Using frig in cold weather!

At the temps you are talking about the unit should function properly. It takes well below freezing temps for long term to start affecting the cooling unit. You can close off most of the vents on the back outside but not all, leave at least one open especially if you might be running it on propane, if on electric it won't matter as much. We never closed off the upper/roof vents. You can put a 60W bulb in for extra protection if parked so you have power.

The most vulnerable item is your icemaker valve, which can freeze at temps just below freezing. We had ours break in the driveway and accidentally left the pump on...it drained the fresh water tank and floored the inside as well as ran down the driveway. We now don't use the icemaker because don't like tank water ice cubes. Also, shut off the water line to the icemaker valve just in case the line or valve should crack.

Randu wrote:

Francesca Knowles wrote:
"Taping off the vents"????

I don't see that suggested here...are we talking about taping closed the refrigerator vents that both provide combustion air (when on gas) and exhaust to the outside of the rig?

You didn't open the clickys that are included in lvylog and pianotuna posts. I know that in 1 of them the recommendation was to remove the vent panels and put tape across some of the vent space and then reinstall the vent panels. Also was mention of 100 watt light bulb to provide heat so refrigerant would not gel. Randu

Well, I think taping off/restricting air flow to/from a propane fired fridge is a bad idea...assuming that's what is meant by "taping off the vents."

Francesca Knowles wrote:
"Taping off the vents"????

I don't see that suggested here...are we talking about taping closed the refrigerator vents that both provide combustion air (when on gas) and exhaust to the outside of the rig?

You didn't open the clickys that are included in lvylog and pianotuna posts. I know that in 1 of them the recommendation was to remove the vent panels and put tape across some of the vent space and then reinstall the vent panels. Also was mention of 100 watt light bulb to provide heat so refrigerant would not gel. Randu

"Taping off the vents"????

I don't see that suggested here...are we talking about taping closed the refrigerator vents that both provide combustion air (when on gas) and exhaust to the outside of the rig?

Randu wrote:
I was camping in northern MI over the holiday (Wed-Sat) and it was down to 8 overnight and never above 24 for 2 days. Fridge stayed right 38 which is normal for #4 setting. Back home and 40 today and inside fridge still right at 38. I had not heard of taping off the vents and keeping coils warm until this thread. Randu

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Been doing the same thing for over 7 years now and no problems.
Happy trails,

I was camping in northern MI over the holiday (Wed-Sat) and it was down to 8 overnight and never above 24 for 2 days. Fridge stayed right 38 which is normal for #4 setting. Back home and 40 today and inside fridge still right at 38. I had not heard of taping off the vents and keeping coils warm until this thread. Randu

If you have doubts, put a cup of water in the freezer compartment and put a cup of water in the refrigerator compartment. Turn the refrigerator on and see what happens! As long as the freezer keep that cup of ice frozen and it never thaws .... well ... there's your answer!

My frig stays on 24/7/365. I keep it stocked so I can go on short notice. Temps vary here from approx 100F in summer to -15F in winter and the rig sits outside year around. I'm not sure what you are worrying about? We do keep the rig heated in winter to approx 32F to 38F.

Hi penny,

No need to worry at 40 f, and probably you are fine down to say 27 f. Below that it may be best to take precautions.

Here is a thread on Winter Camping that has the fridge information and many other useful ideas.