Hi all

[lacoune]

My name is Michel. I owe a 2018 Thor Ace 30.4. We have benn travelling all across the US over the last 3.5 months and will be returning back to Montreal in April.
I am having an issue with my fridge. It runs electric (110V) and on propane. When the fridge runs on propane and if the propane furnace goes on, then the fridge goes off (green light flashes 4 times every 3 seconds or so). I turn the fridge off and put in back in in propane mode - and it goes back on (while propane heater is still running). To summarize - when heating the RV on propane, it turns the fridge off if it is powered by propane too. My propane tank is filled, I had it check at Camping World recently - they change the main regulator out of the propane tank - did not resolve the problem. Anyone can help me?
Thanks,
Michel

 

[Bob Nodine]

My name is Michel. I owe a 2018 Thor Ace 30.4. We have benn travelling all across the US over the last 3.5 months and will be returning back to Montreal in April.
I am having an issue with my fridge. It runs electric (110V) and on propane. When the fridge runs on propane and if the propane furnace goes on, then the fridge goes off (green light flashes 4 times every 3 seconds or so). I turn the fridge off and put in back in in propane mode - and it goes back on (while propane heater is still running). To summarize - when heating the RV on propane, it turns the fridge off if it is powered by propane too. My propane tank is filled, I had it check at Camping World recently - they change the main regulator out of the propane tank - did not resolve the problem. Anyone can help me?
Thanks,
Michel

Just a wild guess here. An RV frig that runs on propane also has a 12 VDC power connection. You might want to put a voltmeter or an oscilloscope on the 12 VDC supply to the frig and watch that while you fire up the furnace. Maybe there is an interruption to the 12 VDC power when the furnace kicks on. That would cause the frig to dropout and require a manual restart by you.

 

[lacoune]

Thank you Bob - I have the impression the amber LP) light fades a little when the furnace starts. If your explanation is the problem, what shall I do to fix it (change my batteries? - I have 3)

 

[ghnl]

Not a wild guess - an educated one! And since you notice the amber light dimming when the furnace starts that tends to confirm the diagnosis.

I'd start by measuring voltage with everything off. Fully charged batteries should read ~ 12.6V (Not sure about Lithium batteries however). 12.2V is about 50% charged. Assuming they measure good with everything off see what happens when the furnace starts. By measuring at various places you should be able to pin down if the voltage drop is everywhere or confined to the fridge. Then search for a loose or corroded connection.

Another battery test is to have them load tested. Most auto parts stores (Auto Zone, O-Reill's, etc) will do this for free.

 

[lacoune]

thank you all. 3 weeks ago I had the batteries tested and was told they were ok (they checked water levels and % charge). I will check for the corroded connection as my voltage meters (plug-ins in cigarette lighters) are showing 14.1 when I have them fully charged ….and tend to be 12.4 + when in use. Still - I will get he voltage drop measurement upon furnace firing up.
Thanks
Michel

 

[lacoune]

I forgot to add - even when the RV is hooked on external 30 amps and I force the fridge to run on propane, the situation occurs when firing up the furnace (this comment may not be useful since I am unclear if this could have impact on the 12V system). In addition, my batteries are also sourced by 400W solar panels - my problem also occurs day time (when solar panels are in use)

 

[ghnl]

A simple VOM (Volt Ohm Meter) from Harbor Freight would be prove very useful. They used to give them away. You can get their eL Cheapo brand for ~ $10.