RV Frig Question

I have been in my 5th wheel full time since November 20123 and I have yet defrosted my fridge or freezer. There is hardly any build up in them at all.

What is on the back of the freezer is just a very thin layer of ice crystals. Nothing on the fins in the fridge at all. So I have not defrosted yet. :)

Cherry

I've noticed...the fuller the freezer the quicker it ices up..every couple months ...i just use a hair dryer...melt it off...put the stuff back in...ours has a number system for temp control....1 to 5....i keep it around a 3...

Increased air movement in large compartment will keep fins from developing frost .. many use something like this. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Norcold-Refrigerator-Deluxe-Fan-to-INCREASE-cooling-inside-/390397101524?pt=Motors_RV_Trailer_Camper_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5ae57b05d4&vxp=mtr

2-3 times per year for us.

We are full-timers and have to de-frost quite often. Everything in the freezer
goes into a cooler as well as other things such as milk, butter, eggs and
anything else that should be kept cold. Use a small hairdryer to then defrost
the fins in the refrig. Need to keep hot air not too close to the fins.
Usually takes about 1/2 to 3/4 of an hour to completely defrost and clean up.

The fins in our Norcold auto defrost (10 cf). I do have to defrost the freezer periodically.

jhelfrich wrote:
The frig has been running since August of 2013. How frequently should I expect to defrost it?

Well, unless you are in the very driest part of the country.. you should have done it at least one time already.

Depending on the weather I can go 1 to 3 months on mine.

Now,, I cheat, in addition to the fridge I have a "Cooler" (old fashion picnic cooler like a Coleman, Ice chest type. And an Engel chest freezer..

I wait till its almost time to go shopping IE Tomorrow is pay day, which I wish it was) Then I transfer all frozen food to the ENGLE and fill the cooler with other stuff I toss in some "Blue Ice" packs (The re-freezable things) which I get for free.. And turn OFF the fridge.. I will add a slight amount of heat (150 watts max) and keep the door open so things do not get too hot. While it's off remove all shelves and such and clean... Once the ice melts (Be prepareed for a flood) a bit I pull the back panel out of the freezer to improve thawing. Once it's all thawed Wash per manual directions with baking soda and water.. Re-assemble, Re-start, Re-load.

We are full-time and have a Norcold, I defrost ours 2 or 3 times per year as eventually there will be frost buildup in the freezer also. The frost on the coils is primarily from opening the door a lot and warm moist air getting inside. Also make sure you cover all leftover dishes. Let leftovers cool to room temp before putting in the frig.

Take a look at the Fridge Fix by Smart RV Products. I just installed one in my unit. Haven't had a chance to test it out yet (first trip is this comming weekend) but it's supposed to eliminate the ice build up on the fins and cool the inside down a lot quicker.
Install is a piece of cake, took me 10 minutes.
Grumpy

danoren wrote:
There must be a way to adjust the temperature, go to the manual or call the service.
HERE is a link to the manufacturer.
Good luck .

FYI.......
Many Dometic refrigerators do not have an adjustable thermostat. The only way on these types is to move a thermistor up and down on the inside cooling fins but this will give a temperature variation of only a few degrees.