cancel
Showing results forย 
Search instead forย 
Did you mean:ย 

Fridge/freezer temp swings what is normal?

path1
Explorer
Explorer
Santa Claus brought a temp monitoring system that shows min and max temps. Sensors supposed to be able to read 75 feet away (as in being able to see temps from seat of pick up to rear kitchen in TT)

On freezer (over a 24 hour period) -2 to 17 degrees most days.

On fridge (over 24 hour period) 34 to 38 most days.

That includes opening door to get something out during the day. And testing only on elec for now.

Can't find info about what's "normal" for temp swings.

Does anybody know if those temps swings (especially on freezer) sound about right?
2003 Majestic 23P... Northwest travel machine
2013 Arctic Fox 25W... Wife "doll house" for longer snowbird trips
2001 "The Mighty Dodge"... tow vehicle for "doll house"
5 REPLIES 5

allenm
Explorer
Explorer
After worrying and trying all sorts of things to stabilize the temps in our Norcold, I finally realized there is a big difference between ambient air temps in the frig and the temp of foods.

I had used at least 3 thermometers. One was an electronic one with a remote monitor like the OP mentions. They all only measured air temp and varied all over the place.

Finally I tried putting a thermometer in a bottle of water. Guess what? It doesn't vary.

It is normal for the air in one of these frig's to vary, not only due to opening the door, but the auto defrosting that takes place every couple of days. As long as this is just temporary, it isn't going to affect the temp of the food very much.

Trackrig
Explorer II
Explorer II
And if you have to park with the refer broadside to the sun in the summer, you'll most likely see even a larger temperature swing after the sun has been directly on it for several hours in the afternoon.

Bill
Nodwell RN110 out moose hunting. 4-53 Detroit, Clark 5 spd, 40" wide tracks, 10:00x20 tires, 16,000# capacity, 22,000# weight. You know the mud is getting deep when it's coming in the doors.

SCVJeff
Explorer
Explorer
It also makes a huge difference in how much is packed in there. The more it's loaded the less temp swing will be seen since it's unlikely you will change the temp of that mass unless the door is left open.
Jeff - WA6EQU
'06 Itasca Meridian 34H, CAT C7/350

Golden_HVAC
Explorer
Explorer
Hi,

While the freezer is normally running say -2 to +8, when you open the door, the temp sensor might reach 17 or even 30, depending on where it is located. If you get a ice cube tray, and put the sensor into the tray while the ice is still not frozen, then it will read a stable temp all day and night, no matter how long the door is open.

The refrigerator will normally turn on at say 37F and shut off around 34 to prevent freezing. As long as it is below 41F that is normal and OK by the health department.

Good luck,

Fred.
Money can't buy happiness but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a

Porsche or Country Coach!



If there's a WILL, I want to be in it!



I havn't been everywhere, but it's on my list.

Kangen.com Alkaline water

Escapees.com

Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Explorer III
What fridge?

What ambient air temps?

Food section is doing quite well. Completely within proper temp ranges

Freeze section.......too high of temp.
How much door opening going on with freezer section?
Amount of time door open......looking for something, rearrange items, moving items OR just opening getting item then closing????
Is it time for your medication or mine?


2007 DODGE 3500 QC SRW 5.9L CTD In-Bed 'quiet gen'
2007 HitchHiker II 32.5 UKTG 2000W Xantex Inverter
US NAVY------USS Decatur DDG31