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Topic: ARP Automatic Refrigerator Protection (Read 408 times) previous topic - next topic
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ARP Automatic Refrigerator Protection
Finally got the ARP control installed (www.ARPrv.com)

We can be off level while driving hours at a time. We will see if it turns the fridge off. Anyhow, I won't worry about it anymore.
Haven't installed the fan it controls yet.
Harry 2006RB
Re: ARP Automatic Refrigerator Protection
Reply #1 –
It has been my understanding that being off level when driving is not an issue, because of the constant movement.  Condensate does not have sufficient time to accumulate in any one spot when the rig is in motion.  It is only when stationary that being off level may harm the refrigeration system.

Ken F in NM
'08 MB
Re: ARP Automatic Refrigerator Protection
Reply #2 –
Yep, that is what they say. ARP says they have tracked temperatures with the data logging mode and the boiler does overheat, in motion, off level. I choose to believe them. Anyhow, I often travel steep, long, mountain roads. Phoenix to Flagstaff, Durango to Silverton, for example, so I chose to see if it turns the fridge off. If it does not you will be correct.

The early Servel refrigerators lasted forever. The RV fridges do not. ARP thinks the difference is the RV fridges overheat with cumulative damage wiping them out in 10-15 years. Lot of info on the website.
Harry 2006RB
Re: ARP Automatic Refrigerator Protection
Reply #3 –
Well, the ARP device might well work just as described, i.e. it will turn off the fridge if the boiler temperature exceeds some set point. The question is whether this will actually extend the life of any fridge unit. At around $200, it’s pretty expensive to just take them at their word. They offer no studies to demonstrate this. The best they can do is to trumpet the fact that Norcold tried to patent a similar device, therefore the ARP device must be valuable and effective. I’m afraid that logic, while tempting, isn’t proof of effectiveness. This forum is loaded with folks who have traveled with the fridge on for many years (we are at year ten) with no problems. We are diligent about leveling when camped, and turn it off when gassing up, but that’s about it. But the thing I find most telling about this company and product is that I couldn’t find anywhere on their website any warranty that the product will protect you against corrosion-caused failure (which is the point of controlling the boiler temperature). It’s easy to talk the talk, but they don’t seem to be putting their money up to back their claims. Maybe I missed the warranty and would be happy to stand corrected. — Jon



(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Re: ARP Automatic Refrigerator Protection
Reply #4 –
I certainly am not gonna make their case. If it keeps the boiler temp under control I'll be a happy guy. Lotta road work on the Durango-Ouray run this past summer. There you are, way off level and what turns into a 30 minute wait. I'll see if it activates on my run to the Grand Canyon in a couple of weeks.

I, too, have traveled those roads for years. Everything still works. Pretty expensive for a fan control but the cost doesn't bother me considering all the other RV costs. I like gadgets. All my other thermal fans over the cooling fins have failed. We will see if this one will.

I can't imagine issuing a corrosion warranty. Too many variables and it would have to be installed new. This is an aftermarket device. Certainly wouldn't use it as a measure of capability.

The measure of capability will be if it ever turns the fridge off while driving.
Harry 2006RB
Re: ARP Automatic Refrigerator Protection
Reply #5 –
"Well, the ARP device might well work just as described,..."

No one asked for my advise but I'll offer it anyway ___ Pure Snake Oil!

I'm with Jon&Loni and JCT on this.   ::)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: ARP Automatic Refrigerator Protection
Reply #6 –
Most of the reviews seem to center on the fan control rather than the boiler temp control. Fan control seems to center on the capability and durability of the fan which has nothing to do with the main function of the device.

For some reason it did seem to hit a nerve! I'll let you know if it turns things off on a long uphill or downhill run.
Harry 2006RB
Re: ARP Automatic Refrigerator Protection
Reply #7 –
Quote from: hbn7hj  - 
Most of the reviews seem to center on the fan control rather than the boiler temp control. Fan control seems to center on the capability and durability of the fan which has nothing to do with the main function of the device.
For some reason it did seem to hit a nerve! I'll let you know if it turns things off on a long uphill or downhill run.

I look at this device as a fix for a something that may or may not make a difference in the long run.
I see no proof of it's effectiveness provided and do not expect to ever see it.
Testing a device like this would take 10-20 years and a lot of subject refrigerators.
Controlling the variables would be impossible.
I do see the fan control as a benefit, but it's an expensive fan controller.

On the other hand, this device shouldn't cause any harm, unless it somehow fails and shuts the refrigerator off, letting the contents warm.
Could be an issue if it happened on a long drive or when the RV is unattended.
The possibility of this happening is as much a hazard as the boiler overheating, IMO.
I would install a refrigerator thermometer, one with a high temp alarm. It's a good idea for any refrigerator.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: ARP Automatic Refrigerator Protection
Reply #8 –
Our original refer went south with the yellow death just inside the factory warranty. Otherwise, it would have been around $800 for the part and more for labor. So a solution was attractive to us. We are often not attentive to parking off-level, especially on shortstops. And we only cut the refer off to fuel up.

