vents. Covered the wall one and leaving the top one open. That way heat from the fridge can still go up and out but no cool drafts 👍

[@eheh1950]

I I applaud you for not loosing your shit when you have issues like this👍👍 Myself would be like scrap this and start new. And great choice on the strong Busch ice. Nothing like a little more gas in the tank.. beer wise 🤣🤣. Cheers and hopefully you get the fridge all figured out. 🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@gypsyjenna]

Thank you 🍻

[@peggysturgess8498]

So sorry you are having difficulty with the refrigerator. I recommend a new one if you can. You need to outweigh the headache and experience you have had with the refrigerator. Good luck with your decision. ✝️🙏🏼🛐

[@michaelbrinks8089]

I just seen 7.5cu ft fridge/freezer for $188 at Walmart. They only use like 80 or 110w when the compressor is running. I also seen off grid videos of people who added insulation to the outside of the fridge to make it use 40% less power....Find the tag that says how many amps is uses. If it says 10amps then 10 amps X 120 volts = 120watts it uses when compressor is on ( you probably already know this) Running it off propane gets expensive. So using solar instead of propane. The fridge will probably pay for itself pretty quick..$200 fridge + $200 or $300worth of extra solar panels. I'm not exactly sure how but you can switch fridge parts to run directly off a 12v dc battery. Making it more efficient so the solar system doesn't have to waste power converting from dc to ac. Of course it could just be a bad thermostat or thermocouple copper coil wire probe thingy..... If a $20 -tank of propane only lasts a month. It's easy to see how a 100w fridge will pay for itself using solar. End Of Refrigerator Novel

[@gypsyjenna]

Thank you for all this information, I appreciate it!

[@michaelbrinks8089]

🤔 I seen those off grid diy methane gas/compost makers.....That use a combination of toilet 🚽 waste, food scraps & lawn waste. To make methane gas for cooking, running generators & could run a propane fridge. If it could steady produce enough methane. Then the compost is emptied once in a while for garden soil.

[@stevedavidson9055]

WHEN I PURCHASED MY CAMPER 16 YEARS AGO THE FIRST THING I DID WAS GET RID OF THE PROPANE FRIDGE.MY CAMPER WAS MANUFACTURED IN THE 60'S AND HAD SOFT COPPER RUNNING TO IT.

[@beezo2560]

Sorry to hear of the fridge troubles. But on the brighter side... You're half done because the fridge is out. And bonus(!) the beer is still cold. Weeeee! Better days are around the corner.

[@gypsyjenna]

Absolutely! Thanks! 😄

[@russsherratt6919]

Can’t speak to many manufacturers but the 12volt Engle compressor are very good. You might want to make sure your battery power supply is good, vs how much wattage you need. Spending money on an another propane refrigerator is not the way to go. Using a AC refrigerator if converting 12DC to AC power consumes more than just a 12DC refrigerator. Using your current model number on the refrigerator and speaking with a manufacturer of rv replacement compressor refrigerator you can get one close to your current size for the opening. Good Luck. Russ

[@gypsyjenna]

Thanks Russ

[@jacquiemarshall6843]

We went to Costco and bought a 4.4 cubic “dorm” fridge. Cost 200.00. Low solar draw. Can’t recommend enough. We can even run this fridge off our Jackery Solar Generator if needed. Useage rate 2-5 watts “status” 71-73 watts when compressor is running.

[@gypsyjenna]

What's the brand if u don't mind me asking?

[@ve4edj]

If you can handle a smaller 50L to 80L fridge, AlpiCool/Bodega (same company) makes awesome 12V fridges that hardly use any power. I have a 200W panel and that's plenty to run it, you'd probably be fine with your 330W panel!

[@gypsyjenna]

Thanks!

[@diggingarizona8592]

I replaced my Gas fridge with a Haier dorm Fridge. Works great.

