RV Refrigerator Not Igniting

Welcome back to Tech Tip Tuesday, brought to you by the National RV Training Academy—the largest hands-on RV training center in America! This week, Santa Todd and Tony Snowman step in to share solutions to your RV questions. Whether it’s keeping your fridge cold or figuring out your power system, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

Troubleshooting Your Propane Fridge

Question: “My propane fridge started cooling but then stopped. The check light is on. What should I do?”

• Step 1: Check Your Propane Supply: If your trailer’s been sitting for a year, you might be out of propane.
• Step 2: Inspect the Burner Assembly: Rust, debris, or even insect remains could be obstructing the burner or flu tube. Take off the grill at the back of the fridge and look for any blockages.
• Step 3: Clear Obstructions: Remember, propane moves at only 0.4 PSI—barely enough to push a human hair! Even small debris, like a dead insect, can block the flow.
• Bonus Tip: If it’s freezing outside and your propane isn’t flowing well, warm the tank (carefully, please—no open flames!).

Victron Multiplus 2 and Loss of 12-Volt Power

Question: “I installed a Victron Multiplus 2. After unplugging my rig’s converter and turning off the battery disconnect, I lost all 12-volt power in the RV. Plugging the converter back in restores it. What’s wrong?”

• Likely Issue: Your inverter-connected batteries aren’t linked to your RV’s 12-volt distribution panel.
• Solution Steps:
  1. Check for a blown fuse or a separate disconnect switch that could be causing the issue.
  2. If your inverter and RV systems share one set of batteries, ensure those batteries are wired to both the inverter and the 12-volt distribution panel.
  3. Run an additional cable from the batteries to the 12-volt system if needed.

Once the connection is complete, your RV should have full 12-volt power, even with the converter unplugged.

Key Takeaways for RV Owners

1. Propane Systems: Always inspect and maintain your fridge’s burner and flu systems. Keep propane tanks full and warm in cold weather.
2. Electrical Setups: Understand how your inverter, batteries, and distribution panels work together. Double-check connections when modifying systems.
3. Preventative Maintenance: Regular inspections save you time and hassle down the road.

As we wrap up 2024, we thank you for being part of the Tech Tip Tuesday community. Have a wonderful holiday season, and we’ll see you in 2025 with more answers to your RV questions!