Forum Discussion

Karfae69's avatar
Karfae69
Explorer
Aug 02, 2017

Refridgerator getting cold on hot days

We moved out of state and our RV was in storage over the winter. RV was in indoor storage. I never really noticed any issues with the fridge. We are leaving on a trip and temps are in the 90's here in the NW. Overnight the fridge is in the low 30's, plugged in at home and empty on our household power(2 days on). Checked it at 5pm and it was in the 60's, drops as it cools outside, morning very cold. Inside RV temp was hot(90's). Freezer seems ok. We are going to be on propane, battery or portable gen for 4 nights and in a heat wave. We haven't had issues before but the heat is bad now, granted once we are there our inside temp will be much cooler, should I add supplemental cooling to my fridge?
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Aug 02, 2017
    If it was ever run off level for an extended amount of time and thought to be 'OK", this is how the damage manifests itself.
    I hope it's something simple (and cheap).
  • Karfae69's avatar
    Karfae69
    Explorer
    Aug 02, 2017
    Ok, so the unit is a Norcold N822. I did check the door seals and they could probably use replacing. From what I am reading they come free(not available separately?) with the purchase of doors around $195 for the lower and $145 for the upper. Pretty sure I'm losing some cooling from the seals, will look into that. Also will look into the fan in back as well, seems to be a popular add on in hotter temps.
  • DownTheAvenue's avatar
    DownTheAvenue
    Explorer
    Aug 02, 2017
    It sounds like the extreme heat is causing the performance issue. If you can get more ventilation at the back of the refrigerator, you will probably solve your problem. Take off the back cover an install a small fan blowing air up.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Aug 02, 2017
    Is it in a slide out?
    Does it have external fans.....in outside compartment above absorber tubes (slanted ones)??

    What brand/model is fridge..?
    What RV is it in?

    Have you tested food compartment door seals....dollar bill test?

    Is fin drip pan drain tube in collection cub with water/or have the plug in it (brand/model?)


    Sounds like cooling unit is working OK.......Low 30s at night but temp rises as ambient air temp rises......that suggests lack of airflow across cooling unit

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