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Topic: Freezer Works; Refer Not so Much (Read 331 times) previous topic - next topic
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Freezer Works; Refer Not so Much
Hi again!  Just as you're preparing to get on the road, it's always something!  I could use some help/advice with this issue:  the freezer is freezing just fine; the refrigerator portion is not cooling at all.

So where do I start?

Thanks again,
Lorna Dunham
2003 RB


Re: Freezer Works; Refer Not so Much
Reply #2
The article mentioned is more knowledgable than I am. The failing fridge with a functioning freezer means the cooling capacity of the cooling unit has decreased. In my experience it was the initial sign of a failing cooling unit.

Be thinking of your options.
Harry 2006RB

Re: Freezer Works; Refer Not so Much
Reply #3
Thanks for your responses everyone. Yes, that article was helpful, and yes, I am considering options.  The refrigerator did start cooling overnight, but in this heat, I'm not sure it can keep up and as you mentioned, it could be temporary.

Thanks,
Lorna
2003 RB

Re: Freezer Works; Refer Not so Much
Reply #4
Lorna, as a temporary measure, you could freeze things such as Ziploc bags of water and then move them to the fridge section. Keep rotating several, freezing one set while the other set is chilling the fridge.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Freezer Works; Refer Not so Much
Reply #5
Lorna, I almost hate to mention this since it is something most long time owners realize. The refrigerator section cools down AFTER the freezer. Each year when we first turn on our fridge, I have to remind myself that the fridge cools down quite bit after the freezer. And I can only imagine how long it would take in extreme heat.

Good luck!
Fellow 2003 class, Steve K
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath

Re: Freezer Works; Refer Not so Much
Reply #6
On a side note.
Our 25 year old fridge works great. I turn it on 48 hours or more before we load it up (on electric at home). We load it up with items that are in our fridge in the house, so it is loaded with cool items.  Ice packs refreeze when we put them back in the freezer and drinks seem colder than at home.  Highest outside temps tested in is low 90's on the east coast. Does fine even when we drive with it on propane and then Harvest Host overnight also on propane.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath

Re: Freezer Works; Refer Not so Much
Reply #7
Lorna,
Since the suggestions above have covered the possibilities well, I'll mention something that hasn't been, which is your refrigerator gasket. You should, if you haven't, check to see if there are any places where there may be some leakage.around the door. Either some small something, or maybe just a small gap somewhere maybe?  I'll add that here in Arkansas, RV unfortunately sitting in my driveway, it's been in the high 90's recently with RH values in the 70s, and my refreshments kept in my fridge have been as cold as ever. Good luck!
Bill
Bill
2003 -- 23' FL

Re: Freezer Works; Refer Not so Much
Reply #8
"I'll mention something that hasn't been, which is your refrigerator gasket."

Here's a tip... take a fairly crisp $ bill and clamp it at various locations around the perimeter of the fridge door. If the door gasket offers some resistance when you attempt to pull it out the gasket is good at that point! If you encounter little or no resistance you may be leaking air.   :o
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: Freezer Works; Refer Not so Much
Reply #9
I'll follow up on Lazy Bones' suggestion of the $ bill.   If you find the gasket seems "loose", spread a very thin layer of Vaseline on the gasket.  It will "tighten" the seal.   I've used this for decades on a home freezer.
Best,
Juli W
Juli W.
Former owner 1994 mid bath,  2006 26.5'rear bath

Re: Freezer Works; Refer Not so Much
Reply #10
A little information, please: is the refrigerator running on 120 VAC or propane?
If on propane, the burner assembly and jet may be dirty and need cleaning. I assume the temperature is on the coldest setting. The boiler at the rear of the refrigerator should be hot.
The coils on the rear should be blown out with compressed air.

If it is the original refrigerator, at 21 years old, it may be near the end of its lifetime.

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