RV refrigerator not cooling on propane

Symptoms

• Fridge stays warm even after running for hours on propane
• Fridge cools on electric but not on propane, or vice versa
• Sooty residue or yellow flame instead of blue at the burner

Likely causes

• CommonRV not parked levelAbsorption refrigerators rely on gravity-fed circulation of a cooling solution and need the RV to be reasonably level to work properly.
• CommonDirty or blocked burner/flueDust, insects (especially spiders), or soot buildup can block the flame or reduce heat transfer needed for cooling.
• CommonLow propane supply or air in the lineSince it runs on propane in this mode, any supply issue affects the fridge just like other propane appliances.
• PossibleFailed cooling unit (boiler tube system)Older absorption fridges can develop a failure in the sealed cooling unit itself, which usually requires replacement rather than repair.

What to do

1. Confirm the RV is parked as level as possible, using leveling blocks if needed, since even a small tilt can prevent proper cooling.
2. Check the flame through the burner viewing window; it should burn steady and blue, not yellow, sooty, or flickering.
3. Clean the burner assembly and flue of dust, soot, and especially spider webs, which are a very common blockage in RV fridge burners.
4. Confirm propane supply is adequate and other propane appliances work normally.
5. Give the fridge adequate time (several hours) to reach temperature after any fix, since these units cool slowly compared to a home fridge.
6. If the fridge still won't cool with a clean burner, good propane supply, and level parking, the sealed cooling unit itself may have failed and typically needs professional replacement.

Tools and parts

• Soft brush
• Flashlight

When to call a pro

If cleaning the burner and leveling the RV doesn't restore cooling, have an RV appliance technician check for a failed cooling unit.

Safety