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bogie514's avatar
bogie514
Explorer
Mar 30, 2021

Furrion 12 Volt Refrigerator Issues

We purchased a 2021 Grand Design Transcend 240ML with the Furrion 12 volt, 8 cubic foot, refrigerator and solar panel. This morning the refrigerator temperature was 43 degrees; the lowest temperature recorded was 39 degrees. When the compressor and fan run, it is annoyingly loud. The refrigerator was nearly full and had been running for 2 days. All temperatures were measured using a remote wireless sensor without opening and closing the door. In looking at the specs, Furrion lists the normal operating range as 32 to 50 degrees in the refrigerator compartment (https://furrion.com/products/8-cu-ft-furrion-arctic%C2%AE-12-volt-built-in-refrigerator). I understand that I should have done more research before I purchased this unit. It is reasonable to expect a refrigerator to operate within all food safety guidelines for refrigerators - that is that the maximum temperature be 40 degrees.

On edit: We are in central Ohio where the temperature over the past few days has not been above the low 60's and the internal temperature of the camper has not been over 73 degrees. The refrigerator was set to its lowest (Maximum cool) position.

What are your experiences with 12 volt refrigerrators?
  • I know it's not the right answer, but I avoid anything made by Furion.
  • Would the battery voltage change if I am connected to shore power?
  • Did the battery voltage drop? That’s where I would start first.
  • Not sure if the compressor fridges use the same type of thermistor as the 2 ways, but if they do it's worth trying to unplug it from the control board. On the 2 ways that puts it on emergency mode where it just goes full throttle on the heat for the exchanger. That got mine plenty cold so I ordered a replacement thermistor which should hopefully get me back to normal 32-40 temps.
  • Thx for posting this Bogie. The notion of a fridge co. claiming 50 degrees is acceptable is preposterous and will keep me from buying one of their units. It also teaches me that I'd better go through any co's literature very closely before buying.
  • I'll check the batteries - I would hope that they are ok, it's been less than 6 weeks since they were installed. I'll check the dates on them as well.

    I didn't put a temp sensor in the freezer. The ice cubes and ice cream are frozen solid.
  • What was the freezer temp? Loud compressor noise could me the fridge is not level enough. Just because the trailer is level doesn't mean the fridge is. GD may have not installed it properly.
    Make sure nothing is touching the thermister.
    As mentioned make sure you 12V batt is good. I think there's a minimum voltage required.