Pathetic Dometic Part 2

[Dray]

My fridge works well under ideal conditions.  However, if there is even a slight breeze the pilot light/ burner goes out.  Do you think it's dirty?  If so, how am I supposed to clean it?  It's pretty tight quarters in there.  Would I have to take things apart?  Thanks

[austinado16]

You might build a Manometer (I posted instructions on how to make your own) and test your propane pressure.  If the propane isn't the right pressure, that could make the pilot easier to blow out.

You might also want to take the upper louvered panel off the camper and blow down through the chimney, and that corrogated air intake pipe, and the cross-over pipe with compressed air to blow out any cobwebs and other drebris that gets into them and hampers proper airflow to the burner box.  Same thing with the propane oriface and the burner tube.  They get carboned or sooted up and this affects flame quality.

[coach]

doesn't the manual suggest soaking the orifice in alcohol?
Cleaning the flue? and a few other maintenance chores?

['tiredTeacher]

Coach, I did all that and I still have the same problem as the OP.  My fridge's clean, my propane pressure is correct.

Wind just funnels down the stack and snuffs out the flame. I'm thinking of putting a removeable deflector on the outside, several inches larger than the louvres and 3" away from the camper.

[Dray]

'tired Teacher - you may save me some time.  You say you've done the suggested cleaning and also had the propane pressure checked.  I also believe mine is clean and pressure correct.  My fridge works great if there's no wind.  I think it's just a bad design.  I've tried doing some things to block the wind but they usually don't work.  If you come up with something that works I would appreciate you sharing.  You may even patent the idea and make some money!  There is definitely room for improvement when it comes to rv fridges.

['tiredTeacher]

Yeah, no s##t.  I put a lawn chair with a towel on it in front of the louvres and that seemed to work in 15 mph winds. That's why I think something like a plastic kitty litter box with holes in its sides (so cool air can enter and hot escape) mounted over the upper panel would work.  It's on my to-do list.

[wavery]

I've had 2 different PUs in the last 4 years and never had the propane in fridge blow out . Not even while towing at 60MPH or camping in severe winds at the beach :-(). Something must be different between my campers and yours :eyecrazy:.

[Dray]

Wavery - I was thinking about you this last weekend when I was at the beach and trying to keep my fridge running.  I told my cg neighbor about how some people can drive with the propane on.  Our fridges must be set up differently.  I think I need to go to a rally so as to compare notes with people.