Why does my fridge work on shore power but not on propane?

This usually points to the gas valve, igniter, or a control board fault specific to the propane circuit, rather than a cooling unit problem, since the cooling unit itself works when powered electrically.

Is it worth repairing an old water heater versus replacing it?

It depends on the failure. A bad thermocouple or gas valve is a straightforward and worthwhile repair, but a leaking tank on an older unit usually makes replacement the better long-term choice.

Do you test appliances on every available power source?

Yes. When applicable, we test propane, 12V, shore power, and inverter operation because a unit may work in one mode and fail in another.

Mobile and in-shop RV repair

RV Appliance Repair (fridge, water heater, cooktop, washer)

Repair of RV refrigerators, water heaters, cooktops, and washer/dryer units, including absorption fridge cooling units.

Call (855) 768-6019 Request service

What this service covers

A complete approach to the repair

RV appliances run on propane, 12V, and 120V in combinations you will not find in a house, and each one fails in its own predictable ways. Absorption refrigerators cool through a boiler and ammonia cooling unit rather than a compressor, and they fail from a yellowed or scorched boiler tube, a bad cooling unit, or improper leveling that keeps the ammonia solution from circulating correctly. We diagnose whether a fridge issue is the cooling unit itself, which usually is not economical to repair once it has failed, or something upstream like the control board, thermistor, or gas valve.

On residential-style refrigerators, common in luxury coaches, failures look more like a home fridge: compressor, evaporator fan, or control board issues, but with the added factor of running on an inverter and needing correct voltage during transitions between shore power and battery.

Water heaters, cooktops, and RV washer/dryer combos each have their own failure points too, from a bad gas valve or thermocouple on a water heater to a stuck door interlock on a washer. We diagnose based on the appliance's actual operating logic rather than assuming residential troubleshooting applies directly.

Signs you may need this service

Refrigerator runs but does not get cold, or cools poorly on one mode

Yellow staining or ammonia smell near the fridge cooling unit

Water heater will not ignite or trips on error repeatedly

Cooktop burner will not light or clicks without igniting

Washer/dryer stops mid-cycle or will not start

Appliance works on one power source (propane, 12V, or shore power) but not another

How we handle it

1
Identify appliance type and mode
We confirm whether the fridge is absorption or residential, and check which power modes are and are not functioning.
2
Component-level diagnostics
We test control boards, valves, igniters, thermistors, and cooling units depending on the appliance and symptom.
3
Repair or replace
We replace failed components; for a failed absorption cooling unit we discuss repair versus replacement fridge options honestly.
4
Operational test
We run the appliance through its normal cycle on all applicable power sources before sign-off.

Mobile or in-shop

Most appliance diagnostics and repairs happen at your location since these units are built into the coach's cabinetry and gas or electrical lines. Full appliance replacement, especially refrigerators requiring cabinet modification, is sometimes easier handled in the shop bay.

Questions we get

Once ammonia cooling unit tubing has scorched or leaked, it typically cannot be repaired economically, and replacement of the cooling unit or the whole refrigerator is usually the more sensible path, which we will explain honestly based on what we find.

Where we perform this service

Related services

Need rv appliance repair (fridge, water heater, cooktop, washer)?

Call the shop during business hours or send a request any time. We answer honestly about what the job involves.

My RV Services LLC · 294 CR 312, Bushnell, FL 33513 · Mon to Fri 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Call (855) 768-6019 Request service