Ammonia smell from rv refrigerator. Not working.

Shut it off and get it checked. Ammonia is dangerous as I am sure you are aware. Ammonia smell is an indication of a leaking cooling unit. Time for a new fridge. Sorry.

Make sure your roof vent is not clogged immediately. If you are in a full service park, you should be running on electricity not propane. You don't describe the gasses you are smelling, if it is ammonia, your frig is probably done for.

Ammonia is the primary ingredient in the cooling process. What happens is the ammonia is boiled and then sprayed throug an orfice. The spraying creates the cooling (heat removing) effect. If you are smelling ammonia, your boiler has developed a leak.

You can purchase replacement units to install in your present frig. Some people have success with this. My experience was not so good. I spent about $225.00 plus shipping for a rebuilt unit (with a 'core' charge). I did the work myself. I got about a year out of the rebuilt unit before I simply replaced the frig with a new replacement 3 way Norcold. My new Norcold was much improved over the earlier model and included a ice maker! It was expensive, however, at more than $1300.00. Find sources for replacement cooling units for your "Thetford" refrig at FixYa.com advertisers or through your RV dealer or in the back of travel trailer magazines.

I hope this is NOT your trouble and I hope you find resolution. Thank you for your interest in FixYa.com and please come again.

Hi,
That would tell me that you have a leak in the refrigeration system.
You will need to have it repaired...

heatman101

Hi,
Sorry to give you the bad news. The ammonia smell is the the refrigerant
leaking out. Dometic uses ammonia that is heated and then condensed to cool. It will all leak out and quit cooling.
The fridge is wrecked. There are shops that rebuild the units. Beings as ammonia is corrosive one must assume there may be other leaks ready to appear. There are RV salvage yards that sell good used units.
Again Sorry for your loss.

you have a sealed sytem leak
a very expensive repair

Its not dangerous, its expensive. That ammonia smell means that your heating unit is shot, needs to be replaced, and there are a coupla ways to go here.

1) Order up a rebuilt (or new) online, and replace it yourself. (Handyman skill level:fair.) $500.

2) Go to an RV repair shop and have that done $700.00 - $100.00

3) Buy a new fridge. $1000.00 +

You need a new cooling unit. That ammonia smell means that your heating unit is shot, needs to be replaced, and there are a coupla ways to go here.

1) Order up a rebuilt (or new) online, and replace it yourself. (Handyman skill level:fair.) $500.

2) Go to an RV repair shop and have that done $700.00 - $100.00

3) Buy a new fridge. $1000.00 ++

Yes, it's fixable. The refrigerant is leaking. Leak would be found, repaired, system recharged.

This Caravan is a recreational vehicle? If you have an ammonia absorption refrigerator in the unit, and you smell ammonia, your fridge is leaking. This can be a health hazard. Park the unit and get the fridge serviced, they are repairable by independant service personnel. There are only 2 in Ontario Canada. If you go to an RV shop, the will only want to sell you a new fridge.

Good luck, try a search in your area for ammonia absorption refrigerator repair in your area.

Peter.