Should I leave the Refrigerator Running

Hazman65 · 05-06-2018, 08:09 PM

So I have had my 23MRB siting on a nice seasonal sire for a few weeks. We go up almost every weekend and my wife would like to leave food in the refrigerator. I am concerned with leaving it running all the time and the affect that my have on the longevity of the unit. Those things are not cheap to replace.

Shorty Cox · 05-06-2018, 08:15 PM

Mine was on when I purchased the RV new back in 2012 and it has not been off yet if that helps.

Shorty

Parcany · 05-06-2018, 08:44 PM

If it is running off of electric I do not see a problem. Unless you loose electric. If on propane maybe running out of propane may not be a good thing.

Cyclops69 · 05-06-2018, 08:55 PM

I never shut mine off. It pretty much runs full time (8-10 months out of every year) Never had an issue. I do cycle it from electric every month or so for about an hour (when I remember) just to run the propane side of it.

ShawnR · 05-07-2018, 06:53 AM

My refer runs 6 months of the year. Leave the gas on so the food won't spoil if you lose power. Mine got unplugged by accident at home once.

Jagiven · 05-07-2018, 06:58 AM

A friend of mine has a TT on a seasonal site. Turns on the frig in the spring and turns it off in the fall. He's been doing it this way for 15+ years.

If you leave the propane on, and have a good battery, if there is a power outage, it will switch to propane mode, and keep your food from spoiling.

tsduke03 · 05-07-2018, 09:12 AM

I've have read these fridges last longer if they are left running vs a life of several off/on cycles. Whether that is true I have no evidence, but isn't everything we read on the net true??

sirrealone · 05-07-2018, 10:13 AM

Remember, your fridge at home is on 24x7.

Hazman65 · 05-07-2018, 05:20 PM

Thanks all for the responses. I have always read that these trailers are not designed to be used for full timing so I assumed that meant the fridge too. I have seen the prices on replacement units and didn't want to wear it out prematurely. I will be leaving it on.

ALJO · 05-07-2018, 05:32 PM

RV's can be used for full timing but expect to have more maintenance and repairs.
RV mfg's protect themselves by writing this in their manuals to protect themselves for warranty cost. Mine RV is going into its 13 year and is well maintained and I'm into RVing for 50 years. I have never lost a Fridge by using them, so it is always on. Dito for batteries, I leave the RV plugged in year round and batteries will last at least 6 years.
The key to everything is: Maintain!

Jaycocs · 05-08-2018, 09:40 AM

My question is about the outside kitchen small refrigerator, we have settled into a seasonal spot and did not know if it was ok to leave the small outside fridge plugged in and running when we are not there? We would close the outside kitchen panel door when we leave so is air circulation an issue for that small fridge?

tsduke03 · 05-08-2018, 09:52 AM

Mine has been on for 3 weeks now and it's fine so far. I plan to leave it on as otherwise it's not of much use to me.

I want my beer COLD when I pull into my seasonal campground!!

Jaycocs · 05-08-2018, 10:05 AM

Thanks for your reply! So it does not cause any problems when the small refrigerator is on and running and you close the access panel to the outside kitchen? It won't get too hot in there if closed up for a week or so...??
We just got our TT so I want to make sure we do not ruin any part of it, especially the outside fridge which is where my husband keeps his beer cold too

jloco · 05-08-2018, 11:05 AM

My new rig has a residential fridge, but my last rig with an RV fridge was on from mid May to Oct for 11 years! No problem.

tsduke03 · 05-08-2018, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaycocs

Thanks for your reply! So it does not cause any problems when the small refrigerator is on and running and you close the access panel to the outside kitchen? It won't get too hot in there if closed up for a week or so...??
We just got our TT so I want to make sure we do not ruin any part of it, especially the outside fridge which is where my husband keeps his beer cold too

I have seen some posts when searching this out where the dorm fridge went out. I'd guess it is possible a lack of ventilation could be an issue. I'll chance it.

Mad Cow · 06-07-2018, 06:47 PM

Well, when the time comes, will replace the stupid absorption fridge with a 12v/120v compressor fridge. The 4CF Dometic one that I have used in the sleeper of a semi truck that has run 24/7 for 6 years and covered almost 1 million miles of some rather terribly maintained highways and does a tremendous job. On 12v, many of the up to 8CF compressor fridges from the same manufacturers as these absorption units, only use about 2-3 amp power. A solar panel would keep them going and still charge batteries. And pricing, I have seen same brand, same dimension compressor fridges go for less money than their absorption unit counterparts. Just boggles the mind why the RV manufacturers don't use them except in some of the high end Class B and Class B+ RV's. At least make it an option.

Sunflake · 06-12-2018, 05:26 PM

Would you be leaving it on all the time on electric? That shouldn’t be a problem. Propane will be an issue if it runs out.

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