theboondork's RV blog

I'll bet no one ever realized this is a classy blog

5/31/2023

A click of the pic will do the trick.

My life was filled with joy this morning when I woke up to find my refrigerator cruising along at 36°. I don't recall being this happy since I was discharged from the Air Force in 1969. That was a short-lived joy when I discovered I had to continue serving in the National Guard for a couple of years. I should have read the fine print.

However, I'm hoping my current joy will last longer than that. The temperature in the freezer is zero, and a very stable mid-30s in the fridge. My old propane regulator wasn't passing much gas at all.... Yes, I can think of funny things to say about that, too, but this is a classy blog, so I will keep them to myself.

But everything that runs on propane in the camper is running much better. For example, my propane stove has a higher flame than it used to, and the furnace gets hotter quicker than ever. It's like a whole new propane system in the camper.

Actually, Glenn, in one of his comments, had the problem pegged; he suggested my refrigerator problems could be the Lances propane regulator, but I didn't have enough knowledge of how the Lance propane regulator was supposed to work, so I didn't realize that the propane pressure was weak in the whole system, because the refrigerator not working right was the only thing I noticed.... So kudos to Glenn.

Theboondork

8 Comments

OFM

5/31/2023 04:30:49 pm

Congratulations on the repair.

Tom

5/31/2023 06:19:09 pm

Thank you Barney. As a full-timer you know that being without refrigeration makes life pretty difficult, especially in a home as small as the Lance where there's not even room for an ice chest to use temporarily.

Tom

Larry Worsham

6/1/2023 06:58:28 am

Nothing like the RV community to bail each other out. I'm going to assess my propane supple regulator now. It is only 20 yrs. old. I've made the decision to refurbish my 2003 trailer. Like you I learn something new every day.

6/1/2023 01:35:40 pm

I would think Larry that for safety reasons a propane regulator that's failing would be designed to reduce the flow of propane to the trailer, instead of the other way around which could be disastrous. Apparently since I hadn't spent much time in the Lance I didn't recognize a slow reduction of available propane to the gas stove, factory furnace, and refrigerator. And since the stove and furnace operated just fine with a reduction of propane, the only clue to the problem was the refrigerator not getting cold enough, and yet the freezer was 0°. Makes you wonder how the freezer got enough propane to work right, but the refrigerator didn't, even though they both use propane from the main regulator.

Good luck with your refurbishment. Depending on how deep you dive it could be a test of all your skills in carpentry, electric, and plumbing.

Tom

6/1/2023 01:56:54 pm

It a wood frame Arctic Fox 30U (2003)The structure is sound and there have been no leaks. I have gone through the mechanical's....new wheel bearing, races, hubs, and brakes. Next is new springs. I have put on new tires and wheels. I have painted the metal frames and hitch area. I plan on putting a linex type coating on the lower front cap. Roof has been maintained. My next area is to evaluate the propanes system. The water pump is working fine. I think I've gone through two or three over the years. I am not looking forward to redoing the floors. It has partial carpet and vinyl and the carpet is getting worn. Replace awning fabric. I will have to pull out some after market cabinets. Other than some small cosmetic stuff.

I have 460 watts of solar on it along with the ability to carry a small AC. It has a mounted Wave propane heater.

The trailer is 32 ft. long and I would like to get into the 26-28 ft. range but looking at the quality and prices for new I have decided against that at this time. Buying used may be buying the same issues that I have already dealt with. I know it is only worth what someone will pay for it....but the book on it is $5k to $8K. It is worth much more to me.

Downsizing further is out of the question due to the DW and two large dogs..........

Larry

6/1/2023 04:50:57 pm

If you're putting on new springs check into some shocks. I don't know how difficult it would be to weld on some mounts for shocks, if you don't already have shocks. But I attribute the shocks on my Arctic Fox as the reason my interior isn't falling apart, and things don't fall off the counter from the bumpy dirt roads I drive on far too often.

I've used a variable flow water pump for years, I can't remember the name, but it has shown itself to be not only be quiet but have good pressure for showers.

I'm not a big fan of carpets for campers, too hard to keep clean. I have rugs for wherever I want to keep my feet warm, so I can take them outside and shake the sand out.

I've never had a wave propane heater but I've heard from other Desert Rats that you need to keep them covered up if you're not using them because the desert dust does something bad to them, but I don't remember what that is, and I've never had one to judge for myself so take all that with a few grains of salt.

That range of trailer lengths was also fine for me, the Arctic Fox being a 27 foot trailer. That length seems to me like its just about perfect; not too big and not too small.

It sounds like you've taken well care of your trailer, and done all the necessary maintenance. The thing I look for the most in a used RV is leaks and water damage, that to me is really the only thing that's difficult and expensive to fix, and it doesn't sound like you have that problem. Most anything else is just a few weekend projects. And when you're finished you will have a better understanding about how everything works, and what can go wrong, so your future vacations won't be spoiled by a $10 part and a 10 minute job.

Tom

Linda

6/1/2023 02:25:47 pm

Yay for refrigeration! I can live without it for short time periods but your fridge was pushing it.

6/1/2023 03:47:28 pm

I'm so happy with my refrigerator that I give it a pat on the door every time I look at the thermometer that says 36° inside. It was a long haul dealing with an erratic refrigerator, but I feel I've learned a lot and have a better insight into what can go wrong with the cantankerous critters.

Tom

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