I have a chance to make a good deal on a 2001, Starcraft, slidein, popup camper.

The 3-way refrig does not work and the guy has no idea why. He has offered to knock off another $200, but I know that is not near enough to get it repaired, much replaced.

Knowing nothing about these things, I was hoping someone might give me an idea on what the problem might be.

TIA

 

See if you can get the year and model of the refrig. There is a recall out on them due to an internal fire hazard and you may be able to get it replaced for free.

 

I though about that and it's not on the recall list.

 

I had a 2002 27' travel trailer that I sold to a buddy of mine at the fire dept. A year later the fridge went out (dometic) and the total was $1200 to repair. For what it's worth.

Britt

 

That's what has me worried. One like this is $749 + $235 installation + taxes.

I may have to keep looking.

 

It could be a multitude of problems.

First thing to do is run it over night on the AC setting and see if that has any influence on it. If it cools on AC but not on gas you can throw parts at it to fix it. If it does NOT work on AC (and the element is good) that means it either has a blocked or cracked cooling unit and all of the Ammonia/Hydrogen mixture has leaked out, meaning time for a new cooling unit or reefer.

200$ is hardly compensation for a major appliance not working. You already have the quote for a new fridge so it should be at least that or agree that he pays the repair bill to fix the fridge if you will pay full asking price.

 

Assuming you've checked the heaters to make sure they're working, you can check by feeling the stack on the right side for warmth. If it's hot then it may be plugged.

Look in the back and see if there is any yellow/orange dust. If there is it has a leak and they aren't cheap to replace. Also see if it's on the recall list.

Mine stopped working a couple years ago and I found out that the stupid bubble level on the trailer was off and the refer was not level. When this happens the chromate can pile up and plug things up.

A possible fix is to take it out and turn it upside down for 24 hours. Then put it back and make sure it's level. Mine has been working ever since.

Edwin

 

Thanks for all the good info.

I talked to him last night and he is going to have it fixed and let me have it for the negotiated price. If it has to be replaced, I'm not sure he will do that once he sees the bill. Also, he talked to a repair shop that said they could put a Norcold, 3-way, in for a couple of hundred less than the Dometic. I've heard of them, but have never had one. Opinions?

 

Norcolds are just fine, and are factory equipment in many RV's.

How much it could cost to repair the current refridge would depend on the problem. Control boards, gas valves, flame sensors and stuff like that are no big deal. In an ammonia absorption fridge, though, the cooling unit is sealed, and replacement is expensive and a lot of labor.

When you say it doesn't work, does it not come on at all? If so, could be the main board, or maybe power isn't getting to the fridge. On the other hand, if the AC heating element heats, and the flame lights fine on gas mode, but the unit doesn't cool, then it may be the cooling unit- which I would guess would run about $600 or more...

Good luck with it.

 

Thanks for the info.

The ball is in his court now. I'll just have to wait a few days for him to get back to me.

This is an extremly clean, well taken of, one owner camper, and hate to miss it.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/brokenbit/987154309/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/brokenbit/987154293/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/brokenbit/987154331/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/brokenbit/987154323/

 

I can't say I have every seen a unit like that.. Good luck on the purchase, you did the right thing to get him to fix it. I think he was just seeing if he could get out of doing that first...

 

For preventive of RV frig. , since it hasn't been mentioned yet , you should have a bubble disk level in the frig. , if they get about more than a 1/2 bubble out of level , the ammonia can crystallize & plug the system , need all new plumping .