I have been using absorption reefers (designed by Servel 100 yrs ago) for many years, boats, RVs, camps. They are no more dangerous than any other device which burns LP with an open flame. Nearly all fires can be traced to flue problems, which are usually plugged up by critters or debris. They have no moving parts and with normal maintenance they will last almost forever.

This is just another wakeup call for all of us to BE SURE TO CHECK THESE THINGS! Like brakes, gas tanks, fuel hoses, LP tanks, hoses and dryer lint they can bite you if you don't take care of them. This is one of the reasons I changed my dipstick to the shorter one. I have to open the doghouse to check oil and then I LOOK AROUND!

My friend had one in his camp and the squirrels filled the flue completely with acorns! Just keep em clean!

Here is some good information for y'all to read. Interpret it as you may, it is somewhat technical. In my opinion this is a serious issue and one should heed the problem but I also believe it is manageable if proper precautions and inspections are done.

Part 1

Part 2

Excellent info. It appears the corrosion is fairly severe on most of those pictured. If I had that much crust anywhere on my unit I would open it up and COMPLETELY inspect!

Heads up for those in coastal or corrosive climates.