[@jacquiemarshall6843]

@@gypsyjenna I am not sure of the name. Hold lots of food for us (2)

[@kingscairn]

Propane fridges are awesome every off dridder needs one - my rv fridges from both rv 's ran on 110 , generator or propane - awesome !

[@nancysimpson4246]

That is so very precious seeing him back the snow and then licking it. That is so precious.😊

[@kingscairn]

Yep high temp back panel damage - bad door seals - running all the time - finally blew overheating protection fuse

[@ricktoole9991]

Snow is good for keeping things cold at least ,,,,,,, hope things work out quickly

[@occamsrazor7939]

You might type exactly the type of fridge and troubleshoot it online. I have done searches on my specific washer and problems. Fortunately, I found it on KZbin and was able to repair it twice.

[@hgboone3]

The fridge turns into a cabinet.. Great place to store your paint

[@lesliewise7430]

See what it does on electric. That will tell you if it is a gas problem. I have to blow my gas lines out about one or two times a year. The flame gets yellow in it and it is low flame. The gas jet gets stopped up. Very small hole.

[@kingscairn]

Frosting up is a sign of air getting in - which means cold getting out - which means fridge is constantly running needlessly using resources - check door seals and replace if neccessary

[@kingscairn]

Edit : not cooling - check thermol switch - a little diode looking thing 1/4 inch long with bare silver looking wire at each end and usually covered in a braided tube maybe 4 inches long - designed to blow like fuse - overheating protection - regardless, thats what youre looking for - a fuse or thermol overheat protection switch / device

[@watomb]

If money was no object. Well Home Depot has solar powered fridges or Ie 24 dc fridge. Then just buy 24v LiFePO4 battery and recharge once every couple days. Cheaper is to buy deep cycle batteries

[@stephenwinter8892]

Eye opener for me it was a learning experience for a single white man who had no idea about this greetings from oakville Ontario thanks

[@chad2886]

I live off grid in the Adirondack mountains. I wouldn't mess with another LP fridge. Buy a cheap ac fridge and invest in lithium iron phosphate batteries and small inverter. If you don't heat your place 24-7 make sure the batteries have heaters. You seem like a smart girl that could put together a small system

[@duotronic6451]

The tube the flame rises into accumulates rust above the flame over time. Knock the tube with a mallet to loosen rust. Blow compressed air up the tube to dislodge rust. Clear way for the heat to rise high enough to heat ammonia mixture thoroughly.

[@MHawkeye]

I didnt know how ammonia fridges worked and looked up this video 6mPkFXGAWZY - copy paste this into the youtube search box, idk if links are enabled for this comments section so im only posting the ID her fridge seems to have overheated the pipe for some reason (clogged from the crystals) and it might not be allowing the ammonia to rise which isnt going to finish the cooling cycle up top so flipping the fridge and tapping around that area might be the only thing she needs to do

[@12pawsinn]

Hey Jenna, most fridges have a lifetime of 12 to 20 years in an rv.. mine gave out in Aug 2023 and mine was built 1989.. Most of the time its the switch in the control panel that goes out.. i looked at getting mine replaced but at the cost if 489 usd. I said no... Now im living in a house built in 1921! The valley has a summer time population of under 50 people !!! And i yhink this winter we got a population of 14

[@gypsyjenna]

Wow! 😲

[@timbush4968]

Seeing you forget to put the fuel cap on you generator reminds me to suggest you use Methyl Hydrate in all of your gas cans. It gets rid of any water absorbed by the gas and may stop your carb. and gas lines from freezing when you need it most.Gas line antifreeze does not work as good.Cheers

[@laurajohnson8898]

Well dang it, if it's not one thing it's another. Watching from Georgia USA take care, hope things work out for you.😊

[@carld3184]

As others have mentioned in 2003 we bought an apartment size fridge at Lowe's to replace my 1986 RV style ammonia fridge. I was quoted USA$1,500 for a new RV fridge, delivery in a week or more, the apartment fridge still works and cost less than $300. Yes, I have to run my generator more often when not driving every day but at approximately $5 per day for gasoline I feel it was the correct choice to buy an apartment fridge. Best of all, our vacation with my children was not disrupted, we never even missed one day at the amusement parks. The $1,200 that we saved was very welcome and i will never buy another RV style ammonia fridge. I used an inverter running on a large 12V deep discharge RV battery and still use the same system but nowadays I am told that switching to 48Volt lithium batteries is the preferred way. Lots to research about that though because it is all new technology. Best of luck, you can do it!!!

