AC and Refrigerator Problems - 2015 3051S

[hessp]

We picked up our Forester 3051S in April and have been out twice since. The first trip we used the heat pump for heat and it worked fine the first night - the second night we awoke to what sounded like loud vibrations on the roof and no heat. Took it back to the dealer - they found no problem.

We just got back from our second trip out and had air conditioner and refrigerator problems this time. AC worked great for 1 1/2 days, then suddenly stopped working - would not turn on. At the same time the AC went out, the refrigerator started making a very noticeable humming noise (kind of like a electrical transformer makes) which seemed to be coming from the freezer compartment. When switched to propane the noise stopped.

We tried to test the air conditioner using the generator, but of course the generator had a very hard time starting and once started wouldn't stay running. This same problem occurred during our walk-through and some adjustments were made.

Has anyone experienced anything like this? Are the refrigerator and air conditioner problems related or was it just a coincidence that both problems started at the same time?

Thanks for any and all suggestions.

[ourflat]

I have not experienced the problems you are describing. Both units do draw a large amount of electricity while running but that is the only common thread between the two; certainly an enigma!


Frank

[poppytoymaker]

I'm no expert myself, but do you use a surge protector when you hook your electricity and do you run your generator at least once a month for about 10 minutes

[hessp]

We just got the 3051 the end of April so we haven't run the generator until this past weekend but we will be sure to run it regularly. We also haven't been using a surge protector prior to this (we have been RV'ing for several years) but we definitely need to think about getting one.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by hessp

We just got the 3051 the end of April so we haven't run the generator until this past weekend but we will be sure to run it regularly. We also haven't been using a surge protector prior to this (we have been RV'ing for several years) but we definitely need to think about getting one.

Don't think to long!


TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded, 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "6 nights"

[edcronin01]

Had a similar problem with AC unit, bad compressor, replaced under warranty.

[SkipnTerri]

Originally Posted by TURBS

Don't think to long!


TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded, 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "6 nights"

x2. With all of today's electronics, etc. we won't plug in without one! They're not cheap to begin with, but only one power surge pays for it many times over.

[hessp]

I'm convinced - just ordered a surge protector from Amazon and it will be here before our next trip.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by hessp

I'm convinced - just ordered a surge protector from Amazon and it will be here before our next trip.

Which did you buy?

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded, 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "6 nights"

[SkipnTerri]

Originally Posted by hessp

I'm convinced - just ordered a surge protector from Amazon and it will be here before our next trip.

Now to your original question, we have a 2014 3051S with the large 4-door refer. We, too, have experienced a very annoying loud hum/groan from it at outdoor temps at 75+ degrees. So far our a/c works fine, but we noticed it struggles to maintain a comfortable temp inside when you have 90+ degrees outside.

[hessp]

We purchased a Progressive Industries PT30C 30 Amp Portable Electrical Management System. This may be overkill but better safe than sorry. A little pricey but much cheaper than the repairs would be.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by hessp

We purchased a Progressive Industries PT30C 30 Amp Portable Electrical Management System. This may be overkill but better safe than sorry. A little pricey but much cheaper than the repairs would be.

Well done my friend!

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded, 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "6 nights"

[SkipnTerri]

Originally Posted by hessp

We purchased a Progressive Industries PT30C 30 Amp Portable Electrical Management System. This may be overkill but better safe than sorry. A little pricey but much cheaper than the repairs would be.

One of the best investments you'll make!

[TURBS]

Now get a digital volt ohm meter to keep in the camper "you'll need it"

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded, 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "6 nights"

[hessp]

Mystery solved. According the technician at the dealer, the refrigerator in our 3051 draws 20 amps (we have the large 4 door optional refrigerator). The air conditioner draws 16 amps. We are already over 30 amps with just these two units running so adding anything else is also overloading the system. As the temperatures rise, we will have to keep the refrigerator on propane when the air is running (and probably the water heater too).

The humming coming from the refrigerator was related to the electrical problem so running it on propane is the easiest solution. We are going out again this weekend so hopefully more careful attention on our part will solve the problem.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by hessp

Mystery solved. According the technician at the dealer, the refrigerator in our 3051 draws 20 amps (we have the large 4 door optional refrigerator). The air conditioner draws 16 amps. We are already over 30 amps with just these two units running so adding anything else is also overloading the system. As the temperatures rise, we will have to keep the refrigerator on propane when the air is running (and probably the water heater too).

The humming coming from the refrigerator was related to the electrical problem so running it on propane is the easiest solution. We are going out again this weekend so hopefully more careful attention on our part will solve the problem.

Is it a residential model?
This one?
http://m.campingworld.com/shopping/i...maker-12/57048


I think he's pulling your chain.
Typical residential fridge draws around 6 amps.

If your fridge is drawing near 20 amps if they even checked then there's something wrong with it

I have a residential style and a rv absorption fridge both in my camper and I can run the both with a/c

You've not solved the power consumption yet sorry.

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded, 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "6 nights"

[TURBS]

Upon further inspection of your post, you said you can run on propane which leads me to believe it's a absorption fridge which draws a max of 3.6 amps on 110v.
Dealer is CLUELESS!

Here's some useful info: http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...aws-17300.html


TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded, 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "6 nights"

[SkipnTerri]

Originally Posted by hessp

Mystery solved. According the technician at the dealer, the refrigerator in our 3051 draws 20 amps (we have the large 4 door optional refrigerator). The air conditioner draws 16 amps. We are already over 30 amps with just these two units running so adding anything else is also overloading the system. As the temperatures rise, we will have to keep the refrigerator on propane when the air is running (and probably the water heater too).

The humming coming from the refrigerator was related to the electrical problem so running it on propane is the easiest solution. We are going out again this weekend so hopefully more careful attention on our part will solve the problem.

We've got the 4-door opt refer, too; however, we've run a/c, tv, fans with it running on elec and had no problems. There's something definitely wrong.

[ourflat]

Agree, we've ran everything too! Brian, what do your engineers say about this at FR?

Frank


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[FishRich]

We just bought the 2015 year model 3051s and so far no problems with the Ac but the fridge does hum some. Seems like it just started all of a sudden. We are going out for a week and will see how it acts then. Last trip was just a weekender.