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RV Doctor ColumnRV Doctor #324 Dear RV Doctor, I have a Dometic absorption refrigerator that works perfectly if stationary and level. For nine years it work well in motion and even then, when not perfectly level. Now it won't work at all. The local RV repair shop tells me that the coolant level is low which requires a lot of money to replace the parts. They claim it cannot be recharged. The back side of the unit is reachable through an outside access panel. Any truth to the statement that it cannot be recharged? Bob James, ( Sacramento , CA )
Bob, the portion of the RV absorption refrigerator that is the usual culprit in such instances is called the cooling core or cooling unit. They can be recharged, but only with special equipment. There are only a handful of companies in the country tooled properly to do it. They cannot be recharged "in the field" by a local RV service shop. The normal practice, (for many years), at the dealer or repair center level, is to remove the faulty cooling unit and replace it with either a factory refurbished unit or an exchanged cooling unit from a supplier. In most cases, the recharged unit is just as good as new if properly charged with the correct amount of hydrogen gas, water and liquid ammonia and at the correct pressures. It is a fairly exact science. Your local dealer is most likely following what is considered to be "normal practice" concerning a faulty cooling unit. They must be exchanged so the shop can get credit when purchasing the new cooling unit. In other words, it would be cost prohibitive to buy a reconditioned cooling unit and not turn in the faulty one. Additionally, the refrigerator must be removed from its mounting location, oftentimes taken totally outside the RV, to have the cooling unit replaced. And unfortunately, it can be costly to replace the cooling unit on some refrigerators. At nine years old, you may want to consider a new refrigerator altogether. Keep in mind, the cooling unit may be refurbished and charged properly, but all the other components; thermostats, burner, heating element, etc., are still nine years old. In my opinion, that's about the age when negative things begin happen with LP appliances. With a new purchase, don't forget, you'll receive a new warranty as well as all new components.
Dear Gary, the window shade above our dinette had the strings break in it. It will not stay up now. It is some kind of tension system with strings tied to screws at the corners. The string broke somewhere in the middle a few months ago, but it still worked. Now the string broke again near the lower left screw. Now it will not stay up at all. The dealer said they can get a replacement via the manufacturer and that restringing them is very difficult. Is it worth it to order a new replacement shade? Darin Cox, ( Camp Hill , PA )
Darin, indeed re-stringing those shades is difficult. The few that I have done in the past required about three hands and have been equipped with adjustable length tabs I could use. My advice is to either have the dealer perform the restringing task and allow him to assume the liability to get it right. But this is from one with very little patience or tolerance for such things; you may opt to do it yourself if you feel so inclined. Replacing the complete assembly, however, is much easier. Look closely to how they are hung. There will be brackets of some sort that attach the assembly inside the window opening. Replacing the complete shade assembly would be something for the do-it-yourselfer to consider.
Dear RV Doc, I'm going to look at a used 1989 Falcon, Class B, camper van. It doesn't have a generator currently. Is it possible to have an Onan 2.8 genset installed if the van is not "generator-ready" from the factory? Irene Holley, ( Patchogue , NY )
Irene, most any competent RV service center will be able to install a generator on your Falcon As long as weight restrictions are not a factor. Since it's not "generator ready" it may involve some modifications to the sidewall to ensure proper clearances are adhered to. Having a "generator ready" compartment is a relatively new concept. Back in the old, old days, RV technicians had to literally fabricate a compartment and line it with sheet metal, run the conductors, make the electrical connections and route the fuel line; literally a complete installation. It does take expertise, however, so I would recommend searching for a shop with experience in performing full generator installations. I would look very closely at the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and the gross axle weight ratings (GAWR) of the van to be sure the chassis can carry the weight of the generator. And be sure to ask for references from the installing shop. A quick call to a couple of their prior customers will ease your mind, one way or the other!
Dear RV Doctor, I own a 1976 Starcraft travel trailer. While on vacation, one or more of the brakes went on the blink. I have bought new brake units since then and am going to install them but they have no instructions on how to do so. The two wires coming from the new magnets are the same color. Does this mean that the hot and ground can be hooked on either side? Thanks for any help you can provide. Ben Long, ( Perkasie , PA ) Ben, brake magnets are direct current (DC) devices. They require positive 12-volts from the brake circuit emanating from the brake controller in the tow vehicle and negative 12-volts (ground connection). The magnets themselves do not have polarity, but one of the wires must be connected to the brake wire in the harness on the trailer and the other wire connected to the ground wire in the harness. Because there is no polarity involved with the magnet itself, both wires are the same color. Either wire can be attached to either segment of the circuit. Just be sure to attach them both! It is advisable to keep the magnets on each end of the same axle the same age, so if you must replace one, replace the opposite side as well. And since you will have the drum assembly removed, be sure to inspect the wheel bearings and all other brake components. You might as well clean and repack the bearings since you are already in there.
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