RV appliance troubleshooting
If the fridge isn’t cooling or the rooftop air conditioner starts and then shuts off, send Kirk the model number and a description of what happens when you turn it on.
Fridges, cooling, heating and hot water
Refrigerators
Describe when the fridge last cooled properly, any error code and which power source it was using. Let Kirk know if the issue affects both the fridge and freezer.
Rooftop air conditioners and furnaces
Note whether the fan comes on, the unit stops after a short time or it never responds at all. The appliance model helps Kirk confirm what he can assess on site.
Water heaters and controls
Tell Kirk whether you’re getting cold water only, inconsistent temperature, a visible leak or a fault light. Include the make and model if you can read the label safely.
Common questions
What should I check before asking about a fridge that won’t cool?
Note whether the freezer and fridge sections are both warm, how long the unit had been running and which power source it was set to use. Take a photo of the model label and any fault light. RV fridges use different cooling and power systems, and a unit that fails in one mode gives different clues from one that fails in every mode.
Why does the air conditioner run without cooling the RV?
It matters whether you have strong airflow that stays warm, weak airflow throughout the RV or a unit that starts cooling and then stops. Tell Kirk whether the problem affects all vents or just one room, and whether the unit was running on shore power or a generator. Those details help separate an airflow problem from a control or power issue.
Why does the furnace fan start and then shut off?
A running fan shows the furnace received a call for heat, but the startup sequence can stop before it produces warm air. Note whether you hear an attempt to ignite, how quickly it shuts down and whether there’s a fault light. Share the furnace model so Kirk can discuss what checks are appropriate for that unit.
Can you help if the water heater turns on but the water stays cold?
Tell Kirk whether all hot taps are affected and whether there’s normal flow on the hot side. If it started after seasonal service, mention the bypass and anything that was drained or changed. A heater that shows a fault code needs a different assessment from one that appears to run while water bypasses it.