Community Forums

MacySun · 12-27-2018, 05:13 PM

My fridge on my '15 Georgetown has been irattic with the freezer not freezing. Its low on Freon. It's a full size Fridgidare dual door w/ lower freezer, ice maker & outside water & ice dispenser. Basically a home fridge w no propane hookup. Do I replace it at approx $2500 incl labor or fix it. To fix I have to put dye in it & run it for days to find the leak. Probably under $800 to repair & add Freon. No warranty. Am I throwing good $$ after bad?

I thank the forum for all of their support & ideas. It's been very helpful for a newbie.
Filete

Roy1 · 12-27-2018, 07:30 PM

I would think you could locate the leak with a good electronic leak detector if it is in an accessible location. Then silver solder it evacuate and weigh in the correct charge. If you are not comfortable doing this an appliance repair guy should be able to do it for you possibly one that is familure with your brand unit.

MSHappyCampers · 12-28-2018, 09:55 AM

Hi !

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Like Roy, I would think the leak could be located with a good electronic leak detector. I would call around to the local appliance repair shops to see who has one.

I noticed that you are kinda new on IRV2 and wanted to say hello! Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Old Scout · 12-28-2018, 10:10 AM

...wow 2015 isn't that old--how do you know its low coolant vs sensor or compressor? Anyway, you kind of know the answer already....if you repair it and it holds for a few more years you are a genius...if it fails right away, you are a goat--and I don't mean G.O.A.T. either. Coolant leak might be at a connection which is easier to repair, compressor replacement not too bad. If its in one of the coils, not so much fun. If under warranty--usually 3-5 years for new fridge--great, but if you are paying full-boat, forget it. Get you a new fridge with a warrantee--newer technology, probably more efficient too. JMHO!!!

Mr_D · 12-28-2018, 10:20 AM

May not have a warranty from the refer maker. Several makes void the warranty if used in an RV.

Sbrownstein · 12-28-2018, 10:25 AM

If you are sure that it is low on refrigerant, that is a relatively uncommon problem and pretty hard to fix. If it were still under warranty I bet the manufacturer would trash it and replace it with a new unit. Being in an RV just adds more problems since access to the rear is difficult.

I would pull it into the main area and take a look at the compressor compartment. If there is oil on one of the fittings that is visible then installing a service valve and fixing it might be worth it. Leak checker might help or just some plain soap and water looking for bubbles. Of course, if the unit is flat on refrigerant, bubbles or a leak checker isn't going to do much for your. If that fails, the leak is probably buried in the case or on one of the evaporators. I would then trash it for a new unit.

After all, you have to pull it out to fix or replace anyway.

falconman · 12-28-2018, 09:31 PM

One factor to consider is if you decide on a replacement, how easy is it to get in/out of the coach? If it won’t fit out the door that would add to the expense. Ours won’t so we’re going to fix it. If we can find someone willing to work on a res refer inside an RV.

vsheetz · 12-28-2018, 10:31 PM

Sealed system often has longer warranty than the rest of the box.

Your replacement cost sounds high. Under $1500 for another unit. Under $500 labor to replace.