Community Forums

ahicks · 01-01-2016, 08:11 AM

Not saying it's not possible as things change all the time, but a "burst" cooling unit would be a new one on me as well.

twinboat · 01-01-2016, 08:16 AM

There is some hydrogen gas in the system but WOW, talk about a chain of events to trap it in the right mixture, near an open flame.

Daveinet · 01-01-2016, 02:11 PM

If you Google "RV Fridge recall" You can read more than you will ever want to know. It was bad enough that the NHTSA got involved, so yes it is a real potential issue. Hydrogen gas is mixed with the Ammonia. That is part of how the system works. The typical failure is when the Ammonia does not return to the burner, which would normally cool the burner. The burner overheats, which causes it to burst. The bad part is that the part that bursts is directly over the flame. The recall puts a deflector above the flame, so the gas is dispersed before it can ignite. I was fortunate in that mine only burst, but did not catch on fire. I heard it go poof, and the smell was really bad. I had to put my head out the window, until I could get pulled over to get out of the coach.

jerichorick · 01-02-2016, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daveinet

If you Google "RV Fridge recall" You can read more than you will ever want to know. It was bad enough that the NHTSA got involved, so yes it is a real potential issue. Hydrogen gas is mixed with the Ammonia. That is part of how the system works. The typical failure is when the Ammonia does not return to the burner, which would normally cool the burner. The burner overheats, which causes it to burst. The bad part is that the part that bursts is directly over the flame. The recall puts a deflector above the flame, so the gas is dispersed before it can ignite. I was fortunate in that mine only burst, but did not catch on fire. I heard it go poof, and the smell was really bad. I had to put my head out the window, until I could get pulled over to get out of the coach.

And DOT thinks propane tanks are dangerous. Do I hear Hindenburg anyone?

JBP · 01-02-2016, 05:27 PM

I left mine on in my class B to run the generator in the summer.

twinboat · 01-02-2016, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerichorick

And DOT thinks propane tanks are dangerous. Do I hear Hindenburg anyone?

The Hindenburg had a lot of pure hydrogen. It didn't really blow apart, just burnt fast and fell.

How much hydrogen is in a RV fridge ?

jerichorick · 01-03-2016, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

The Hindenburg had a lot of pure hydrogen. It didn't really blow apart, just burnt fast and fell.

How much hydrogen is in a RV fridge ?

We are getting a bit silly here I think. RV refrigerators have a a long, well earned, history of catastrophic failure and fire problems. I don't recall this history for RV generators of any sort.

How many of us keep the generator running to power the A/C when traveling? Fuel type excluded. I have done so with both diesel (what I have now) and propane (my first coach). Never had a problem. The LP one did quit once when the regulator got stopped up with residual oil, found in propane. Many hours on the gennie.

Stay cool. Run the A/C when on the road.

Rick Y

rvten · 01-04-2016, 10:41 AM

My propane tank valve is open ALL the time. Only time it is closed. Is when the tank farm fills it.

Today your more likely to get shot in a Mall or by some Road Rage Idiot.