Keeping refrigerator on

[mcostanzo]

Is there any reason not to run the refrigerator all of the time (when connected to shore power) between weekend trips? I have been keeping basic supplies in the refrigerator.

Mike

[Tripp]

Mike,

I think that would be fine. You will probably have to defrost occasionally. I'm not sure if it would wear any components out any faster or not. I think circuit boards work better, longer with more use and consistent temperatures.

Hopefully more people will respond-like Andy, John, Alansd, etc. Those guys have a wealth of info.


Tripp

[74Argosy24MH]

I have left mine on for years through the summer, no problems. The only downside I see is the extra hours on the heater, but these are cheap and easy to replace and from my experience last a long time. When you think about how an absorption refrigerator works (and fails), it is probably better to keep heat in the coils and the moisture out. Just make sure it is level where you park.

John

[Pahaska]

leave it on. Nothing wears out.

When I was able to keep my Scamp at home, I ran the fridge steady for about 5 years.

[Dave-O]

Please tell me why that being level is important, I know it is, at least I knew to be level when using, but now you say that it needs to be this way even in storage? What have I been doing to my poor fridge? I am new and need enlightenment. Thanks

[thenewkid64]

Level only matters when running the fridge. If it is off, then there is no way to damage it by being out of level.

The reason that you want to be level is the way an absorbsion refer works. The liqud boils, gas rises and condenses to gcool the unit down, then the gas is back in liquid form and drains down the back of the unit. If you are not level then the system will not work properly and you can "Plug" your refer. Sometimes plugging just makes it work poorly, other times it can kill the cooling unit.

Now for a bit of tattling. I make sure I am as close to level front to back as possible, side to side does not seem to have as much of an effect on the operation of the fridge. No more that 1/4 of a bubble out in either direction and I am happy. In my 77 the 6 year old (when I bought it) refer did well for the 2+ years we fulltimed, then we used it for rallies for a year or two, still worked fine. Sold the trailer to my sister in law, and I know they were not as anal as I was in leveling it and within a year they bought a new refer.