[@gypsyjenna]

Thank you!

[@daveallison1888]

All of the new style mini fridges have a low wattage draw if you go shopping check box its in all power info is usually on back

[@gypsyjenna]

Thank you

[@markdobson8513]

Not sure if anyone mentioned it yet but RV refrigerators have an outside temperature range that they will work in. Your refrigerator might not be designed to work in below freezing temperatures. Maybe google your refrigerator model and find out. Before buying a new RV refrigerator, I would suggest checking to be sure it will work in your outside temperatures.

[@lawrencepatricio5776]

Before this video, I was watching a number of videos regarding running the fridge/freezer on solar. Then I came across 2 separate videos about "Unique" branded off-grid appliances which are Canadian. I don't know how much they are as I wasn't interested with the brand since I'm halfway across the globe. But the 2 videos says the fridge/freezer solar appliance works great even on cloudy days. If you're planning on replacing your fridge, maybe you could research more on that Unique off-grid appliances since you're in Canada.

[@Thecasey34]

I just ended up changing out my propane furnace in my 2021 rv. I went with a residential refrigerator. Cheaper than a replacement rv refrigerator and more dependable. It’s also energy efficient as well.

[@timcarico8908]

We run a Furrion 12v fridge in our rv. It is a compressor fridge just like a residential. Set is on 3 and freezer got to -5f in a couple hours.

[@ginny9311]

Maybe a piece of foam board for the vent to help keep the cold air out. Foam board on the outside with handy dandy duct tape. I'm glad (and I know you are also) you didn't have a fire.

[@gypsyjenna]

Me too! Phew!

[@lesliewise7430]

If you decide to replace you can buy an electric one for less than 200. Then add more solar panels.

[@Jashn20002000]

I would say the mechanism(Possibly called the intercooler) that does the cooling might be burned out or not getting enough power, might check it with a OHM Meter as well as the circuits that control the power going into it along that path.

[@carlm.7200]

YOUR COOL! Love watching your videos, your cats, your vocabulary! Your cute too😮 ! New Hampshire, U.S.A. loving your handywoman abilities! You do a great job, be proud.

[@dannymcnally6211]

In my experience, the cooling units in those fridges are meant to run part time, not full time year round. Not sure why but I see it often. The cooling unit spanked out again. I would buy a new propane unit, just because you are set up for it and the electric fridge will stuck some juice..

[@harlanmclain1719]

I have to tip mine upside down every other year and leave it that way for 8hr or over night and it works way better for a year or so then i do it again

[@sovetskiykozel797]

All it would take to make your life so much easier, Would be a power line drop to your trailer. or maybe a lot more Solar panels and a bigger battery back up system. I could never live that way off grid, just to much work.

[@lifequest7453]

