question about refrigerator

[tim1970]

We have a Norcold refrigerator in our 5th wheel. It has a 3 way switch for either auto,off, or gas. If we are connected to shore power while stored at home, does it hurt to let the refrigerator run every day even when we are not using the RV? Or should I turn it off during the week? Also, when about to load up and go, should I switch the refrigerator to off, or gas setting, or does it hurt anything to leave it on the auto setting when I disconnect the shore power?

[ctilsie242]

Since my rig is parked where I want it for the next few weekends, on Friday, I turn on the fridge, toss in an ice pack in the fridge and two in the freezer to jump start it towards operating temperature (which it reaches in four hours.) Sunday, I turn it off, open the doors and stick the airing positioning cards in place. The Dometic fridge has a tray aiming defrosting water towards a slobber tube (which broke off)... I have it turned around so it drains in a jar inside the fridge, and evaporates.

[Dennis12]

Mine has not been shut off for 2 years other than defrosting.

[TurnThePage]

Mine is off during the winter, on auto the rest of the year.

FYI: I've left it on over the winter and had the freezer contents melt, causing an extensive deep cleaning and long lasting odor removal. There are ways around that melting issue, but if it's not going to be used for the whole season, I now shut it off.

[DutchmenSport]

If you set your refrigerator to "auto" it will automatically switch from electric to gas if the electricity goes off, or if the trailer is unplugged.

To use is effectively, you do need to leave your propane tank turned on.

It does not hurt to run the refrigerator 24x7x365. We keep ours on all year, except during the coldest months of the year, when the outside temperature is actually colder than the refrigerator will get. Then the refrigerator won't turn on at all, meaning the freezer won't freeze, unless sub-zero temps penetrate the inside of the refrigerator.

If you leave your refrigerator on 24x7, it's best if you leave something in the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment. We use the trailer refrigerator as a second refrigerator at home. (since it's parked at home all the time anyway). So there is always something in the freezer and the refrigerator compartments. We usually keep drinks in the refrigerator and frozen meats in the freezer. Usually after camping we have an abundance, as we usually pack food pretty heavy! So all week long, we are taking stuff out of the camper refrigerator, and then restocking for the week-end camp out again on Friday. This also keep everything circulating, and nothing gets old.

But to answer your question, use gas only ... well ... actually, you never need to use "gas" only as "Auto" will flip to "gas" automatically. Use "Auto" for electric and as a back-up if power goes out. If you keep food in the refrigerator this is really a good safety net so anything in the refrigerator won't get warmed up or thawed out.

"Off" turns everything off! When turning "Off", make sure your refrigerator and freezer door compartments are propped open so they don't get smelly.

[pconroy328]

The ONLY time it comes off Auto and onto Gas (propane) is when I was winter camping and it was cold enough that I wanted the whole outside 'fridge components to stay toasty warm.

Other than that, it's always on AUTO.

Also agree with the "Level first!"
The old Dometic fridge we had, didn't care much.
The new Norcold fridge really wants the coach to be level.

[wa8yxm]

The only problem is you need to shut it off about 3 days before departure. leave it off one day to DEFROST, clean and re-start .. Else it will ice up over time

NOTE: standard practice for all non frost free fridges if you are old enough to remember those.

[DrewE]

KD4UPL wrote:
I've been told by an RV tech that it's better to let the ref. run than constantly turn it on and off. It keeps everything from expanding in heat, contracting in cold, over and over again.
I leave mine on all season and shut if off over the winter. It's now 14 years old and still works great.

That explanation makes very little sense to me. The fridge is constantly cycling on and off as it runs, so the cooling unit is warming and cooling more when it's on than when it's off.

An absorption fridge cooling unit doesn't really wear out per se. So long as the piping remains intact (no physical damage, no rust holes, etc.) and doesn't clog due to running off-level, it can continue to work indefinitely, or sit indefinitely until asked to work.

I personally turn my RV fridge off when parked because it's an electricity hog. It's nearly twenty years old (many of which were not under my ownership) and, like yours, still operates very well.

[KD4UPL]

I've been told by an RV tech that it's better to let the ref. run than constantly turn it on and off. It keeps everything from expanding in heat, contracting in cold, over and over again.
I leave mine on all season and shut if off over the winter. It's now 14 years old and still works great.

[Old-Biscuit]

First off.....
IF you run the fridge then LEVEL the RV
Otherwise turn it off

Auto setting...operates on 120V AC element when AC power is available
Swaps to propane on loss f AC power----swaps back to AC when power restored

GAS setting
Manual selection for propane ONLY
No swapping ----stays on gas

Our fridge has been ON for 10 yrs---except for 'defrost' periods
On AC when available, On propane otherwise
Fridge is stocked with condiments, drinks, ice packs in freezer etc
Just have to load up frozen food and perishables when we head out.

Sometimes I slip inside to cool down, have a refreshment when gets too hot & working in yard.

Keeps batteries fully charged

Costs roughly $25/month for the 'convenience' of having rig at home on a FHU site

[pianotuna]

Hi,

The Fridge may use about 5 kwh per day if left running between trips.

I leave mine on the auto setting during use.

[Dutch_12078]

We always left our Norcold fridge set to "Auto" so it would automatically switch sources as needed for normal use. If you're using the RV every weekend, you might as well leave it on. Otherwise you'll need to fire it up a couple of days ahead of time anyway, to cool it down and load it for your trip.