RV Repair: fridge, ammonia smell, fridge cold

Question
Can you tell me what the ammonia smell is caused from.  Our fridge hasn't worked in quite a while, so it's been unplugged.  But we did notice the ammonia smell before unplugging. Is it possible the Freon is low or out?

Answer
That smell is the sign of a leak or bad coil on the fridge.  Possible to fix but most likely, the fridge is gone.  

RV's use ammonia instead of freon.  this is because if you heat ammonia, it gets cold.  When we travel, the fridge can work on propane.  That is a burner heating the ammonia, keeping the fridge cold on the road.  Freon does not work that way.  Plus Freon is supposed to be dangerous to the environment now.  So if is leaks in a camper, you won't pollute the atmosphere.  

For the price of repair, it may be cheaper to replace.  If you don't need the propane option, you can buy a freon type fridge, mini size, from a place like Walmart.

Good luck.