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Old 05-14-2014, 08:06 PM   #1
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Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Wisconsin
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Refrigerator smells hot outside

fired up the fridge on electric (first time running it ) on new 2013 ST reserve 31ss, when outside by the panels it smells like something is hot.
is this normal for first time operation?
never had a new unit before, so i wouldn't know, but i am leery...
freezer is cooling nicely, fridge slowly.
I removed the top vent and looked inside to find a piece of romex wire was touching the tube that goes up to the top, the tube is hot, that may have been a portion of the smell, but it hasn't gone away yet.
just figured I'd ask in case this is a red flag that i'm not aware of.

thank you in advance for your replies.

Troy Novak
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Old 05-14-2014, 09:59 PM   #2
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It sounds like it is the heater element for the fridge you are smelling. This should go away over time since it is the new burning off. This is common for these gas absorption units.
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Old 05-15-2014, 06:46 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 4Novaks View Post
fired up the fridge on electric (first time running it ) on new 2013 ST reserve 31ss, when outside by the panels it smells like something is hot.
is this normal for first time operation?
never had a new unit before, so i wouldn't know, but i am leery...
freezer is cooling nicely, fridge slowly.
I removed the top vent and looked inside to find a piece of romex wire was touching the tube that goes up to the top, the tube is hot, that may have been a portion of the smell, but it hasn't gone away yet.
just figured I'd ask in case this is a red flag that i'm not aware of.

thank you in advance for your replies.

Troy Novak

Troy, if your unit is like mine and a few others I know of, there isn't any insulation inside that compartment your fridge is sitting in. There for the side walls are going to get very warm. Which will heat that paneling up and cause the smell you are talking about.
To check it out, put your hand on the paneling that is around the fridge inside the trailer.
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Old 05-15-2014, 11:54 AM   #4
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The amount of heat generated should be the same regardless of running on gas or 110 V. They are just the heat source used to make the absorption fluid heat up and circulate. Great that you checked the upper vent, at least it is open for proper ventilation. The fluid used is ammonia based, so if that is the smell, then there is a problem. And heat should be minimal, I seem to recall that the electric heating element is around 120 watts, so if the heat seems more than a 100 watt light bulb, then again you are right to be concerned.
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Old 05-15-2014, 08:01 PM   #5
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thanks everyone for the replies, it seems to have gone away, just like a new dad i tend to wonder about things i haven't experienced before, lol. i'm not used to these new campers. temp in the fridge is now good also. i'll keep my eye on it but i'm not worried anymore, whew!
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Old 05-15-2014, 10:15 PM   #6
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factory coats parts with a light lubricant as a corrosion preventative when new. Needs to burn off then smell goes away.
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Old 05-16-2014, 06:00 AM   #7
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If you haven't fired up your furnace yet I recommend you pull your smoke detector, open your windows and let it run awhile.
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