Fridge on propane

Larryjb · 10-08-2017, 03:27 PM

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.)

**commodor47** · 10-08-2017, 04:16 PM

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

Larryjb · 10-08-2017, 04:26 PM

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.

Shane826 · 10-08-2017, 05:01 PM

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.

Larryjb · 10-09-2017, 02:52 PM

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.

fourteener · 10-09-2017, 05:29 PM

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!

**Bill** · 10-07-2023, 05:47 AM

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

**DanSTL** · 10-15-2023, 10:19 AM

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

Shane826 · 10-15-2023, 01:41 PM

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.

**DanSTL** · 10-15-2023, 06:59 PM

Thanks, good to know. Must not have been cold enough when I tested the switch from AC to propane on purchase date .