Refrigerator defrost drainage

[SallyB]

I have a new 2024 Puma 12FBX with a 10.7 Ever Chill refrigerator Model#WD-282FWDC-6. About every 3-4 days of operation there is water underneath the crisper drawer which I assume is occurring when the self-defrost mode cycles. But the water should be draining either into a pan or outside, not under the crisper drawer - I can't locate a pan or external drain. Can someone advise ?
p.s. my fuse panel is located directly under the refrigerator and there is enough water that when I open the door it drips onto that panel if I don't see it and wipe out quickly. Definitely a hazard.
Thanks !

After posting I read some more related threads, and see others are saying there isn't a defrost cycle on these. If that's the case where is this water coming from and how do I stop it ?

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by SallyB

I have a new 2024 Puma 12FBX with a 10.7 Ever Chill refrigerator Model#WD-282FWDC-6. About every 3-4 days of operation there is water underneath the crisper drawer which I assume is occurring when the self-defrost mode cycles. But the water should be draining either into a pan or outside, not under the crisper drawer - I can't locate a pan or external drain. Can someone advise ?
p.s. my fuse panel is located directly under the refrigerator and there is enough water that when I open the door it drips onto that panel if I don't see it and wipe out quickly. Definitely a hazard.
Thanks !

After posting I read some more related threads, and see others are saying there isn't a defrost cycle on these. If that's the case where is this water coming from and how do I stop it ?

Umm, Sally, if there is an air leak (door not sealing tightly, room air will come in and moisture will condense, just like it does on the outside of your iced tea glass.

And here is how you check. Take a dollar bill, or a piece of paper the same size, and close the door on it. See how difficult it is to pull out. Then open the door, move the paper along, and pull again. Repeat until you have gone all the way around the door--even the hinge side. See if you can find where the air leak is (paper pulls out easily.

Let us know what you find.

[SallyB]

Thanks for the possibility Larry, will give it a try asap & let you know.

[GolfingDave]

Originally Posted by SallyB

After posting I read some more related threads, and see others are saying there isn't a defrost cycle on these. If that's the case where is this water coming from and how do I stop it ?

Yours does have a defrost cycle also. Some of the GE refrigerators do not have a defrost cycle.

And as suggested with the air leak. I have seen the number one cause of a leak mentioned to be something not letting the door shut all the way. Bottom drawer not in all the way, bottle in the door, items on the shelf.

[SallyB]

Thanks Dave, more helpful input.

[Willhound]

Here is a link to the manual if you don't have it.
https://forestriverinc.com/files/Com...n%20Manual.pdf

It makes no mention of a drain or defrost cycle and it looks like the unit is 12V only. 12V only units usually do not have an auto defrost function, but I suppose it's possible. It does mention that condensation could be caused by a poor door seal/frequent opening. Placing hot/warm items in the fridge will also cause some condensation, but not likely to the extent you mention. Our previous experience with 12V fridge/freezers in both RV and marine settings is that they are good at keeping cold items cold, not so good at cooling warm items and freezing fresh items takes a while. And the trick is to open the door, quickly place or get items and get the door closed again ASAP.

[SallyB]

Thx for the manual link and info !

[SallyB]

I did the dollar test - pulls out pretty easily & consistently all the way around. Did the same test with home fridge & not a significant difference. Is there anything I can do to the gaskets to make it any tighter ? This is a new vehicle so they're clean.
I'll definitely be mindful abt closing doors more quickly.
Dave - since mine has a defrost cycle shouldn't there be a drain/pan somewhere ?

[GolfingDave]

Originally Posted by Willhound

12V only units usually do not have an auto defrost function, but I suppose it's possible. It does mention that condensation could be caused by a poor door seal/frequent opening. Placing hot/warm items in the fridge will also cause some condensation, but not likely to the extent you mention. Our previous experience with 12V fridge/freezers in both RV and marine settings is that they are good at keeping cold items cold, not so good at cooling warm items and freezing fresh items takes a while. And the trick is to open the door, quickly place or get items and get the door closed again ASAP.

Bottom left corner of picture. Defrost heater circuit.

Blue quote sounds more like an older two way refrigerator(propane/electric) to me. No idea if they use them on boats as mine is just a fishing boat.
My 12V refrigerator, same as original poster works as good as a residential.

[GolfingDave]

Originally Posted by SallyB

Dave - since mine has a defrost cycle shouldn't there be a drain/pan somewhere ?

I've never pulled mine out to look where it is at. Should either be a pan on the bottom or sometimes the pan is on top of the compressor. Maybe a panel at the toe kick area?

You could always remove the back panel in the freezer and take a look at the drain. Maybe it got frozen and the water during defrost is now going through the openings instead of down the drain. This happens to all makes and models. Usually just bad luck if it happens to anyone but easily remedied. You can test it by pouring some water in the drain but usually you will see right away that it is frozen.

You can either shut it off and let it thaw or use a turkey baster and very hot water or a steamer if you have on. No hot air guns as you will melt plastic.

Hopefully above makes sense.