Leaving Refer On While Plugged In

[CARVAL Motorsports]

I have been curious about this matter for a long time now. While we are plugged into shore power (110) while RV is in the drive, is it OK to leave the refridgerator on in electric mode? I am somewhat concerned on how it effects the overall operation and does this cut into length of good operation by the unit. I know that there is probably no hard evidence in either pro or con, but I guess I am looking for experience from others doing the same thing. Thanks in advance!

Carl

[Lt46]

That's a question often asked but never really answered. My spin is that internal rusting of the cooling tubes seems to do most units in. Condensation being the moisture. By having the unit on 24/7 minimizes the temperature flux that might produce the condensation. So I leave mine running. Those that fulltime might have a better feeling for this as they leave theirs running 24/7 as well. Their repair history may tell a different story.

[rf4]

people who full time in parks leave them plugged in all the time, I would think (hope) that the mfr's have taken that into consideration.

[SideRoads]

Talked with a Tech, who keeps his on 24/7, his fridge is now 18 years old.

Mine has been on for 4 years.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Ours is always on. There is no evidence that constant use in any way shortens the life expectancy of an RV fridge.

[CARVAL Motorsports]

Well, I have to admit, I like the responses, all make sense. We like to "drop into" our unit every now and again, cook outside, eat in the RV etc., change of pace, and it is always so convenient to have a cold refer, plus a place for extra food if needed.

Thanks everybody!

[Vegasdan]

Ours is on all the time.

[georgetown350]

I have heard that leaving the fridge on will extend its life.

[RJay]

I keep mine on 24/7 but alot of people forget the importance of being level. Below is an excerpt from the Norcold Service Manual:

Leveled Operation
The circulation of the refrigerant through the cooling
unit is accomplished by gravity flow; therefore, the
refrigerator must be operated leveled. Off-level
operation will effect the flow of the refrigerant through
the cooling system. The maximum off-level operation
limits are:

�� 3 degrees from side-to-side.

�� 6 degrees from front-to-back.

Exceeding the maximum off-level limits can

permanently damage the cooling unit.
The cooling unit or its performance are not affected

when the vehicle is in motion.

[donie]

When we first got our C, we left it plugged in.
We now have an A and leave it plugged in as well.
This way its ready to go when we are or in an emergency(like an earthquake).
Hope this helped answer your question.

[powerboatr]

think of it like a nuclear power facility
shutting down causes longer start up times and cool down.

ours in all of our rigs has stayed on 24/7, if its going to sit a while with no door opening events i will run the temp to 2 or 3 vice its normal 5 or 6

[RustyJC]

Ours stays on 24/7 while in storage unless it's being defrosted.

Rusty

[Gary - K7GLD]

I suspect it's far more an issue of personal preference and usage than anything to do with longevity of the cooling unit. The Dometic in our '88 Kit 5er is only turned on when actually used - which is rather sparse - and works as good as it did when we bought it new in '88. We run it on electric as much as possible - and as far as we can see, the expense of running it for extended periods when not actually being used is the main downside...

[jcthorne]

While it likely will not shorten the life of the fridge, its a huge waste of electricity. Why leave something turned on that you are not using. Such a waste.