Community Forums

baraff · 12-15-2010, 07:43 PM

Hi everyone - Our fridge is a two way, 120VAC and LP gas. We are leaving soon for warmer climes, but its in the low teens here now and supposed to get colder.
My question - will the reefer work on LP when the ambient temps are that low? As we head further south I expect it won't be a problem. I used to have a trailer which had a problem with the LP at low temps. Anyone have any experience with this?

RV Wizard · 12-16-2010, 02:44 AM

LP fuel will be ok but if you bought a butane/propane (summer) mix you could have a problem. Butane has a higher boiling point and could remain in a liquid state at 31 degrees F.

Gary RVRoamer · 12-16-2010, 09:27 AM

If your fuel tank is getting low and it's real cold, the LP won't vaporize fast enough to provide adequate working pressure. Should still be ok for a fridge, which needs a very small flame, but a furnace will sputter or die under those conditions.

I've read that absorption fridges may not work well below about 15 degrees and that it may be necessary to block off the outside vents partially to retain some heat in the cooling tower. The aborption cycle relies on vaporization and condensing of the ammonia refrigerent and apparently too much cold can slow of stop the process.

baraff · 12-16-2010, 04:39 PM

Thanks for the replies. Fortunately the LP tank is full, hopefully as we head south the temps will warm up and everything will be "cool". Even if it doesn't light off for the first few hours the freezer should still be cold enough to keep things cold I think.
We've never RV'd in the winter before, and a lot of things you take for granted during warm weather months don't apply it seems. Always an adventure....

gknott · 12-16-2010, 09:46 PM

We've used our present unit as well as our old 98 36t discovery several times when in the minus 20 and 25 degree Celsius and never a problem with fridge or furnaces. Thats with Canadian propane (no butane blend).

baraff · 12-20-2010, 05:34 AM

Well, this has proven to be a non-issue. Left Chicago (5 degrees) and the fridge lit off just fine. Cools great, now in Chattanooga heading south.
Thanks to all.
-Burns