Airstream CLASSIC TRAILER - Manual (Page 93)

H
H - 3
APPLIANCES
REFRIGERATOR
Manufacturer:
Dometic Sales Corporation 2320
Industrial Parkway P.O. Box 490
Elkhart, Indiana 46514
Phone: 219-295-5228
Review all Dometic Literature supplied in your Owner’s
Packet or stored in the refrigerator prior to operating.
In an absorption refrigerant system ammonia is liquefied in
the finned condenser coil at the top rear of the refrigerator.
The liquid ammonia then flows into the evaporator (inside
the freezer section) and is exposed to a circulating flow of
hydrogen gas, which causes the ammonia to evaporate,
creating a cold condition in the freezer.
The tubing in the evaporator section is specifically sloped
to provide a continuous movement of liquid ammonia,
flowing downward by gravity, through this section. If the
refrigerator is operated out-of-level when the vehicle is
not moving, liquid ammonia will accumulate in portions
of the evaporator tubing. This will slow the circulation
of hydrogen and ammonia gas, or in severe cases,
completely block it, resulting in a loss of cooling.
Any time the vehicle is parked for several hours with
the refrigerator operating the vehicle should be leveled
to prevent this loss of cooling. The vehicle needs to be
leveled only so it is comfortable to live in (no noticeable
sloping of floor or walls).
When the vehicle is moving the leveling is not critical, as
the rolling and pitching movement of the vehicle will pass
to either side of level, keeping the liquid ammonia from
accumulating in the evaporator tubing.
OPERATION
The refrigerator requires 12-volt current to operate even
if running on LP or 110 volt modes. The 12-volt is used
to power the circuit board that directs the refrigerator
functions. When running in a mode such as LP, it means
the heat source, by far the largest power requirement;
to evaporate the ammonia is being provided by an LP
Gas burner.
WARNING : Most LP gas appliances used
in recreational vehicles are vented to the outside of
the vehicle. When parked close to a gasoline pump, it
is possible that gasoline fumes could enter this type
of appliance and ignite the burner flame, CAUSING A
FIRE OR AN EXPLOSION.