Fridge not cooling

[Schilnic99]

Hello all!

We have a 2001 Hi-Lo 26TFB that has been a fenomnal rig, haven't had any issues until this year... the fridge worked no problems last year (besides taking a day or two to really get cold). Can anyone point me in the right direction to get started on identifying the issue? I checked the heating element and it's super hot and the fan is pumping hot air out. If I'm understanding the system right the heat should get the refrigerant moving and start cooling the unit but that hasn't happened. It's been plugged in for 2 days now and the fridge is still totally warm, all while the fan is blowing out piping hot air.

Appreciate any help!

Nick

 

[JackandJanet]

It sounds like you may have lost refrigerant due to a leak. If that is the case, you probably need to replace the refrigerator because fixing it will be very expensive and not cost effective. However, I'd check to see if the refrigerator cools on propane instead of shore power. If it doesn't, I think a replacement refrigerator is in order. If you always camp at campgrounds with hookups, then a small, dorm-room style fridge would work instead of the much more expensive 3-way that came in the trailer.

- Jack

 

[Schilnic99]

Thank you! As a last ditch effort I threw some ice packs in the fridge this morning before work and about 9 hours later the vent is not blowing scalding hot air, just warm and I think it might be cooling (emphasis on might). Also wondering now if it might be low on refrigerant... it is original and almost 25 years old.

 

[JackandJanet]

It MAY be low on refrigerant (it's an ammonia mix) and I don't think it can be recharged - everything I've ever read says no. But, is your trailer level? This kind of refrigerator has to be almost perfectly level for it to work.

- Jack

 

[Schilnic99]

It is level, it's currently on our concrete parking pad, we are headed out on our first trip of the year this weekend so checking to make sure everything is working!

 

[JackandJanet]

I think you may have to use an ice chest, if the refrigerator is not working and you don't have a lot of time. They make some pretty good ones now.

We've gone on extended trips with both the fridge and an ice chest. Have to buy a block of ice now and then, but it works.

- Jack

 

[sam-HILO]

I know time is not on your side. When ours ref. kicks the bucket I was thinking of having JC refrigeration rebuild the cooling unit. Not sure of the cost. This is a rebuild by the Amish. My trailer is a 1996 Classic with the original ref. Just came back from five days of camping. Day time temps in the 50* and night time in the 30* to 40*. A good three days of heavy rain. No leaks!! If you end up removing your ref. save the old one for parts. I have had to replace the freezer hinges in both of my HiLOS.

 

[Schilnic99]

I know time is not on your side. When ours ref. kicks the bucket I was thinking of having JC refrigeration rebuild the cooling unit. Not sure of the cost. This is a rebuild by the Amish. My trailer is a 1996 Classic with the original ref. Just came back from five days of camping. Day time temps in the 50* and night time in the 30* to 40*. A good three days of heavy rain. No leaks!! If you end up removing your ref. save the old one for parts. I have had to replace the freezer hinges in both of my HiLOS.

We might look into seeing what it would cost to recharge, you can hear the refrigerant gurgling and moving but like others have said it's probably gotten too low to operate...

Going to use a cooler for this trip!

Thanks everyone!