RV fridge and yellow powder... uh oh

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scottydl

scottydl

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We are getting ready for our final camping trip of the season... this weekend.  We haven't gone anywhere since July due to my work schedule, but I've been in and out of the shore-powered RV periodically (it's in my driveway) and keep the refrigerator running all the time.

I discovered everything in the freezer melted today (a few popsicles) and refrigerator temp showing 55F.  Opened up the exterior access panel to check for burner obstructions and was dismayed to find a pile of yellow powder on the floor underneath the coils.  See images below (2nd one is extreme close-up if that isn't obvious).

From what I read, yellow powder = leaking ammonia.  Is my fridge toast?
 

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Sounds like you need a new cooling unit or a complete refrigerator.
 
It's the answer I knew was coming, but still not what I wanted to hear.

Any suggestions on a workable make/model of NON-RV replacement fridge would be appreciated.  With the value of our RV (low) and the frequency of its use (also fairly low), there is no chance I will be spending $1500+ on an RV-specific model.
 
Try http://www.ajmadison.com/refrigeration/ for a source of lots of refrigerators.  You can search by size, which is quite helpful.
 
The guys who replaced ours said they no longer take out the front windshield.  They remove a side window and lift it out through it.  Be prepared for the possibility of cabinet changes if you switch to a residential style.  We couldn't find a size that would fit into the space without changes and, as you well know, RVs have nothing standard when it comes to size!

ArdraF
 
I'd rather saw the old one in half than remove any windows just to get it out of the RV.  :p  It's decent sized but not THAT huge, so here's hoping that I'll be able to finagle it out the side door!  (fingers crossed)
 
scottydl said:
We are getting ready for our final camping trip of the season... this weekend.  We haven't gone anywhere since July due to my work schedule, but I've been in and out of the shore-powered RV periodically (it's in my driveway) and keep the refrigerator running all the time.

I discovered everything in the freezer melted today (a few popsicles) and refrigerator temp showing 55F.  Opened up the exterior access panel to check for burner obstructions and was dismayed to find a pile of yellow powder on the floor underneath the coils.  See images below (2nd one is extreme close-up if that isn't obvious).

From what I read, yellow powder = leaking ammonia.  Is my fridge toast?
Click to expand...

Scott, Depending on the make and model refrigerator you have in your coach, you might consider just replacing the cooling unit. Check this website for pricing on their new cooling units. http://rvcoolingunit.com/Default.aspx If your handy with tools, you can replace the unit yourself and save some $$$$. It's really not that difficult as I found out changing the cooling unit in my Norcold 1201. An RV repair shop will get $300 to $500 for labor. Here is a short picture slideshow showing my installation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgjDl5nwPMo

Good Luck,
1Sammiedog
 
^^ Good site, but my model doesn't fare so well... Remanufactured cooling unit is not available, and a Brand New one is priced at $950.  Yikes!

I have the side-by-side Dometic RM7030, 2-way Royal.
 
You can probably get the old one out by removing the doors and even the cooling unit coils if you have to. They are toast anyway. But you also have to get a new one IN, and that may be more of challenge unless you choose an apartment size.  But most any residential fridge is going to be larger than your existing one anyway. Yours is probably only 10 cu ft - 12 tops.

Here is a replacement cooling unit for $725.
http://rvfridgestore.com/dometic-rm7030-side-by-side-cooling-7030.html
 
scottydl said:
Thanks for the link Ned.

Any tips on getting the current fridge OUT would be helpful too!
Click to expand...
Do you have an escape window in the bed room? We opened ours & stuck a washing machine through on a set of front end loader forks.
 
Scotty, I work in major appliances at Sears in Sebring, Florida. I've had several RV'ers in within the last couple weeks checking out the smaller Kenmore models...there is a 11 CF and a 9.6 CF available. I'd send you the measurement requirements, but we're heading out on a 3-day mini-trip tomorrow. I get back Thursday. Let me know if you want the dimensions...I'll get them to you, or you can check them at www.sears.com Here are a couple links to the smaller units:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_04609051000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_04662402000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=28&blockType=G28
 
1Sammiedog said:
Here is a short picture slideshow showing my installation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgjDl5nwPMo
Click to expand...

AWESOME video!!!!
 
Trust me, I am checking my local classifieds and CG but nothing in my area has popped up yet.  The good news is that we have a typical "dorm" size fridge that will get us though our final camping trip this weekend.  So I have all winter to find a suitable full size replacement.  ;)

My winter RV projects sure are stacking up!!
 
Scotty,
If your anywhere near Tulsa OK, you can have the Norcold 1200 side by side I am about to take out of my coach.

Ken
 
Kenneth said:
If your anywhere near Tulsa OK, you can have the Norcold 1200 side by side I am about to take out of my coach.
Click to expand...

What an offer!  But unfortunately I am about 565-585 miles from there depending on route.  Central Illinois.  Know anyone coming up this way anytime soon?  ;)
 
Well, we wont be headed that direction until may of next year. But if anyone is headed that way I will help them load it up !

Ken
 
scottydl said:
I've been in and out of the shore-powered RV periodically (it's in my driveway) and keep the refrigerator running all the time.

Opened up the exterior access panel to check for burner obstructions and was dismayed to find a pile of yellow powder on the floor underneath the coils. 
From what I read, yellow powder = leaking ammonia.  Is my fridge toast?
Click to expand...

My question is WHY it leaked?  Did you had it LEVEL while it was running off and on?  You'll burn up another one if you run it and it isn't LEVEL.  Just a thought as to why it burned up in the first place.  Of course, nothing lasts forever even if everything is done right.

I had a trailer on shore power and it sprang a roof leak.  Not thinking, I lowered the front so the water would run off and not leak until I could get to it when the rain stopped.  Burned out a 6 month old $1,200 Dometic because it wasn't LEVEL.
 
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