Running refrigerator in freezing temps?

Ivylog wrote:
You should be fine. If it does not cool well put a light bulb at night in the outside vent area as it takes heat to make it work.

x2

This is a great trick with absorption fridges for cold weather camping. I've camped well in excess of -20C/-4F with no issues to mine.

pigman1 wrote:
We've got 3 chest freezers and 2 refrigerators running outside in unheated buildings and have not had any trouble in the last 25 years. I'm not concerned about the RV as it sits in one of the same unheated buildings when we're home.

Those are not absorption refrigerators though.

Caveman Charlie wrote:

pigman1 wrote:
We've got 3 chest freezers and 2 refrigerators running outside in unheated buildings and have not had any trouble in the last 25 years. I'm not concerned about the RV as it sits in one of the same unheated buildings when we're home.

Those are not absorption refrigerators though.

Yep, and I don't have an absorption refrigerator in my RV.

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

Freezing the fridge when it is non operational is just fine. Freezing it when it is running is what causes damage. If you followed the link and understood what was said it would lead to enlightenment.

Norcold has an add on kit to prevent freezing for their products.

wing_zealot wrote:
My refrigerator has been frozen every year for the last 12 years I've had it. And the same thing for the one before this one. I believe it got down to -20° F last year for a while. It hasn't been above freezing in 3 or 4 weeks now here. My TT hasn't been plugged in or had a battery in it since late November (as is usual). I guess I must have been extremely lucky over the last 20 years.

I followed the link and read what it said. Apparently is must be poorly written because it was misunderstood and caused no enlightenment. But thanks for explaining the difference.

my first TT frig was my beer back up frig. 24/7/365. had it for 20 years and it still worked the day I traded it in. and that's no lie, I really did have it for 20 years. darn good TT.

No issues with our Dometic fridge operation in sub-freezing temps. Work just fine in 100 degree temps for that matter.

Hi,

Then I'll try to enlighten you directly.

My understanding is that when the temperature is low enough the working material gels and temporarily clogs the tubing. The boiler continues to operate and reaches temperatures high enough to precipitate the anti corrosion material. When the ambient temperature rises the particulates can clump together in the tubes and may form a permanent clog.

Unfortunately, the anti corrosion material does not dissolve back into the solution.

I hope this helps.

wing_zealot wrote:
I followed the link and read what it said. Apparently is must be poorly written because it was misunderstood and caused no enlightenment. But thanks for explaining the difference.