Plugging in the fridge when not in use

[retired_ranger]

We like to RV in or 5th wheel however do not get out as much as we would like to. During the off season or when not in use and parked on the side of the house we plug in the fridge and set it on 2 (low cool) just to keep it running. I was told to do this a long time ago but am I shortening the life of the fridge or keeping it up. Feedback would greatly be appreciated.

Retired_Ranger
2000 Crossroads All American 28 DS
Wife with Armpit Piranha will travel

[retired_ranger]

We like to RV in or 5th wheel however do not get out as much as we would like to. During the off season or when not in use and parked on the side of the house we plug in the fridge and set it on 2 (low cool) just to keep it running. I was told to do this a long time ago but am I shortening the life of the fridge or keeping it up. Feedback would greatly be appreciated.

Retired_Ranger
2000 Crossroads All American 28 DS
Wife with Armpit Piranha will travel

[TXiceman]

I personally have never seen a reason to waste the energy to keep the frig running when not in use, unless you are headed back out in a week. We always shut it down, dryout the interior and leave the doors proped open to let if dry out good.

By letting it run all of the time you are adding hours to the equipment use life and taking hours away from the overall life of the equipment.

Ken

[Ray,IN]

Ditto!

[RKamperRV]

When we bought our 1996 Wilderness in the fall of 1995 I turned the fridge on. When I sold it this past April I turned it off for the first time, except for a few times to defrost the freezer. Electrical and electronic items do not like to be turned on and off frequently. In most cases the worst enemy is the on/off switch.

[RustyJC]

Well, the life expectancy of a refrigerator that's plugged in 24/7 is probably about equivalent to what the fulltimers get. AFAIK, theirs are in continuous service.

Our RV stays plugged into shore power 24/7 while in covered storage. We've followed this practice since 1997 and have lost only one (1) cooling unit - one of the Norcolds that were on recall, and that was when we were out on a trip with our previous RV when it was only 4 months old.

Rusty

[retired_ranger]

I knew this would bring a mixed bag of input. I am torn between agreeing with both sides. I have always kept my other RV plugged in for guests, and what I was told about keeping the fridge plugged in, but have also been told that its like a house fridge. You dont unplug it everytime you leave the house. Both arguments make sense. Its unplugged right now and going to clean and then decide.

Retired_Ranger
97 Dodge Dually 12 valver
2000 Crossroads All American
Wife with armpit piranha will travel

[BigPackFan]

Wonder what Dometic or Norcold would advise..... Probably whatever would result in a shorter life span & require new parts or service!

I don't think it's a fair comparison between a house unit & the one in the TT as it's not convenient to turn off the house one.

I would turn mine off (& do, although I have no place to conveniently keep it plugged in & running). My logic would be that I turn off the TV in the house when it's not being watched to save wear & tear on the bulb & other electrical components (other than the on/off switch) and also to save energy. I realize it's not apples to apples but it doesn't make sense to me to keep an unused appliance running. Same with the PC, on during the day but off at night so the fan doesn't have to run 24/7.