Airstream Safari - Manual (Page 95)

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APPLIANCES
REFRIGERATOR
Manufacturer:
Dometic Sales Corporation 2320
Industrial Parkway P.O. Box 490
Elkhart, Indiana 46514
Phone: 1-800-544-4881
Review all refrigerator literature supplied in your Owner’s Packet or stored in the
refrigerator prior to operating.
In 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 move-
ment 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.
Safari 19, 20, & 23 ft. Models are equipped with a fan inside the exterior refrigerator
compartment. This fan pulls ambient temperature air across the condensation coils on
the backside of the refrigerator to aid in the cooling. A “Fan Switch” is located inside
the main door on the panel in front of the refrigerator. You may desire to turn the fan
off when using you patio due to its noise. The fan is thermostatically controlled when
the switch is on.
The fan does increase the cooling efficiency of the refrigerator; therefore Airstream
recommends leaving the switch on whenever the patio is not in use. Please note that
turning the fan off during hot, humid weather conditions may substantially affect the
cooling capacity of the refrigerator.
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.