Atwood Helium Fridge

[904]

We have a 2015 Grand Design Reflection 323 BHS with the lovely Atwood Helium 0801 fridge. Runs on gas just fine, electric just fine, all lights bells and whistles all work properly but it will not cool. Gas ignites and on electric too the metal piping gets pretty warm in the back access panel. Checked Ohms on all fuses, no issues, and checked over circuit board with nothing out of normal. All breakers and anything attached is good. I am told this is due to "crystalizing" of the alleged helium (even though it is not helium) and have tried flipping the fridge several times to jar it loose. End result is if, and strong if, the crystals are dislodged and it starts working again, they will recrystallize once the unit is turned off for any length of time. Any recalls or info anyone has to get my by is greatly appreciated.

[howson]

904

Probably not much help, but the manual is here: https://techsupport.pdxrvwholesale.c...or-HE-0801.pdf

Typically when an absorption refrigerator's cooling unit goes bad, the cooling unit is bad. If you want to try and keep the shell of the refrigerator (just replace the cooling unit) JC Refrigeration is probably your best option: https://jc-refrigeration.com/

Otherwise might be time to consider a compressor-driven 12V model or even a residential that runs off of 120vAC. Ultimately it's how you use the refrigerator and your RV that will determine the "best" way forward.

Howard

[Jkwilson]

Has this refrigerator worked for you before, or is this a new to you trailer?

If all else fails to resolve the issue, you can make a cheater cord to directly power the element from the outlet which removes all control functions from the mix as a test of the cooling unit.

[Scott'n'Wendy]

If it has crystallized the ammonia, it's done. Replace it.

[Canyonlight]

Well, it took nearly 10 years of ownership with our 303 and Atwood Helium fridge to learn that it is not actually helium....hmm.

What "gas" is it ?

Dan

[Jkwilson]

Well, it took nearly 10 years of ownership with our 303 and Atwood Helium fridge to learn that it is not actually helium....hmm.

What "gas" is it ?

Dan

It’s helium.

[Canyonlight]

It’s helium.

Thanks, John ! You, Rob, and many others of us shared many posts over the years on this and many other things helping owners. I never saw what 904 shared in post #1. Figured he was a sharp Engineer like many of you (and the Moderators) who post 98% of what's on this valuable Owners Forum or he was being sarcastic, POd, or simply did not know.

Our original Helium fridge was replaced right away (9/2014) due to not cooling well. The replacement Atwood Helium has worked very well.

Dan

[Jkwilson]

Thanks, John ! You, Rob, and many others of us shared many posts over the years on this and many other things helping owners. I never saw what 904 shared in post #1. Figured he was a sharp Engineer like many of you (and the Moderators) who post 98% of what's on this valuable Owners Forum or he was being sarcastic, POd, or simply did not know.

Our original Helium fridge was replaced right away (9/2014) due to not cooling well. The replacement Atwood Helium has worked very well.

Dan

I think OP is confused by the fact that ammonia is the refrigerant and the gas is just there to lower some transition points so it works better.

[howson]

I think OP is confused by the fact that ammonia is the refrigerant and the gas is just there to lower some transition points so it works better.

Add me to the list of "confused"! The only absorber system we discussed at school was the ammonia / hydrogen based cooling units. I had no idea there were helium units, too.

So (I assume) the principles of operation are the same except insert "Helium" wherever you see "Hydrogen" in the diagram below.

[904]

Glad I am not the only one having or had this issue. Final result is it is not helium, but according to a few trusted HVAC people who work on RVs, it is a gas (I believe anhydrous??) that replaced hydrogen as nonflammable/explosive so it was safer to use. Downside, it crystalizes and forms a block in the lines. Once this happens, you can flip it upside down for awhile and keep rotating it and if it has not fully solidified, you may get another season out of it. In my case, there was liquid as it was gurgling each time, and no yellowish staining indicating the system had not leaked out. I used this previous couple seasons with no issues and very good at its intended use. Final resolve is an apartment fridge with a freezer that is actually within 1/4" of same measurements. I am hoping to install this weekend. It is not an absorption style like howson's diagram shows above, but a compressor style like a residential. Of course no propane back up, but we don't really use propane ever at our camp. Result is a poor design unless the system is fully connected and running very often or most of the time unlike ours that is stored away inside a garage during winter months.

[howson]

Final result is it is not helium, but according to a few trusted HVAC people who work on RVs, it is a gas (I believe anhydrous??) that replaced hydrogen as nonflammable/explosive so it was safer to use.

Now I'm even more confused, as the manual clearly states the gas is helium. Clip below is from your refrigerator's manual.

Downside, it crystalizes and forms a block in the lines.

It's the ammonia that crystallizes and causes blockages. Quite common in "RV" refrigerators.

[904]

Additionally, I am not an expert on much, but like to do research and learn from many people on forums such as all of those who have responded. I am aware that ammonia is the refrigerant chemical, but feel anhydrous seems like inaccurate to me. I do understand hydrogen is the regular/normally used chemical and does have a flammable history so using a different chemical with less risk does seem like a great plan. I also did not realize ammonia would crystalize or how for that fact. I have never had any issues in previous campers before and this is a new one. I do appreciate the information people are sharing and hope this helps one person have abetter camping experience, than it's worth it.

[904]

Howson I completely agree it would be helium, and had a confused look on my face when I was told that. Seems pretty obvious as it says helium right on it too, but again this isn't in my wheelhouse and why I asked if anyone had been able to get one going after having it crystalize. I hated the idea of getting another one and paying the price after having rather bad luck and the season hasn't even begun. It does sound like you have been at this for some time and appreciate you sharing. Everything else i have been able to conquer but the fridge issue so I figured I would give this forum a shot as many good contributors on it.

[TucsonJim]

904. I was able to dig up the service manual for the Atwood reefer. In case you haven't seen it, here's a copy:

Atwood-Refrigerator-HE-0801-Rev-4.pdf

Jim

[TucsonJim]

Here was some of the marketing info back when these were hitting the market: