RV Refrigerator Parts & RV Refrigerator Questions answered by RVFridgeGuys.com
What are the most common RV refrigerator brands?
The most common RV refrigerator brands are Norcold, Dometic, and Furrion. These manufacturers produce absorption refrigerators and 12-volt compressor refrigerators designed specifically for RV travel. At RVFridgeGuys.com we specialize in replacement parts and complete refrigerators for these brands.
Where can I buy RV refrigerator parts online?
You can buy RV refrigerator replacement parts online at RVFridgeGuys.com, where we carry the largest inventory of RV refrigerator parts in the industry. We stock thousands of parts for Norcold, Dometic, and Furrion refrigerators including control boards, cooling units, doors, thermostats, fans, and sensors.
How do I find the correct part for my RV refrigerator?
To find the correct RV refrigerator part, locate the model number and serial number inside the refrigerator compartment or on the manufacturer label. Once you have the model number and serial number, you can search our site for parts by model number or by part category, making it easy to identify the exact replacement component. The RV replacement parts we sell will list the specifics as to which model/s they fit in the description.
What are the most common RV refrigerator parts that fail?
The most commonly replaced RV refrigerator parts include:
- Cooling units
- Control boards
- Thermistors
- Interior fans
- Front Optical Boards
- Door seals and gaskets
- Gas valves and igniters
- Power control modules
These components can often be replaced individually, restoring your refrigerator without replacing the entire unit.
Can I replace an RV refrigerator cooling unit instead of the whole fridge?
Yes. Many RV refrigerators allow you to replace the cooling unit instead of replacing the entire refrigerator, which can be a more cost-effective repair. Replacement cooling units are available for many Norcold and Dometic refrigerator models.
Do RV refrigerators run on propane or electricity?
Most traditional RV refrigerators are absorption refrigerators, which can run on propane, 120-volt AC power, and sometimes 12-volt DC power (if it's a 3-way unit). Newer compressor refrigerators typically run on 12-volt DC power only.
How long do RV refrigerators typically last?
A well-maintained RV refrigerator can last 10–20 years, although certain components such as cooling units, control boards, or fans may need replacement during that time.
Do you sell complete RV refrigerators?
Yes. RVFridgeGuys.com sells complete RV refrigerators as well as replacement parts for Norcold, Dometic, and Furrion units. We maintain a large inventory so RV owners can quickly replace or upgrade their refrigeration system.
Do you sell genuine OEM RV refrigerator parts?
Yes. We sell genuine new parts and compatible replacement parts designed specifically for Norcold, Dometic, and Furrion RV refrigerators.
Can RV refrigerator parts be installed by RV owners?
All RV refrigerator repairs can be completed by DIY RV owners or mobile RV technicians. It comes down to the individual because most jobs are not technical, simply time consuming.
RV Refrigerator Troubleshooting Guide
Norcold, Dometic, and Furrion RV Refrigerator Help
RV refrigerators operate very differently from residential refrigerators, which is why many RV owners search for troubleshooting help when cooling problems appear. Below are answers to the most common questions RV owners ask about RV refrigerators, cooling units, and replacement parts.
1. Why is my RV refrigerator not cooling?
The most common causes of an RV refrigerator not cooling include poor airflow behind the refrigerator, a failed thermistor, a faulty cooling unit, or improper leveling of the RV. Absorption refrigerators rely on gravity to circulate refrigerant, so being significantly out of level can stop cooling completely. READ MORE...
2. Why does my RV fridge work on propane but not electricity?
If your refrigerator cools on propane but not on electric power, the problem is usually related to the 120-volt heating element, fuse, or power supply to the refrigerator rather than the cooling unit itself. READ MORE...
3. Why does my RV refrigerator work on electric but not propane?
If your RV refrigerator works on electric power but not propane, check for issues with the propane supply, burner assembly, igniter, or gas valve. Problems in the propane system often prevent ignition even though the rest of the refrigerator works normally. READ MORE...
4. How do I reset a Norcold RV refrigerator?
Many Norcold refrigerators can be reset by disconnecting AC power, DC power, and propane power for several minutes to allow the control board to reboot and clear faults. Some models also allow resets through the control panel or diagnostics mode. READ MORE...
5. How do I reset a Dometic RV refrigerator?
Dometic refrigerators can often be reset by disconnecting power sources (AC and 12-volt DC) for several minutes, then restarting the unit to clear temporary faults in the control board.
6. What does “NO CO” mean on a Norcold refrigerator?
The NO CO error code indicates that the refrigerator has detected a no-cooling condition. This typically means the control board has shut the system down after detecting inadequate cooling performance. READ MORE...
7. Why is my RV freezer cold but the refrigerator warm?
If the freezer is cold but the refrigerator compartment is warm, the problem is often related to airflow, interior fans, thermistors, or the cooling unit distribution system. READ MORE...
8. Do RV refrigerators need to be level?
Yes. Absorption refrigerators rely on gravity to circulate ammonia inside the cooling unit. If the RV is significantly out of level for long periods, cooling performance can drop dramatically and may even damage the cooling unit.
9. How long does an RV refrigerator take to get cold?
Most RV refrigerators require 8–24 hours to fully cool down, especially when first turned on. Many RV owners start their refrigerator a full day before travel to allow proper cooling.
10. How long do RV refrigerators last?
The average lifespan of an RV refrigerator is 10–20 years, although cooling units, fans, thermistors, and control boards may require replacement during that time.
11. Why does my RV refrigerator stop cooling in hot weather?
In very hot climates, RV refrigerators can struggle due to insufficient ventilation behind the refrigerator or excessive heat buildup in the vent cavity. Installing ventilation fans can help improve airflow and cooling performance.
12. What is a cooling unit in an RV refrigerator?
The cooling unit is the sealed assembly on the back of the refrigerator that circulates ammonia and hydrogen to remove heat from the refrigerator compartment. If this unit fails, the refrigerator will no longer cool properly.
13. Can I replace the cooling unit instead of the entire refrigerator?
Yes. Many RV refrigerators allow the cooling unit to be replaced independently, which can be a more cost-effective repair than replacing the entire refrigerator.
14. Why does my RV refrigerator smell like ammonia?
A strong ammonia smell or yellow residue behind the refrigerator usually indicates a cooling unit leak, which means the cooling unit has failed and must be replaced. READ MORE...
15. Why does my RV refrigerator have no power?
If your RV refrigerator has no power, check the 12-volt fuse, wiring connections, and control board. Many refrigerators require 12-volt DC power even when running on propane or 120-volt electric power.
16. Why does my RV refrigerator keep shutting off?
An RV refrigerator may shut off due to control board faults, overheating protection, propane ignition failures, or power interruptions.
17. What does a thermistor do in an RV refrigerator?
The thermistor monitors temperature inside the refrigerator and sends signals to the control board to regulate cooling cycles. A failed thermistor can cause the refrigerator to overcool or stop cooling properly.
18. Why does my RV refrigerator ice up inside?
Ice buildup inside an RV refrigerator can occur due to door seal leaks, high humidity, or frequent door openings.
19. Can I run my RV refrigerator while driving?
Yes. They are designed to operate on the road. If you're stops cooling while underway, you may have a downdraft issue blowing the flame back down on top of itself. You'll need to look into the roof vent to fix this.
20. Where can I buy RV refrigerator parts?
If you're on this page, stop the search! US... We are a specialized RV refrigerator parts store and we carry thousands of components for Norcold, Dometic, and Furrion refrigerators, including cooling units, thermistors, fans, control boards, and door seals.