I am new to having a RV style refrigerator. While reading my owner manual (yes, I'm one of those that actually read the manuals) for my Norcold N61X I notices a section titled "Effects of Freezing Temperatures on Refrigerator Operation". It states that below 32 exposure may disrupt the operation. It states the the operation will resume when the temperatures warms. So if the outside temps stay below 32 it sounds like the refrigerators inside temp will rise. Has anyone experienced this?

Sounds like if the temps make your fridge quit, you can just set things outside. :D

If the temperature inside your RV is below 32°F (0°C), the thermostat in the refrigerator will never call for cooling.If you are heating the inside of your RV and want to use the 'fridge, you will need to heat the compartment behind it.I use a Thermocube® and a 60 Watt lamp and block off 2/3 of the louvers on the access panel; I'm good to -20°F (-29°) O.A.T.

I have a Dometic in my MH but also had a Norcold in my previous TT. I haven't noticed any problems as low as 5 degrees F. I keep the inside of the RV at 70 because I'm a sissy:B I didn't read all of my manual. I do winterize at 10 degrees even if on the road. I have a outside mounted thermometer on my Dometic. It runs about 35 to 38 degrees. I like cold beer.

camperpaul wrote:If the temperature inside your RV is below 32°F (0°C), the thermostat in the refrigerator will never call for cooling.If you are heating the inside of your RV and want to use the 'fridge, you will need to heat the compartment behind it.I use a Thermocube® and a 60 Watt lamp and block off 2/3 of the louvers on the access panel; I'm good to -20°F (-29°) O.A.T.Thanks PaulI had never heard anything about this before. I have read post about cold weather camping but the Refrigerator issue was not discussed.

I block off the vent with cardboard on the inside when it's cold. Have not had to add heat, but if it's really cold you may have to.

Too cold for my refrigerator?????? | Good Sam Community

19 Replies

Johno02
Explorer
Nov 21, 2013
Only problem we have had is if the temp in coach is below 32 degrees, it will not cool the freezer. Found out that to fix, just open refrig, and turn heat on in coach. When refrig gets above 32, it works fine.
WyoTraveler
Explorer
Nov 21, 2013
camperpaul wrote:
If the temperature inside your RV is below 32°F (0°C), the thermostat in the refrigerator will never call for cooling.

If you are heating the inside of your RV and want to use the 'fridge, you will need to heat the compartment behind it.

I use a Thermocube® and a 60 Watt lamp and block off 2/3 of the louvers on the access panel; I'm good to -20°F (-29°) O.A.T.

Great idea. Don't thnk I will be in my MH at -20 though.:B As a practical matter though most RV parks are closed when you need the heat behind the fridge. I don't run my gererator all night.
ktmrfs
Explorer III
Nov 21, 2013
camperpaul wrote:
If the temperature inside your RV is below 32°F (0°C), the thermostat in the refrigerator will never call for cooling.

If you are heating the inside of your RV and want to use the 'fridge, you will need to heat the compartment behind it.

I use a Thermocube® and a 60 Watt lamp and block off 2/3 of the louvers on the access panel; I'm good to -20°F (-29°) O.A.T.

we regularly wintertime camp where it gets into the "teens" at night and in the mid 30's in the daytime and I've never noticed the fridge not doing it's job. Keep the trailer at 68-70 in the daytime and set the thermostat for 45F at night.

Haven't had any need to heat the outside fridge access area.
calamus
Explorer
Nov 21, 2013
you can buy a thermostat plug in at the farm store I think it turns on at 40 and off at 50 we use it for the heat lamp for our goats.
Ivylog
Explorer III
Nov 21, 2013
I block off the vent with cardboard on the inside when it's cold. Have not had to add heat, but if it's really cold you may have to.
TNRIVERSIDE
Explorer
Nov 21, 2013
camperpaul wrote:
If the temperature inside your RV is below 32°F (0°C), the thermostat in the refrigerator will never call for cooling.

If you are heating the inside of your RV and want to use the 'fridge, you will need to heat the compartment behind it.

I use a Thermocube® and a 60 Watt lamp and block off 2/3 of the louvers on the access panel; I'm good to -20°F (-29°) O.A.T.

Thanks Paul
I had never heard anything about this before. I have read post about cold weather camping but the Refrigerator issue was not discussed.
WyoTraveler
Explorer
Nov 21, 2013
I have a Dometic in my MH but also had a Norcold in my previous TT. I haven't noticed any problems as low as 5 degrees F. I keep the inside of the RV at 70 because I'm a sissy:B I didn't read all of my manual. I do winterize at 10 degrees even if on the road. I have a outside mounted thermometer on my Dometic. It runs about 35 to 38 degrees. I like cold beer.
camperpaul
Explorer
Nov 21, 2013
If the temperature inside your RV is below 32°F (0°C), the thermostat in the refrigerator will never call for cooling.

If you are heating the inside of your RV and want to use the 'fridge, you will need to heat the compartment behind it.

I use a Thermocube® and a 60 Watt lamp and block off 2/3 of the louvers on the access panel; I'm good to -20°F (-29°) O.A.T.
dockmasterdave
Explorer
Nov 21, 2013
Sounds like if the temps make your fridge quit, you can just set things outside. :D

Forum Discussion

Too cold for my refrigerator??????

19 Replies

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

12 volt only refrigerator

Dometic Servel RGE400 fridge too cold

Refrigerator cold air catcher

RV Refrigerator in cold weather

Oxygenics Fury RV Handheld Shower head --COLD drip