It's good to see you understand the balance of your available electric power vs the power need of the frige. The Electric/propane RV friges have an electronic brain, the part that the buttons are connected to for off/on and temp control. They go bad. Seeing you had an attempt to make ice suggests you have a charged amonia system and it could be the electronics. If you dont see anything wrong when you take it out, you may have to truck it back to the people who fixed it for repair again, that is if you are still under warrentee. You could go with a college type small frige, 120v ac, they have pretty small load needs but your system is not with excess power from the solar/battery/inverter so you will need to really watch the balance. It could be to your benefit to add batteries or even an additional solar panel to get your solar up to a level where you can use a 120v ac frige with no worries. I understand they do make a frige that runs on 120v ac that is aproximately the size of the RV frige, but that puts us back into the increase of 120v ac power. There are 12v friges that are supposed to be low energy usage, but again, you have to balance what you need with what you have. What you really need to do is upgrade your Solar and batteries, your system seems too small for what you need. just an observation That distortion on the rear of the frige looks like you had a pressure release (leak) burst from the boiler can, or the tube on top. Take a mirror and look for a hole, a rip or seam failure on the boiler can next to the damage on the frige. Look at the pipe seam where it connects to the boiler can. That would be hot AMONIA gas or liquid escaping under pressure from the boiler can/tube and would melt the surface of that panel. It is possible that is from the original hard ware failure or when they repaired it, but look for some damage with a mirror. hang in there, you'll figure it out.

[@Lovelacecolin]

Honestly from someone that lived in an RV full time for 10 yrs and have been through two different makes and model RV fridges that have both failed you really are limited for a fridge, you can just replace it with a residential fridge that is almost the right size made by Magic Chef or replace it with the same type fridge. Hardest thing on these fridges are the temperature differences to the outside of the fridge and are not really made to be used in Canadian winters, they don’t like the negative temps. If there isn’t any rust on fins then there isn’t any ammonia leaks either. 12 volt fridges use way too many amps full time to be viable for a permanent solution so either you go with the same fridge type or go with a 100% propane fridge but they don’t fit completely right. You never fully trust the fridge until it’s replaced either lol

[@davidg9927]

Get a residential if ya can … those rv dual fuel are very cost prohibitive

[@tinalabelle7776]

Check your thermostat in the fridge. You can purchase those at a Marina supply store. Check your fuse too. That may need replacing.

[@plaintruth4637]

Amazon has parts too.

[@rvingkeepitrolling8797]

Good idea.

[@marinagauthier4597]

Rv parts canada is a guy from bluenose rv. His name is eric and he is SUPER AMAZING. Guided me through replacing my converter. Great prices as well.

[@zipit234]

Can say from experience if you can make the power supply manageable a regular 120 volt fridge, either mini or apartment size, is the way to go. Those propane RV fridges are just not designed for continuous use over long periods of time. There are 12 volt compressor style fridges but they’re far too expensive imo. Best of luck!

[@gypsyjenna]

Thank you!

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

Henna, be sure to tape over the LP port on the refrigerator to keep bugs out until you can check it out.

[@craigtarbox3499]

Sorry ! The best I can do for advice is to trash that one and get a new one . After doing a lot of research on which ones of the newer ones are giving the best and the worst service . I have watched some videos about a couple of companys making regular house fridges that are 12v. designed for off grid homes/cabins . They look just like the one you just took out . Good luck on that project .

[@stevegunn3823]

Sorry to hear about your fridge happened to my 2 years ago mine was electrically dead after a storm plugged into the grid. Got a replacement all fridge at home depot $700 i think but i have grid power at the park. I supplement with 2kw of solar with grid tie inverters 2 and dc battery storage now 6kw lifpo4 batteries. Big investment in batteries. We need go fund me Jenna for a solar system.

[@Andrew-k1m]

The old servel propain fridges are the best,they last forever look up servel,there known for there performance and longgevity if your still having problems good luck

[@southernprojectsyt6340]

that's because that RV fridge is 12V d/c vs the mini fridge being 120V a/c.

[@littlehomeinthevalley]

Oh geez Jenna, you can't catch a break! I have 0 advice. Sorry. But I will say I love how Ramsey eats snow the same way he drinks water 😂.

