Refrigerator - forest river Travel Trailer Owner's Manual

APPLIANCES

Refrigerator

Most RV refrigerators operate on the absorption system.
In an absorption refrigeration system, ammonia is lique-
fied in the finned condenser coil at the top rear of the
refrigerator. The liquid ammonia then flows into the
evaporator (inside the freezer section) and is exposed to
a circulation flow of hydrogen gas, which causes the
ammonia to evaporate, creating a cold condition in the
freezer. When starting the refrigerator for the first time,
the cooling cycle may require up to four hours of running
time before the cooling unit if fully operational.
Leveling
Leveling is one of the requirements for proper operation
with absorption refrigerators. Any time the vehicle is
parked for several hours with the refrigerator operating,
the vehicle should be comfortably leveled to prevent loss
of cooling. If the refrigerator is operated when it is not
level and the vehicle is not moving, liquid ammonia will
accumulate in sections of the evaporator tubing. This will
slow the circulation or in severe cases completely block
it, resulting in a loss of cooling. When the vehicle is mov-
ing, the rolling and pitching movement of the vehicle will
help to keep the liquid ammonia from accumulating.
Automatic Energy Selector System
The refrigerator may be equipped with an automatic
energy selector system, either a 2 way or 3 way system.
This system can be set, by the user, to be fully automatic
(when AUTO mode is selected) or to operate on propane
only (AUTO mode is OFF) or DC (battery). If the user
turns the refrigerator on AUTO mode, the AES system
will automatically select the most suitable energy source
available, either 120 volt, propane, or DC.
Auto Mode
When on AUTO mode, the control system will automati-
cally select between 120 volt (AC) and propane or, on a
3 way system, DC current. AC (electricity) has priority
over propane, and DC current has priority over both. (If
the CHECK indicator lamp is on, the lamp will not turn off
until the ON/OFF button is pressed OFF and then ON
again.)
Propane Mode
This mode provides propane only. The control system
activates the ignition system and attempts to light the
burner for a period of approximately 45 seconds, at
2 minute intervals. If unsuccessful, the CHECK indicator
lamp will illuminate.
If the CHECK indicator lamp is illuminated on the control
panel, the controls have failed to ignite the burner. To
restart an ignition attempt when the CHECK lamp is illu-
minated (or to turn off the CHECK lamp), press the
ON/OFF button to OFF and back to ON again. The con-
trol system activates the ignition system and makes
three attempts to light the burner. If, after the three
attempts, it fails to ignite, restart the ignition sequence by
again pressing the ON/OFF button to OFF and then back
to ON.
DC Mode
When DC mode is chosen, the refrigerator will operate
by pulling power from the battery/s. In most cases, the
refrigerator controls will continue to operate when the
battery is down to 9.6V DC, causing a drain on the bat-
tery. WHEN IN AUTO MODE, IF THE REFRIGERATOR
FAILS TO OPERATE, REFER TO THE MANUFACTUR-
ER'S USER MANUAL PROVIDED WITH THE FOREST
RIVER OWNER'S PACKET. For more information,
please consult the individual owner's manual or on-line
at www.forestriverinc.com.
Purging Air From The Lines
If the refrigerator has not been used for a long period of
time or if the propane tanks have just been refilled, air
may be trapped in the supply lines. Purge the air from
the lines by pressing the ON/OFF button to OFF and
then back to ON 3-4 times. If repeated attempts fail to
start the propane operation, check to make sure the pro-
pane tanks are not empty and that all manual shutoff
valves in the lines are open.
NOTE:
Do not continue to reset propane operation if the CHECK
indicator lamp continues to be illuminated after several
tries. If the problem persists, please contact a service
center for assistance.
When refueling or parked near gasoline pumps,
shut off all propane appliances. Failure to heed
this warning could cause a fire or explosion,
resulting in death or severe personal injury as well
as damage to the camper and/or surrounding area.
40
W ARNING