We need a new frig

[Keri]

WE have a 1997 coleman fleetwood and had a problem this fall.  We had a part from the frig outside unit wiggle loose while traveling  ( t shaped piece)..  We did not notice a problem til our friend smelled propane and my hubby found the back of our camper on fire !!!

So.  the frig would not work and something must have melted the wires to charge the battery for the lights also..................

Anyone ever have this problem  Just wondering if we should buy a new frig or if anyone has repaired themselves before...........

The outside controls to the frig all melted !!!

Will wait for response and thanks in advance........

[mike4947]

Here's a site where you can download a service manual for your fridge: http://bryantrv.com/docs.html
It should give you a start on at least the fridge.

[ScouterMom]

Propane + melted wiring + fire?

I would not try to 'fix' the fridge - I'd just replace it.  

However, camper fridges are expensive, so I'd do one of two options -

Replace it with an electric only 'dorm style' fridge (a camper sized one, 1.7 cu ft or 2.4 cu ft capacity - both larger than the little 'square ones) available at home improvement stores for around $100 if you wait for a sale or pick up a floor model.  I have one of these and I love it.

(Anyone live near Carpentersville, IL? the Menards I work for has a nice, new floor model one for $109, and I bet you could get a better deal from them if you ask - it's been on the floor awhile - look in the back aisle of stores for overstock)

If you boondock alot and need the propane capability, the other option is to spread your network and let friends know that you are looking for a used camper 3 way fridge.  post on craigslist, look on e-bay. there are many old PUPs that get scrapped for utility trailers - I got my 3 way fridge that way. ( haven't installed it yet - haven't checked to see if it works!)

[4Campers]

I think your best bet would be to buy a small dorm fridge like ScouterMom said. Take measurements of the opening and find a fridge that is closest in size. With a few screws, some trim or moulding it will look like it belongs there. If you camp without electric sometimes, consider an icebox fridge. You should be able to find the icebox style at a much cheaper cost than replacing the 3 way refrigerator or a dorm fridge, but the drawback is getting ice all the time. I'm looking at pulling my icebox this spring and putting in a dorm fridge since we only camp with electric.

[Keri]

Thanks for the suggestions.  We really need a 3 way as we hardly ever have electric hookup.  We go to alot of dirt track and Nascar races and mostly camping in the middle of a field or such.  We did go to Lake Erie this summer for 5 days and it was very nice to have the electric and water..............

[austinado16]

Will you car insurance cover the damage to the trailer?  Might be worth asking.

If you're not in too much of a hurry, you could keep your eye out on ebay for some one parting out a rotted camper.  Otherwise, I guess you'll be ponying up the $400-$500 for a new one.

[Daddie_Tom]

My 96' Coleman Sun-Valley had a recall on the fridge. It sounds like yours may have been part of the recall to. My fridge is a Norcold, and they repaced a tube in the back that could have caught on fire. I would contact your dealer or the fridge manufacturer. Hope this helps.  http://www.azrvinc.com/Norcold%20Recall.asp.

[Keri]

We are getting a new fridge with no charge to us.  Norcold was very nice and handled the proplem in a professional way. ( we had a recall unit)  They understood our storing of the camper for the winter.  Told us to just bring to our dealer when we have thawed out from the winter.  ThankYou all for the help given .