Ozarksguzzi
New Member
The learning curve with this 12 volt fridge issue has been ongoing. I would like to share what I have learned and hope some of this will help others.
2024 Forest River FLT21FBRS
Magic Chef 11cf 12 volt refrigerator
After our first run I joined the forum due to the fridge not being cold enough. I learned about the recall [thanks so much] which I performed. Our next trip was uneventful.
I have the camper plugged in to house current through the winter storage months. Twice this winter when checking on things the refrigerator was running! I would shut it off [ press and hold for 10 seconds until 2 lights are on]. 3 or 4 weeks later I went to check on the camper and it was running AGAIN! [Findings and fixes to follow.]
When parking the camper I have the fridge doors cracked to allow air flow so the fridge was cooling the whole camper! Frustration is too kind a word.
First the cause. In our area power outages are common. As it turns out , every time we had a power failure, the shutdown somehow signaled the fridge to turn on with return power. The shut off routine was useless. What to do?
Photos will show MY fix to this problem which has put me at ease knowing I have removed power from the fridge completely.
Removing the breaker panel exposed the fridge wires as being purple [+] and white [-]. I simply installed a switch in line in a convenient spot that allows the fridge to be turned off manually. For me removing the fuse every time was not an option as the panel does not appear strong enough for constant abuse.
The last photos are simple brackets that can be made to hold the doors open for storage.
No one needs the headaches while camping when all we're looking for is a relaxing weekend with a cold beer.
photo 1 bottom right shows the switch used
photo3 - purple wire cut and terminals installed
photo 4 finished install
photo 5&6 the door stays and how they are used.
Thanks for all the great posts and hope this helps someone.
2024 Forest River FLT21FBRS
Magic Chef 11cf 12 volt refrigerator
After our first run I joined the forum due to the fridge not being cold enough. I learned about the recall [thanks so much] which I performed. Our next trip was uneventful.
I have the camper plugged in to house current through the winter storage months. Twice this winter when checking on things the refrigerator was running! I would shut it off [ press and hold for 10 seconds until 2 lights are on]. 3 or 4 weeks later I went to check on the camper and it was running AGAIN! [Findings and fixes to follow.]
When parking the camper I have the fridge doors cracked to allow air flow so the fridge was cooling the whole camper! Frustration is too kind a word.
First the cause. In our area power outages are common. As it turns out , every time we had a power failure, the shutdown somehow signaled the fridge to turn on with return power. The shut off routine was useless. What to do?
Photos will show MY fix to this problem which has put me at ease knowing I have removed power from the fridge completely.
Removing the breaker panel exposed the fridge wires as being purple [+] and white [-]. I simply installed a switch in line in a convenient spot that allows the fridge to be turned off manually. For me removing the fuse every time was not an option as the panel does not appear strong enough for constant abuse.
The last photos are simple brackets that can be made to hold the doors open for storage.
No one needs the headaches while camping when all we're looking for is a relaxing weekend with a cold beer.
photo 1 bottom right shows the switch used
photo3 - purple wire cut and terminals installed
photo 4 finished install
photo 5&6 the door stays and how they are used.
Thanks for all the great posts and hope this helps someone.
