Volks, I have NO idea of what constitutes proper maintenance of RV
refrigerators.  BUT, as a veterinarian, I come into contact with an
amazing variety of folks, including some who, apparently, DO have an
idea of what it takes to keep RV fridges working properly!

Down here in the mountains of Tennessee, I have a client who has retired
from years of slaving in the neat weather of Minnesota as an
AC/Heating/Refrigeration Business operator up amongst the hardy
souls!!!  Methinks this dude waterskis out in the TN River in January!

According to him, in his line of work in MN, he routinely "serviced" RV
refrigerators, yearly, by "burping" them!  This, according to him, means
removing the refrigerator, placing it UPSIDE-DOWN for several hours,
preferably overnight, then replacing it into its normal position.  He
claims THAT is ALL that is needed to restore it to its previously
excellent operating condition!!!

Hell, I have no idea if it works, but, from the number of notes from you
dudes who refuse to just tote along large ice-chests, it might be worth
a try?  I once took my '85 Vanagon GL down to Chickamauga to Chief Long
Feather to diagnose & fix a serious compression problem AND after his
dance & sprinkling my Van with chopped up entrails of hawks, eagles and
snail darters, I left with one hell of a hot-rod Vanagon!!!

So, rip those refrigerators out of your Westies, turn them upside down
AND BURP THEM!

BOB - WA4RRN
'85GL
http://www.impeachment.org