Re: [A/S] First trip out

[Jim Redelfs <jim.redelfs@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> It appears salt shakers don't remain standing and subsequently
> 'shake' all the salt out.

You got off easy.  Just remember:  Whatever can leak, tip over or spill will
leak, tip over or spill, whether it is in a cabinet or the refrigerator.  I
swear that Zip Lock<tm> bags were MADE for Rving.

Also, as far forward in the trailer is the "smoothest" ride - where you want
to put delicate things, on the floor of course.  Conversely, the further AFT
of the axle, the rougher the ride.

> I do have a question about
> our refrigerator.  I had it plugged in at home getting it cold.  When we got
> to the campground I turned it on using the gas.  There was a 'funny' smell.  I
> didn't smell like gas.... more like freon/coolant?  It actually gave me a
> headache.  So the first night we turned it off.  I didn't want to wake up dead
> <G>.  Next morning I started it again.  Same smell but less.  This continued
> during our whole time out.... but each time the smell got less.  I didn't
> notice the smell when I had it plugged in at home.  But then, I wasn't in the
> trailer for a length of time.  We were level at home and at the camp site.
> Any thoughts?

Since your Airstream is BRAND NEW, and this may have been the first time you
ran the refrigerator on propane, I suspect there was some dust in the
combustion chamber that you smelled as it burned.

A leaking absorption refrigerator will not cool and you would very likely
smell ammonia, the coolant.

> was it harmful?

Assuming all the detectors onboard are working OK, I doubt it.

You would do well to operate the refrigerator on propane for a while, even
if you have an electric hookup.  It doesn't use much gas and doing so would
be a good test for the unit.

Congratulations on your new Airstream and first outing.

          :)
JR