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10-08-2017, 03:27 PM
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#1
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TrailManor Master
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Vancouver BC
Posts: 1,530
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Fridge on propane
When we got our TM, I tried and used the propane fridge. All worked well. It wasn't difficult to light. On our last trip, I tried for several hours to get it to light and never did. I used the AC mode. Normally, I'd use the AC mode anyway, but it concerned me that I could not light it. Can some one give me some possibilities to look for? For starters, I was not low on propane. The stove worked like a charm. I tried lighting it exactly to the manual, and also with the thermostat setting at various settings.
We are planning a trip next year where I may have to rely on propane for overnight stops. I don't want to have the same problem if I have no electrical hookup.
(please don't suggest the solar route. I need to save for a couple of years before I can afford to get that set up.)
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10-08-2017, 04:16 PM
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#2
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Site Sponsor
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Blandford, MA
Posts: 1,048
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Larry,
Given the year of your unit, I suspect it may be an issue with the burner. But, you should follow the troubleshooting steps as outlined in one of Bill's postings in the "technical library": http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...ad.php?t=17615
I am assuming you have a Norcold refrigerator, which is the one listed in the above link. If you have a Dometic unit, I would suggest you look for (Google?) the troubleshooting steps for that model.
I have done extensive troubleshooting on our Norcold and will be glad to offer assistance with regard to any of your questions.
Let is know what you find and how you resolve the issue.
Dick
__________________
Dick & Jeri in Western MA
2003 2720 SL
2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Limited 4x4 - V8
Albums
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10-08-2017, 04:26 PM
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#3
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TrailManor Master
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Vancouver BC
Posts: 1,530
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Thanks Dick, I'll certainly look into that. I did have the fridge working on propane in early August, and then again for a day on our second trip. Then when I switched it to DC while we moved to a new campsite, I couldn't get it lit after that.
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10-08-2017, 05:01 PM
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#4
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TrailManor Master
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 1,893
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Mine quit working on propan unexpectedly, too. Hard part for me is getting someone to punch the buttons on the fridge so I can inspect what’s going on outside with the vent panels removed.
__________________
2007/21 TM 3326 (Pride of the Fleet)
2000 2720SL (Rebuild Project)
2002 2619 (Parts TM)
SMARTER THAN GOOGLE!
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10-09-2017, 02:52 PM
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#5
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TrailManor Master
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Vancouver BC
Posts: 1,530
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I pulled the side panel today. The burner looked clean, but did not yet clean it out, so it could still be dirty inside.
I had my daughter press the igniter while I looked for a spark. I could not see any trace of a spark, so I presume this is the fault. I pulled the control panel off from the fridge and the sparker appear connected to the sparker wire. I tried this with the trailer plugged into AC.
So far, I've exhausted all the issues I've read about here in my searches, except for perhaps, the one person who had to replace the flame meter module.
I haven't tried lighting it manually yet, but it's clear to me that the sparker is the first issue.
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10-09-2017, 05:29 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 154
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Larry,
There's a lot of different things that can happen. You may want to read this string also, as I had a bit of a different issue.
http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...ad.php?t=17680
All I can tell you, is be persistent, and don't give up, because when you figure it out, it will light in 15-45 seconds in 2-3 clicks of the igniter!
__________________
Mitch & Sarah (aka Fourteener)
Littleton Colorado
2007 2720 TrailManor
2008 Toyota 4Runner
Upgrades - Lift Kit with 15" Tires/Rims/Spare & Rack,
Mud Flaps, Blue Tote Caddy, WDH Bar Holders,
Custom Outside/Chassis-mounted Tool Box,
Stove Cover, Bathroom Tension Self,
Outside Speakers, Fresh H2O Deck Plate,
100 Watt Portable Solar Panel, Shower Mod,
Over-wall TV mount - - (The fun never ends :-)
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10-07-2023, 05:47 AM
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#7
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Site Team
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: The mountains of Scottsdale, AZ, and the beaches of Maine
Posts: 10,186
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If the dial goes into the green and stays there after you release the red button, it means that propane is present and burning properly, and the thermocouple is properly located in the flame. The dial is driven by the voltage generated by the hot thermocouple, so that is good.
This type of refrig is very slow to cool down. Do not expect it to feel cold right away. Instead, light it, and then go away for at least two hours. Then come back, open the freezer door, and put your hand on the floor of the freezer. If it feels cold, then all is well.
Let us know.
Bill
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10-15-2023, 10:19 AM
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#8
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Site Sponsor
Join Date: Aug 2023
Posts: 90
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Success
Turns out it works on propane after all! I can’t hear or see a flame in the burner box but the dial stays in green and it was cold within 1 hour and cool in the am. Thanks for the help.
Does anyone switch from battery (towing) to propane (boondocking)? Seems the fridge putters out and items may thaw until propane has time to kick in.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill
If the dial goes into the green and stays there after you release the red button, it means that propane is present and burning properly, and the thermocouple is properly located in the flame. The dial is driven by the voltage generated by the hot thermocouple, so that is good.
This type of refrig is very slow to cool down. Do not expect it to feel cold right away. Instead, light it, and then go away for at least two hours. Then come back, open the freezer door, and put your hand on the floor of the freezer. If it feels cold, then all is well.
Let us know.
Bill
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10-15-2023, 01:41 PM
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#9
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TrailManor Master
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 1,893
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It shouldn’t get warm if you immediately light it. The 12VDC mode has the chemical reaction heated and working, and once the propane is lit and burning it will keep the chemical reaction heated and working.
__________________
2007/21 TM 3326 (Pride of the Fleet)
2000 2720SL (Rebuild Project)
2002 2619 (Parts TM)
SMARTER THAN GOOGLE!
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10-15-2023, 06:59 PM
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#10
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Site Sponsor
Join Date: Aug 2023
Posts: 90
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Thanks, good to know. Must not have been cold enough when I tested the switch from AC to propane on purchase date .
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