Jon, ARP had a six-part article in Escapees a few years back - an in-depth discussion of refers and their problems. Of course, their control was the answer. I bit and installed one. Took quite a bit of time to snake all the wires from the outside refer access to the bin over the stove. I wanted the display inside where I could see it.

I have no idea if it will, in fact, turn off the refer if it gets too hot. I do know it will for no apparent reason turn off the refer. Which triggers the temp alarm. I made a jumper to bypass the control. Not sure I will ever arm it again. Today, I support Larry’s advise.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: ARP Automatic Refrigerator Protection
Reply #9 –
"I wanted the display inside where I could see it."

I did, too. Decided to see if it would work, first. Wonder if the long leads have anything to do with lack of function?

"I do know it will, for no apparent reason, turn off the refer"

A temporary low voltage condition on the power line may cause that. The ARP device will restart but the refrigerator may not, leaving you to think the ARP device shut it off. I think the fridge signs off at 10.5 volts, maybe it is 9.5 volts. I'll have to read the Dometic manual to see how the low voltage sense works. It will be interesting to see what the low voltage of a generator start does to it.

The power line for an internal mount would be several feet of small gauge wire times 2 whereas the original install would be about a foot from power in to the over temp switch to the control module. Just a guess.

 Will let you know if I get the same results. You would have to access the internal memory to know if it ever detected high boiler temp and turned off.

Harry 2006RB
Re: ARP Automatic Refrigerator Protection
Reply #10 –
In our ‘15 RB I have had the OEM fridge refuse to fire up and on at least two occasions shut down until I have improved the LD level.

I have been using a small bubble level which I place on the galley countertop between the sink and the stovetop. When I’m within 1/4 bubble off, all is well. 1/2 a bubble off can trigger a shut down.

Nothing worse than “loosing my cool” where the fridge is concerned. Always keeping an eye on the dreaded “check” light for the first thirty minutes after leveling.

 Works for me.

Kent

2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: ARP Automatic Refrigerator Protection
Reply #12 –
Ed,

Although LD said that the fridge would be fine as long as the LD was level enough for comfortable “walking” while “level”, I have found this to not necessarily be the case.

I have not made any modifications to the fridge and it seems to be rather savy as to when level isn’t good enough.

I have been within 1/2 a bubble after leveling and had the “all’s good” from the fridge only to later find that the LD had settled in and the levelness had moved off by a 1/4 bubble. As a result, the fridge shut down (unfortunately I had been out and about and found my Klondike’s had softened). Upon releveling all was fine and the fridge fired right back up. This is why I keep a close eye on the check light for a little while. It’s certainly not a surprise I like walking in on.

I generally don’t have full hookups and couldn’t tell you if the fridge won’t light under 110 if unlevel. I generally work hard to avoid such occurrences in fear that the fridge would not relight.

So far so good. Keep my fingers crossed each and every time.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: ARP Automatic Refrigerator Protection
Reply #13 –
Quote from: Kent Heckethorn  - 
In our ‘15 RB I have had the OEM fridge refuse to fire up and on at least two occasions shut down until I have improved the LD level. 


Interesting, Kent.  I wouldn't think being a little out of level would affect starting the fridge, only the long term operation of it.  This may be a feature of newer fridges?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: ARP Automatic Refrigerator Protection
Reply #14 –
Greg,

Hard to say, right? So far the fridge behaves quite well. Maybe things have changed in the world of Dometic.

I’ve tried checking level from inside the freezer but so far I’ve gotten my best results as I have outlined earlier. Far better results than the floor. Hard to explain, but that’s okay as long as my Klondike Bars stay frozen. There really isn’t much I wouldn’t do for that. https://youtu.be/wNRiFBrX7Nk

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: ARP Automatic Refrigerator Protection
Reply #15 –
"OK but in 10 years the refer has never cut off"

The power to the control box isn't running through 10 ft. Of skinny wire, either. Gotta be a reason.

Not that it is worth your time but remove your jumper, turn the ARP off (standard fridge function) and see if the fridge turns itself off. If it does it is not the ARPs fault except for the internal voltage drop through the relay. Again, gotta be a reason. Thanks for the info and for the moment I'm happy I didn't put it inside but I certainly wanted to.

You are looking at about 1.5 amps with the propane valve open. An accurate voltmeter probe at the fridge control box during a low battery condition would get your answer.
Harry 2006RB
 
Re: ARP Automatic Refrigerator Protection
Reply #16 –
Finally got off my dead end and checked voltage requirements. The fridge will turn off and the check light come on at 9.6 volts. The panel lights will stay on till 4 volts. I think once the check light is on you have to turn it off, then on, to clear it.

If the ARP turns it off, no lights are on but it will restart when/if the power comes back through the ARP. The ARP will not turn it back on if it turns it off five times. Not sure what the time requirements are for that.
Harry 2006RB