1999 Coachmen Santara Class CDometic RM 2852 refrigerator; AC/LPHow cold should I expect this to get, and how long should I expect it to take before it gets as cold as it's gonna?Is there a difference between 120V AC and LP gas in terms of cooling?I ask because it seems to me like it takes forever to cool down -- many hours -- and even then it's not all that cold, particularly in the refrigerator part.Maybe I have unreasonable expectations.Thanks,Rich

Some refers cool down rather quickly, like mine. It takes maybe 4-6 hours to get cold.gas or electric 1gas or electric 2gas or electric 3

Not a lot of difference but it is a little better on LP for cooling.On mine the fridge takes longer to cool than freezer. If empty it will cool off overnight. If loaded with unrefrigerated liquids it could take longer than that.I try to run it at least four or five hours (preferably overnight) and then stock it with already chilled items.

3 ways do not cool quickly, I leave mine on 100% of the time and let it switch between AC/propane automatically.

Yep. Gas is usually faster. And it does take awhile, especially in the hot weather. It seems the freezer cools first. There are a few ways to help it cool down faster. Letting the AC blow the hot air out helps a little. Also putting cold things in it helps a lot.

How cold depends on how it is set. Many, but not all, are adjustable that way. How fast it gets cold is pretty slow. Mine works well, is set to cool to around 35 in the fridge, but it takes it 6 to 8 hours to do that. Once it gets down there, it'll stay there (and has, for months, no problem). None of the absorption-type refrigerators cool off really fast.That said, I have also noticed no particular difference in either the speed of cooling or the ultimate temperature between 120 v electricity and propane. I usually keep mine set on auto-switchover, and leave it running on propane while towing, and it cuts itself over to electric when I get shore power.

How cold should I expect? | Good Sam Community

wildwoodrver
Explorer
Apr 16, 2014
Old biscuit....you said move the thermistor UP to make fridge cooler? Please confirm. I thought it was the other way. Also, does it make any difference which fin the thermistor is on? Mine is on the 2nd fin from right.
I am struggling with new cooling unit in my Norcold. One week old but 500 iles from shop that put it in. Not satisfied with refer temps (40 to 49) but freezer is about 9. Testing with two extra cooling fans below the cooling unit now.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Apr 14, 2014
My fridge runs at 38 in the fridge compartment and around 0-10 in the freezer. It will take quite a while for it to hit that temp. Sounds like you are ok though!
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Apr 14, 2014
rich85704 wrote:
OK, folks! After about 6 hours of leaving it alone, it got down to a bit bellow 10 in the freezer and 30 or so in the main box. In the storage lot, running on propane, full sun. I think I'll get a fan and call it good.

Thanks!

Rich

30 or so in food section.........might want to recheck after food is loaded.
If it stays that low....move the 'thermistor' down on fin.

30 or so will freeze your milk etc.
rich85704
Explorer
Apr 14, 2014
OK, folks! After about 6 hours of leaving it alone, it got down to a bit bellow 10 in the freezer and 30 or so in the main box. In the storage lot, running on propane, full sun. I think I'll get a fan and call it good.

Thanks!

Rich
sowego
Explorer
Apr 13, 2014
2 way units do take a while to cool. We always put it on electric and let it take its time. So plan ahead and turn it on the day before you need it. You can speed up that cool down time by loading the whole unit with ice.

If you are expecting the temp to be down to normal operating temps within a short time your expectations are unrealistic. It takes as long as it takes. We always give ours 6-8 hours minimum before we started to load
Steeljag
Explorer
Apr 13, 2014
Normally about four hours prior to loading it, I start it with gas and place a frozen plastic water bottle in both the upper and lower areas.

Mine is also an auto, so it remains on gas until the TT is plugged in.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Apr 13, 2014
How cold.. Refrigerator below 40 degrees.. Freezer long about 10. How long, Most folks around here say 24 hours. More or less.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Apr 13, 2014
You do not have an adjustable temp control (factory preset) so check that 'thermistor' is on right hand fin in food section.

Is the RV level? Fridge needs to be level when operating!

Freeze should get down to 0-10*F and food section should get down to 35-42*F

If it doesn't cool enough.....move 'thermistor'. Slide the clip UP for cooler temps. Wait overnight to see any affect.
Sfla2
Explorer
Apr 13, 2014
like past comments overnite will do just fine either way, also a fan in ref, will help move cold air,more efficent. either battery 1 or 12 v which u can find on the net under rv frig fan
mdamerell
Explorer
Apr 13, 2014
Mine takes overnight to cool off but a bag of ice in the freezer seems to help speed it up. My freezer will make ice cream so hard its hard to eat. The fridge part has an adjustment on the fins in the upper right hand corner to adjust the fridge temp. Been thinking of adding a fan in the refrigerator section to even out the temps but have not gotten there yet.

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