Using refrigerator in cold temperatures

[olebull]

Hello, Is it ok to use the refrigerator in my new travel trailer in cold weather? Typical temperatures in early January are around 10 degrees F where we camp. Thanks for any advice.

[spock123]

Is it a rv refrigerator or a residential refrigerator

[olebull]

Hello, It is a rv refrigerator. Thanks

[spock123]

I don’t see where you it would hurt. It should not be a problem

[aceinspp]

No problem using it. Sure should cool good. Should not cycle very much in those temps. I've used mine in 20 degree weather. Later RJD

[McCormickJim]

I've used mine in 5 degree F weather. Go for it.

[B and B]

A Couple things here before all is good to go.

My Norcold has a heater that is temp controlled that is on the refrigeration system near the bottom before the ammonia moves to the burner to boil to change from a liquid to a gas.

In my case I have a 16 cu ft unit and there have been issues with the refrigerant freezing causing an explosion and fire.

Read your factory supplied documentation and don't take social media back seat engineers word for it.

Any technical system has specific operating tempretures.

[Big Bill]

Ibeleave in the refrigerator info there is a temp range that is made to operate I’ve had mine quit T 10 degrees or below

[cariboo camper]

Originally Posted by B and B

A Couple things here before all is good to go.

My Norcold has a heater that is temp controlled that is on the refrigeration system near the bottom before the ammonia moves to the burner to boil to change from a liquid to a gas.

In my case I have a 16 cu ft unit and there have been issues with the refrigerant freezing causing an explosion and fire.

Read your factory supplied documentation and don't take social media back seat engineers word for it.

Any technical system has specific operating tempretures.

True that.

[5picker]

Well I dont have any social media, back seat engineering degree but I do have some real life experience.

I have a R/V refrigerator in my garage (taken out of a wrecked unit) that has been running 24/7 for 16 years. My garage isn't heated full time (only when I'm working in there) and it has worked flawlessly since the day I plugged it in. We often go weeks where it never gets above 10° and often colder.

Granted, I use the electric side and not propane or a flame but the absorption process is the same regardless.

I have also used the refrigerator in our 5th wheel on several below 32° trips with no issues either.

No claims other than what I stated... FYI only.

[RamblerGuy]

As odd as it may seem, sometimes RV absorption type refrigerators do have problems cooling when it's cold outside. They rely on natural draft through the heating chimney to change the phase of the cooling fluids. When the outside air is really cold, sometimes there's too much air going through the chimney and the heater (propane or electric) can't heat the airflow enough. If you have trouble, block off part of the refrigerator lower vent with cardboard to reduce the air flow.


I had one really strange problem with ours. I was preparing it for a trip in 20 degree weather. I started the refrigerator and it quickly brought the freezer below 15 F. I put water in the ice trays to freeze overnight. Since it was late I waited until the next day to dewinterize the water system and I didn't turn the heat on. The next morning the freezer was 32 F and there was only a skim of ice in the trays. With the coach so cold, the thermostat in the lower section didn't call for cooling, and the relatively warm water in the ice trays warmed up the freezer. I turned on the furnace, left the lower door open, and it began working fine.