Norcold Fridge Operation In Cold Weather

[Shanwick]

I've got a Norcold 1200 series in my motorhome. We're getting ready to leave the Chicago area in a couple of days for Phoenix, and I'd like to start up the fridge so DW can stock it with food. I seem to remember that somewhere around 5 degrees F you might run into a problem which will result in a No Co and a possible reset due to the system not being able to operate properly in the cold weather. It's forcast to be around 5F overnight tomorrow. Am I looking for trouble if it gets that cold? Or, am I thinking of -5F?

[Shanwick]

I've got a Norcold 1200 series in my motorhome. We're getting ready to leave the Chicago area in a couple of days for Phoenix, and I'd like to start up the fridge so DW can stock it with food. I seem to remember that somewhere around 5 degrees F you might run into a problem which will result in a No Co and a possible reset due to the system not being able to operate properly in the cold weather. It's forcast to be around 5F overnight tomorrow. Am I looking for trouble if it gets that cold? Or, am I thinking of -5F?

[RV Wizard]

Are you going to be operating on electric or LP gas mode? Will the coach be still winterized or not?

[Shanwick]

I guess I should explain further. We're leaving for the annual snowbird trek to Arizona, and my wife would like to load some groceries in the fridge. The heat will be on in the coach tonight. I could operate the fridge on either gas or electric. I think gas would be better for this purpose. It's sitting on it's storage pad plugged in to 30 amp electric next to my garage. It's winterized right now, the plan is to unwinterize after the first days travel, probably just south of St. Louis.

[JavaJelly]

I can't speak to the recommended temp limits but, I have had my fridge operating in sub-zero temps many times on multiple occasisons w/two different coaches. Never had a problem or been told that there is a limit. (not saying there isn't one, I'm just not aware)

I can't think of an advantage of Electric vs. gas in this situation other than electric is usually cheapr and you will have more propane for your trip. You will need it traveling in the winter.

Given the conditions the unit won't be working that hard anyway so energy consumption will be minimal.

One thing to look out for is the supply line if you have an ice maker. I had it freeze once while driving in extreme cold. Not the heat taped portion that goes to the ice maker but, the section that comes through the floor of the back of the fridge on the outside of the rig and the solenoid.

Since you are not de-winterizing until tomorrow, shouldn't be a worry.

[RV Wizard]

I should have asked if you had an ice maker as well. Be sure the power cord for the ice maker is unplugged if you are winterized. Without water in the discharge tube and the heater being on it will deteriorate the tubing over time from the heat. Once you de-winterize you can plug it back in. Also if you are going o be on electric you can block off some of the outside vent as you don't need sub freezing air at the condenser. If you are on LP gas mode be sure to use a non flammable material to block off the vent. Once you get to above freezing you can remove the vent block.