Forum Discussion
SDcampowneroper
Oct 12, 2018Explorer
Fans and open cabinets will work for sub freezing temps, for cold, say singles  to below 0 f you will have to do more.  
First, block most or all fridge lower vents. Foam pipe insul. is perfect for tucking in and removing as the weather changes. Absorption fridges have to have a warm condenser, so when outdoor temps drop below 40 f it wont work well unless you help it by blocking the air flow. Seems backward to warm a fridge to help it, but it is correct to keep the outside condenser warm. I go further, placed an in/ outdoor thermometer above the condenser, changed the blockage daily to maintain + 40 to 100f temps.
not an easy quick fix, but for the long term open the underbelly, heat trace lines, pump, tanks then insulate with cut to length 5w / ' elec. heating cable available at any box store. Place the thermostat where you can plug into 120v ac or into an 12v dc -120vac inverter then when on the road the inverter via your tow will heat the plumbing. . I also used old waterbed heaters under the tanks.
Pianotuna, Bobs Your Uncle, and I have been there. I meen -40 and colder there. We made it comfortably, except when Bobs socks were frozen to the floor!
Max
First, block most or all fridge lower vents. Foam pipe insul. is perfect for tucking in and removing as the weather changes. Absorption fridges have to have a warm condenser, so when outdoor temps drop below 40 f it wont work well unless you help it by blocking the air flow. Seems backward to warm a fridge to help it, but it is correct to keep the outside condenser warm. I go further, placed an in/ outdoor thermometer above the condenser, changed the blockage daily to maintain + 40 to 100f temps.
not an easy quick fix, but for the long term open the underbelly, heat trace lines, pump, tanks then insulate with cut to length 5w / ' elec. heating cable available at any box store. Place the thermostat where you can plug into 120v ac or into an 12v dc -120vac inverter then when on the road the inverter via your tow will heat the plumbing. . I also used old waterbed heaters under the tanks.
Pianotuna, Bobs Your Uncle, and I have been there. I meen -40 and colder there. We made it comfortably, except when Bobs socks were frozen to the floor!
Max
About Motorhome Group
38,756 PostsLatest Activity: Oct 29, 2025