[@gypsyjenna]

Hahaha he is a character for sure! 🤣😃

[@gerardgrefkowicz3150]

@@gypsyjennalook up refrigerator/coolers they are a cooler with refrigerator freezer components like a real refrigerator easy on power and are 12 volts or plug into 120 as well

[@twan-zg6nr]

A little trick I do with my fridge in the boat what has the same system in put it 24 hours up side down that Wil lose the crystals in the system Greets from the Netherlands 😘

[@littlegriffoffgridalberta6837]

You have great skills :) Mini fridge , Like you said power burner ! I tried a 4 cubic it ran at 140w so I thought I'd try a new 16cubic & to my surprise it only uses 110w , Lots of room for beer :) I have 1200ah of storage so works for me, I only use the gen in Dec & Jan or if a lot of cloud, By end of march I don't need gen until late fall,

[@BulletproofPastor]

RV refrigerators are slow to cool, small, and cost a fortune. A dimensionally similar size regular refrigerator will offer you WAY more internal space. New refrigerators use a turbine compressor and use so little startup and run energy that you can likely save hundreds of dollars over the cost of an RV fridge. The savings can beef up your battery/inverter needs. In the end it's a win/win/win. Absorption refrigerators are actually a fire danger but were the only option when piston compressors demanded more power than practical. Today there's no reason to waste your money on one.

[@gypsyjenna]

True that, thanks!

[@1962mrmongoman]

I bought a brand new 3 way fridge from a place called "the shed" . I beleive its in Nova Scotia. It was 1500 buxx

[@gridfreeca]

sometimes you can shut it off for 24-48 hours and it will work again, if not, the best replacement is a house fridge if you can power it.

[@miriamharty5761]

Hi Jenna , I would not trust the fridge any more after seen what happend to the back of it , that had to be heat damage. Nice to see Ramsey having a nap in the sun on your bed.

[@michaellonsdale5904]

I have a 3-way fridge in my caravan. I have the manual and it says that if the cooling stops or is very poor, take out the unit and turn it over 3 times, this removes the blockage (a mixture of ammonia and water) and sends it back to the accumulator where the process starts over gain. There are no moving parts and should never need to be replaced. It works and is worth a try, cheaper that a new unit. Try to download the manual for this model and have a look. if you have an email address I can send you a copy, best wishes from Australia.

[@craigjohnson3603]

Looks like you dealt with this problem, you can sell your propane fridge for good money it may just need a new thermistor I've seen the hillbilly rv tech fix alot of old ones since you spent alot on it already That part is cheap. I had a 1972 dometic worked great until sold in 05 if I parked it level. Good job!

[@jalopyhotrod6394]

Happens to me once a winter usually Take fridge out and stand it up side down for an hour or so flip back over install it should work Not always but last 3 times for me

[@dandarling5990]

I use a small 7 cubic foot freezer, with a temp sensor switch. Makes a wonderful fridge that uses minimal energy from panels or inverter. Often zero draw for hours. I lay a 2 inch foam on top and sides mainly in summer.

[@gypsyjenna]

Good idea thanks

[@dandarling5990]

Lots of info out there for turning mini freezers into super efficiant fridge. Works well for me @@gypsyjenna

[@deanproctor2690]

Not to add more confusion because propane refrigerators are pretty good, but I’m a fan of the 12v DC fridge that I have. I can’t speak of longevity because I’ve only been using it for almost two years. Right around the time I found your channel when I started doing the RV lifestyle myself. I have two thermometers in there just to watch the temps. Freezer hangs around 0 to -10F and the fridge does 32 to 40F as it cycles on and off. Plus, no gas needed. So far so good. Another great vid, Gypsy J. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions! Ugh.

[@rcdad2]

I would replace with 12volt compressor fridge. It will get colder and is better suited to full time use

[@David-jd5lp]

Check out salvage yards where late model RV’s that have been in an accident. They usually part out.

