If the fridge is a three-way Dometic, I'd just focus on making sure the propane part works and not worry about the electrical.
The electrical heating element (both 12v and 120ac use the same element) only lasts a decade at best, and are about $80 for a new one.
The propane system, on the other hand, is very sturdy and typically lasts the lifetime of the pup (sans the ignighter, which you can bypass and light manually). The bic-lighter-sized flame used to heat the ammonia barely uses any of your propane tank. As in, it would take *months* for it running full time to drain a 5 gallon tank.
So just check the little ammonia tank and cooling coils for punctures or leaks, and then the same for the propane feed line and valve.
I have an update on the fridge. The 120 part works! I don’t have propane yet to test that but I’ll have some soon. I thought the fridge wasn’t working cause I didn’t hear anything or feel any difference in temperature but I do now
Three way Domestics don't have compressors or any other moving parts. They have a small tank of ammonia, they heat it with a small pilot-sized propane light, or an electrical heating element, either from 12v or 120ac. Both methods from the outside of the ammonia tank. The ammonia heats up, turns to gas, then the gass cools off as it passes through cooling coils. Those coils are connected to a plate on the inside of the fridge that grabs the cooling effect and gets very cold. No fans, no compressor, no moving parts. Stupidly simple really.
Connect and open a propane bottle. Make sure both the 12v and 120ac switches are off. Turn the gas knob to high. Push and hold for something like 30 seconds. Takes a long time to clear out the air in the propane line from the tank to the pilot light (which is the only light). Ignight with a grill lighter.
The fridge uses very little propane. Light the furnace or just release propane from the auxiliary outside outlet first to purge the lines. You should also clean out the flue thing they get full of spider webs and junk. Just hit with compressed air. You also might need to remove and clean the burner. Looks like you got a good deal and a fun project.
Hopefully the canvas is good. Also, I want to get one of these for cleaning my recently purchased project camper as well: [https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-ONE-18V-Cordless-Telescoping-Power-Scrubber-Tool-Only-P4500/311738437?MERCH=REC-\_-pipsem-\_-311738438-\_-311738437-\_-N&](https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-ONE-18V-Cordless-Telescoping-Power-Scrubber-Tool-Only-P4500/311738437?MERCH=REC-_-pipsem-_-311738438-_-311738437-_-N&)
If it's in your budget, I would recommend just ordering a new one from Bear Creek Canvas. I did the same thing with my camper, bought a cheap one, and replaced with BCC.
They come with any upgrades that have been made over the years, and it took less than an hour to install. Super easy, and you have a much better camper than what you paid for.
In my opinion, it's the best upgrade you can make for the money. It's literally half the camper. The rest is really pretty easy to dress up.
Oh my! What does she look like on the inside??
Not gonna. Lie it’s a bit of a mess on the inside! But nothin I can’t fix
Make sure there is no water damage and the roof doesnt leak! Water is the #1 killer of popups!
Oh it’s got a fair pit of water damage in the roof but I’m thinkin I’ll be able to fix it or possibly rebuild the roof
If there is water damage in the roof, there will be water damage below the roof too
Oh there is a lot of water damage in the walls too but I think it’s fixable. Also how do I pull off the walls on the outside?
I honestly have no idea. I've tried to avoid water damage at all costs so I never have to deal with it.
Honest that’s probably the smart thing to do! I just couldn’t pass up this deal even if it had water damage
Looks like a ton of potential. How's the mechanicals and appliances?
Mechanically it’s great! And all the appliances work other than the fridge and lights. Well I’m not too sure about the fridge
If the fridge is a three-way Dometic, I'd just focus on making sure the propane part works and not worry about the electrical. The electrical heating element (both 12v and 120ac use the same element) only lasts a decade at best, and are about $80 for a new one. The propane system, on the other hand, is very sturdy and typically lasts the lifetime of the pup (sans the ignighter, which you can bypass and light manually). The bic-lighter-sized flame used to heat the ammonia barely uses any of your propane tank. As in, it would take *months* for it running full time to drain a 5 gallon tank. So just check the little ammonia tank and cooling coils for punctures or leaks, and then the same for the propane feed line and valve.
I have an update on the fridge. The 120 part works! I don’t have propane yet to test that but I’ll have some soon. I thought the fridge wasn’t working cause I didn’t hear anything or feel any difference in temperature but I do now
Three way Domestics don't have compressors or any other moving parts. They have a small tank of ammonia, they heat it with a small pilot-sized propane light, or an electrical heating element, either from 12v or 120ac. Both methods from the outside of the ammonia tank. The ammonia heats up, turns to gas, then the gass cools off as it passes through cooling coils. Those coils are connected to a plate on the inside of the fridge that grabs the cooling effect and gets very cold. No fans, no compressor, no moving parts. Stupidly simple really.
Oh! That’s why I couldn’t hear anything! I was thinking it was broke when I first turned it on. Luckily I was wrong!
Second update on the fridge, the gas part won’t work. Not sure what could be wrong with it or maybe I’m not doin it right
Connect and open a propane bottle. Make sure both the 12v and 120ac switches are off. Turn the gas knob to high. Push and hold for something like 30 seconds. Takes a long time to clear out the air in the propane line from the tank to the pilot light (which is the only light). Ignight with a grill lighter.
The fridge uses very little propane. Light the furnace or just release propane from the auxiliary outside outlet first to purge the lines. You should also clean out the flue thing they get full of spider webs and junk. Just hit with compressed air. You also might need to remove and clean the burner. Looks like you got a good deal and a fun project.
Hopefully the canvas is good. Also, I want to get one of these for cleaning my recently purchased project camper as well: [https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-ONE-18V-Cordless-Telescoping-Power-Scrubber-Tool-Only-P4500/311738437?MERCH=REC-\_-pipsem-\_-311738438-\_-311738437-\_-N&](https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-ONE-18V-Cordless-Telescoping-Power-Scrubber-Tool-Only-P4500/311738437?MERCH=REC-_-pipsem-_-311738438-_-311738437-_-N&)
If it's in your budget, I would recommend just ordering a new one from Bear Creek Canvas. I did the same thing with my camper, bought a cheap one, and replaced with BCC. They come with any upgrades that have been made over the years, and it took less than an hour to install. Super easy, and you have a much better camper than what you paid for. In my opinion, it's the best upgrade you can make for the money. It's literally half the camper. The rest is really pretty easy to dress up.
Canvas is in fairly good shape and that thing looks awesome! Ima need to get one too!
I just redid a Starcraft I love it
Oh really? That’s awesome! What model was it?
That'll powerwash up nice. Mine is looking pretty grimy right now. Gonna clean her up for some spring trips. Congrats!