Forum Discussion

path1's avatar
path1
Explorer
Apr 13, 2016

fridge/freezer cool down times & no open flame on road

I got of these things and really like it. http://www.amazon.com/AcuRite-Refrigerator-Freezer-Wireless-Thermometer/dp/B004QJVU78/ref=sr_1_24?srs=11102085011&ie=UTF8&qid=1460531081&sr=8-24

(Well all except I can't the alerts to work) But so much talk on here about running fridge/freezer on the road. With this thing we monitor our temps from our tow vehicle and 50 feet away in the trailer where the fridge/freezer is we no longer run fridge/freezer when towing because we don't have to. Temps drop about 8-10 degrees in about 8 hours. But that was in low 80's. We usually don't drive over 6 hours anyway.

Anyway defrosted fridge/freezer yesterday on a 2013 Norcold 821 series.

Here are the cool down temps: (using elec not propane. Will do propane next defrost time)



Time............Fridge.................Freezer

750PM...........78.....................78

906Pm...........66.....................46

1010pm..........59.....................16

1108pm..........51......................7

1200 midnight...47......................-1

10 Replies

  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Apr 18, 2016
    You can turn a fridge off? Who would have known...

    Great data point cooling 12° per hour fridge and 30° on the freezer. We often pack and leave without a prechilled fridge. Always cold the next morning.
  • path1's avatar
    path1
    Explorer
    Apr 18, 2016
    DSDP Don wrote:
    "path1"....It's a nice product that you found, but your use of the refer as you describe is dangerous. You'll spoil your food much more quickly. 44 degrees is not a good temp for the refer and remember, it has to recover from that so it will spend a lot of time, maybe several hours in the plus 40 degree mark.


    Yes Agree...Once cooled down all the way, the fridge is 35-39 once door is closed after about hour and 1/2. I was also surprised when opening and closing the door. I lose more cold air than I thought. The temp goes up to 44 for short time when making meals, opening and closing the door. Next coldest setting freezes the top shelf in fridge, so best of both worlds is the setting it is on now.

    Thanks for reply
  • Bird_Freak's avatar
    Bird_Freak
    Explorer II
    Apr 18, 2016
    Aron wrote:
    I think the reason that many people caution about using propane while traveling is that if you have a wreck, you might then also have an explosive gas-fueled fire to add to the excitement. Could make what would be a very bad day that much worse. Personally, I'd rather play it safe and deal with the variable temperatures.
    If you understood how your propane system works you would not be afraid of it. if you are in a wreck and a line is severed the valve in the tank is going to shut the flow off anyway.
  • DSDP_Don's avatar
    DSDP_Don
    Explorer
    Apr 18, 2016
    "path1"....It's a nice product that you found, but your use of the refer as you describe is dangerous. You'll spoil your food much more quickly. 44 degrees is not a good temp for the refer and remember, it has to recover from that so it will spend a lot of time, maybe several hours in the plus 40 degree mark.
  • bid_time's avatar
    bid_time
    Nomad III
    Apr 18, 2016
    I never worry about my meat in the fridge getting to warm or my ice cream melting while on the road; why because my fridge is running just like it was designed to. To each his own!
  • starcraft69's avatar
    starcraft69
    Explorer
    Apr 14, 2016
    Posted By: Old-Biscuit on 04/13/16 11:25am

    So if food section is at 38*F when you leave with fridge off and temps change by 6*F then food section reaches 44*F
    You are measuring 'air temps' which is not a good measurement of food temps

    I'll continue to operate my fridge while in transit and maintain cold temps in food section vs having the temps go up/down


    Posted By: eichacsj on 04/13/16 04:10pm

    Me too, no reason not to run propane/elec while driving.


    +++++++1111111

    How many times will we have this topic?????
    Just remember you have a greater chance of a major accident then your fridge catching fire!!!! so maybe we should all stay home?????
  • Aron's avatar
    Aron
    Explorer
    Apr 14, 2016
    I think the reason that many people caution about using propane while traveling is that if you have a wreck, you might then also have an explosive gas-fueled fire to add to the excitement. Could make what would be a very bad day that much worse. Personally, I'd rather play it safe and deal with the variable temperatures.
  • kellertx5er's avatar
    kellertx5er
    Explorer
    Apr 14, 2016
    I would argue whether an RV refer running on propane can be considered an 'open flame'.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Apr 13, 2016
    So if food section is at 38*F when you leave with fridge off and temps change by 6*F then food section reaches 44*F
    You are measuring 'air temps' which is not a good measurement of food temps

    I'll continue to operate my fridge while in transit and maintain cold temps in food section vs having the temps go up/down

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