[@wc3101]

id highly recommend just getting a large 12v compressor fridge, i know you can get loads of them in the states and canada, thats coming from a brit! try and find a used one, from an ex van lifer or even a motorhome :)

[@TheStuppets]

Hey Jenna, Sorry for the out of sequence comment but was just watching your video on the water pump pressure issue and wanted to suggest that you could get a couple of fittings and install that screen filter in the water feed line upstream from the pump. It does not have to be on the pump housing as long as fresh water is running through it. Just sayin..

[@dfhepner]

The ammonia fridge tend to get burned out on propane as it breaks down the ammonia. The is a company that make a compressor unit to replace the ammonia cooling unit.

[@philmccumbee6938]

Sorry you are having so much trouble with your frig. I have an RV and the frig is always giving me trouble. I sure hope you get the issue resolved. It is never simple in my world.

[@WindwalkerHomestead]

I know this video is a couple months old, but we just removed our Propane fridge as well. We replaced it with a home depot one that's 10 cuft. Had to cut the opening larger, but it's working great

[@gypsyjenna]

Awesome! Glad to hear! I wish mine were bigger, I am getting good at tetris with the food though lol

[@WindwalkerHomestead]

@@gypsyjenna that was a big deal to us. The propane was either a 7, or 7.5 cuft. Not sure how you would calculate volume, but it was about 212 liters and the new one is about 283 liters. A real difference and uses about 75 watts on average when the compressor is running. Only cost about $250 usd

[@gypsyjenna]

@WindwalkerHomestead wow that's a great price

[@WindwalkerHomestead]

@@gypsyjenna that's what I thought and it takes surprisingly little power for the price. I'll have to catch up on your videos to see, but I hope you got your situation figured out

[@CLepper61]

If you can purchase another I would in the long run it will pay for itself. But that depends on if your going to continue to live there.

[@janetbolinger1663]

I have a 2001 RV this last summer the fridge quit. The RV tech came & pronounced it dead. I am going to sell the RV since I am almost 75 in 10 days. My fridge like yours has given me fits since I acquired it in 2015. So I am selling it "as is" with a dead fridge. I hope you successfully get a new one.

[@gypsyjenna]

Thank you!

[@curtisdeering9609]

Jenna. Where that igniter is clean that with an old toothbrush or light wire brush. This will help.

[@bajahama]

I lived in my RV with a propane fridge for several years, but I doubt I have any advice you aren’t already aware of. I now live in an off-grid cabin with solar power, and I use a DC fridge. It’s a 13 cubic foot, so about twice the size of what you have, but it only draws 28 watts, so about 2 amps off your system. It’s great, but with DC fridges, options for size are pretty limited, so you might have problems finding one in your size. Might be worth looking into though. You could probably buy one AND upgrade your solar system for less cost than it would be to replace your propane fridge.

[@gypsyjenna]

Wow, super low power draw! That's awesome!

[@Two_Wheels_Only_ADV]

Yeah I was thinking when you were moving the fridge in the tent shed something could chew the wires just like you said anyway, Good luck with solving the Issue with it ..

[@3rubberboats]

That little white slide on the right side of the rear coils in the fridge may have something to do with adjusting the temp, but maybe it doesn't. That burnt spot on the back may have been caused by an over heating from the flame. Put some plastic on the outside vent with tape to keep the cold air out. Will do some investigation as to the cause. Thanks for sharing & have a great day.

[@benjamincresswell3713]

Hi Gypsy Jen, Hot chimney = Ammonia NOT circulating, NOT absorbing some of the heat, so, you're probably right about flipping it & banging on it to clear orifice of debris/ ammonia crystals as long as there's no Ammonia smell. LET'S DO MATH: $1,100 rebuild w/ 5yr warranty =$220/yr, A new one at Cabin Depot is about $3,500 & lasts about 15yrs = $230/yr. So it's up to you. Meanwhile checkout the new 12v travel freezers for a backup freezer. Cost $400-$500 Canadian. Some have part freezer part fridge, but you already have a toy fridge. A New 10cu/ft or 283 liter, propane fridge/ freezer is $3,000 - $4,000 Canadian @ Cabin Depot over in Lincoln NB, what, about 500km from you? But it might be free shipping. Jen, just saying: I live in Michigan. I have a cottage that I rarely use. It has electricity. So if I go there I have a fridge, water pump, kitchen stove and heat. It costs me $8.00/mo. to have it connected and ready. Sometimes I go there and don't even turn it on, but it's there if I want it. Just saying. I'm sorry you're having an issue, but we all have them, and it's always fun to see you and how you manage yours, so thank you for posting. Meanwhile, Pretend you're at deer camp and use the old fridge for drinks & un frozen food. ben/ michigan

