Thor Motor Coach Class A Gas, Appliance And Entertainment Manual

Page: 26 / 46

18
C U S T O M E R C A R E | 8 7 7 . 8 5 5 . 2 8 6 7
Kitchen Refrigerator
Your motorhome’s kitchen is equipped with one of the following two
types of refrigerators:
• Gas/electric (absorption type), or
• Residential (compressor type)
Absorption-type RV refrigerators use a heating element, a heat-transfer
device, and a mixture of water and ammonia as a means of cooling the
interior of the refrigerator. The heat source is supplied by a LP burner or
an electric heating element, which is powered by 120 volts AC. Cooling
is accomplished as a cycling process of the ammonia evaporating from
the water, and then being re-absorbed when it condenses. There are no
moving parts in an absorption refrigerator.
Compressor type refrigerators are like those found in most residential
homes, therefore, they may be referred to as a ‘residential-type’
refrigerator. These refrigerators use an electric motor, which drives a
compressor. Cooling is accomplished as the refrigerant cycles through
phases of condensing and evaporating.
Most TMC motorhomes are equipped with a gas/electric RV refrigerator
and may vary in size (cubic feet) depending on floorplan and available
cabinet space. Select TMC motorhomes are equipped with residential-
type refrigerators, meaning they operate on 120 volt AC only.
Motorhomes with residential refrigerators are usually Class A diesel-
powered and have on-board electrical systems designed for residential
appliances.
Residential Refrigerator Operation
Residential refrigerators operate just as the those found in your home,
and no special operating instructions are required beyond power
requirements and power source options. The refrigerator will need 120
volts AC to operate. Use a power source that is most appropriate for
the conditions.
WHEN THE MOTORHOME IS IN MOTION:
• Simply ensure your motorhome’s generator is operating or you are
drawing 120 volts from the on-board inverter.
WHEN THE MOTORHOME IS PARKED:
• 120 volts AC can be supplied by the generator or shore power.
Typical gas/electric refrigerator
K I T C H E N A N D A P P L I A N C E S
Residential refrigerator
NOTICE NOTICE
Stored food items may shift during travel. Use caution when
opening the refrigerator door during and after travel.