How to Burp an RV Fridge

Owning an RV fan be a fun experience, but you have to be prepared to fix things as they come up.

While having a "house on wheels" can provide freedom from the daily grind, it also requires self-sufficiency. When things malfunction in an RV, it's up to the owner to get them fixed. One of the most common appliances to require maintenance is the refrigerator. Gas-powered motor homes built before the 1980s use a cooling system known as ammonia absorption refrigeration. The chemicals used for this system require precise leveling to function properly. If an RV is left unused for long periods of time, these chemicals may need to be reset for the appliance to function correctly. "Burping" a refrigerator is the process of turning the unit upside down to allow the chemicals to remix.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Turn off the gas and electricity running to the refrigerator. This is to prevent gas leaks and possible fires. Unscrew the gas connections leading to the refrigerator and disconnect any electrical wiring.

2. Remove the mounting screws that keep the unit anchored. The refrigerator is now ready to be removed.

3. Move the refrigerator from inside the RV and place it on level ground outside. Depending on the size of the unit this can be done with two people.

4. Turn the refrigerator on its side. Result times vary and in as little as two hours you will be able to hear the chemicals inside the unit mixing together.

5. Turn the unit upside down so the top of the refrigerator is on the ground. Make sure the unit is stable.

6. Turn the refrigerator on its opposite side. Depending on the unit model, the total "burping" time can take anywhere from a few minutes per turn to a few hours. To make sure the process works, allow up to 24 hours for the process divided between the three turns.

7. Return the refrigerator to the motor home. Tighten the screws and reconnect electricity and gas lines. The unit should begin to get cold in a couple of hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Burping refrigerators can solve malfunctions but it may also be a sign of more serious problems. See an experienced RV mechanic if the unit continues to malfunction.

• If the unit will not stay cold after burping, check the sealant around the door. Tears and punctures can prevent the refrigerator from staying cold.

References

• RV Refrigerator Maintenance
• Why RV Refrigerators Fail