[@gypsyjenna]

Thanks Ben, have a great weekend!

[@Greystone1]

As a general rule, if the power to your fridge goes out, you have 4 hours before your refrigerated foods begin to spoil, and 24 to 48 hours for frozen foods. Tic toc tic toc...

[@Agent_Starling]

7:52 awwww RAM-say wants that milk 🥛😻 😅. GJ, I commend your absolute tenacity in everything you experience in your RV and everything you repair in your RV. You have got ovaries of STEEL! Keep making videos GJ, we need you out here.

[@gypsyjenna]

Thanks girl, living this way is my favourite but it tests my patience sometimes 😆😂

[@Agent_Starling]

I know it has been testing your patience and you def score an A+++++. Keep at it GJ😊

[@Greystone1]

My EcoFlow River 2 Pro ran my full size 120 volt fridge/freezer for 11 hours. Don't assume freon refrigerators are less efficient. They are not.

[@462ANIMAL]

Darn red squirrels 🐿️ , don’t get me started.. I have one in my attic now.. bugger has been up there rearranging my insulation for a few days now . 🙄 I’d recommend rat traps.. for your squirrel problem, just get a piece of 2x4 and screw the trap to it.. if not.. they can run away 😂 The fridge issue , hmmm I’ve only ever had to clean out the burner with compressed air after taping on the chimney to clear out any loose rust.. burner needs to run good and hot. That is in my 2001 5th wheel Terry. Maybe look at getting a house fridge at some point, ones with out a freezer are very low consumption. I have a full size standup fridge it’s 1.7 Amps. Maybe one day , with a good size solar / battery bank .

[@livinginavwvan207]

I'd say just grab a fridge from an old RV but might be a better idea to buy new

[@bretthibbs6083]

my mom and I had a rv over 20 years ago and the fridge didn't work so we bought a 120 volt one at a garage sale and we used that instead and it worked great the bad part it only worked when we were hooked up to 120 volt outlet at the rv park. But we also had a 12volt cooler that worked off the 12 volt system on the rv. My brother had a dog named Ramsey

[@garegardner6782]

Same thing happened to mine. I ended up tossing it and got a mini with a SMALL freezer. I got a counter top ice maker which is really helpful. The empty "closet space" became a place for the diesel heater, on demand water heater, whole house vacuum cleaner and place for the water connection to the sinks, tub/shower. The mini fridge isnt too bad on power usage. I mostly keep unfrozen veggies etc there. I live close enough to Safeway and Walmart that I can "use" their freezers. You definitely are a good investigator. Do you think you will use a propane fridge in the future? I dont plan to replace mine unless I make this roadworthy again for the back country. Anyhoo, Great vid as always. Love you smooth, unhurried delivery, I get a lot move frustrated than you, (kinda verbal about it too). Thanks for all this info

[@gypsyjenna]

Thank you and unsure about the propane fridge dilemma, all I know is that it's been costly repairing it and has caused me many problems lol

[@garegardner6782]

Sorry I got so wordy, Its just something I can relate to :). You will figure it out to your satisfaction like you do everything else.@@gypsyjenna

[@douglasworkman2788]

I would not spend another penny on that fridge, I had same one, spent a small fortune on repairing it over and over, I gave up and got a new used one, they are expensive as he'll, good luck