Hot weather and refridgerator cool down

[Darrin]

Hi there,

we are in the midst of a 90+ heatwave here in southeast michigan. we are also getting ready to leave for a trip tomorrow and I have my TT hooked up to my house electrical to get the fridge cooled off. I notice the freezer getting quite cool but the fridge portion is taking a much longer time that what it did the past two outings. It's been about 4+ hours now - i know, not long, but just wondered how this type of heat affects something like this. Thankfully, where we area going, it is supposed to be a bit cooler!

[healthi]

We've only just used the fridge in hot weather (95 degrees), never had to start it up in the heat. It's not all that hot where we live but will see how it keeps cool when we travel through Vegas in August. I'm guessing by the next morning your fridge should be cooled for certain, if not, then something is definitely wrong :)

[hammerdown]

It will take quite awhile. We are leaving Sun. and I am going to plug in the TT and turn the fridge on Fri. morning, 101 degrees today, Wed., in eastern MD.

[Seann45]

You may find you need to put a fan in the back compartment to move air across the cooling coils. Some units just dont generate enough convection currents to properly cool in extreme hot weather.

[healthi]

You may find you need to put a fan in the back compartment to move air across the cooling coils. Some units just dont generate enough convection currents to properly cool in extreme hot weather.

Actually that is what Don had to do in our previous Casita. And it did help some. That little fridge just couldn't handle hot weather! :(

[Texas Sam]

I have seen references to a solar-powered fan designed specifically for RV refrigerators. The small solar panel is located on the roof of the RV. The Valterra brand solar-powered fan sells for about $65. Valterra also sells a standard electric fan to cool refrigerator vents for about $45.

[usmc616]

I have noticed the fridge will not feel cold but if you place some things, soda cans, in the fridge you will feel them getting cold.

[Seann45]

I have seen references to a solar-powered fan designed specifically for RV refrigerators. The small solar panel is located on the roof of the RV. The Valterra brand solar-powered fan sells for about $65. Valterra also sells a standard electric fan to cool refrigerator vents for about $45.
I think I will be adding one of those when I get down there this snowbird season.

[McMonk]

True 'nuff, usmc616 ... the fridge will actually cool down faster if you put stuff in it. Two reasons - less empty space to cool & if you transfer items that have been in your house fridge, they'll help bring the temp down too. Now, I wouldn't suggest tossing in milk until you're sure it's cooled down, but most everything else can deal with the temperature change. I'd let 'er run for a few hours, then load 'er up...