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JohnH12 · 07-11-2016, 09:11 AM

This has probably been discussed before but my searches didn't come up with anything.
Our current RV is a 2012 Bounder with the normal Electric/Propane RV refer.
I've had an RV for several years and have always left it plugged in so the refrigerator can stay on even though there's nothing in it. I was told way back in the early days that the refrigerant (amonia?) in the system would cause premature corrossion and failure if it was left off during periods on non-use.
My power cord is a little short where I now have to park it so I'm considering leaving it unplugged for a few months when we don't use it.
Is the premature failure thing true or just another myth perpetuated by a few?
Thanks for any and all input.

mel s · 07-11-2016, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnH12

This has probably been discussed before but my searches didn't come up with anything.
Our current RV is a 2012 Bounder with the normal Electric/Propane RV refer.
I've had an RV for several years and have always left it plugged in so the refrigerator can stay on even though there's nothing in it. I was told way back in the early days that the refrigerant (amonia?) in the system would cause premature corrossion and failure if it was left off during periods on non-use.
My power cord is a little short where I now have to park it so I'm considering leaving it unplugged for a few months when we don't use it.
Is the premature failure thing true or just another myth perpetuated by a few?
Thanks for any and all input.

JohnH12
When storing my coach I've always thoroughly cleaned the inside of both the freezer and the fridge compartments of my Norcold absorption refrigerator, turned OFF both the 12V and the 120V power to the refrigerator... and propped both doors slightly open.
Mel
'96 Safari, 148k miles

ga traveler · 07-11-2016, 09:29 AM

I bought my first motorhome in 1974. I have had 8 campers with refrigerators. I have never left the refrigerator on when not in use. I have had 1 failure in that time. 7 of the units were old. I was factory trained with Norcold and Dometic. Both said that it was best to keep them off when in storage. (That was in the early 90's.) If it is better to keep something running all the time, I would think a used police car or taxi cab would be a better buy than a one owner low millage car. lol.

ga traveler · 07-11-2016, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mel s

JohnH12
When storing my coach I've always thoroughly cleaned the inside of both the freezer and the fridge compartments of my Norcold absorption refrigerator, turned OFF both the 12V and the 120V power to the refrigerator... and propped both doors slightly open.
Mel
'96 Safari, 148k miles

That is exactly what I do, MEL. Making sure to thoroughly clean the seals. Food on the seals will cause them to stick and tear or get brittle and not seal.

JohnH12 · 07-11-2016, 12:45 PM

Thanks folks. That's what I've been telling the wife for several years.

As usual, she has to hear it from total strangers before she believes it!

barmcd · 07-11-2016, 01:26 PM

If it's going to be more than a couple weeks, we turn it off and open the doors so it can thoroughly dry out.

TDroma · 07-11-2016, 06:32 PM

I have only owned my 5ver for 7 months so take this for whatever it's worth. I always clean my fridge, turn it off and keep the doors open. One thing I have learned is it use to take my 24 hours to get it to a good working temp and now I have that down to 5 hours. Now I add plenty of ice packs as soon as I turn it on and fill the ice bin to help the cool down stage. Granted I live in SW Florida so it can be 95 to 100 degrees inside. That is hard to recover from with these refrigerators.

cwk · 07-11-2016, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TDroma

One thing I have learned is it use to take my 24 hours to get it to a good working temp and now I have that down to 5 hours. Now I add plenty of ice packs as soon as I turn it on and fill the ice bin to help the cool down stage.

An appliance technician taught us many years ago that trying to cool an empty refrigerator will not work. Obviously, we did not want to put perishable food in the fridge until it got cold. He suggested putting gallons of water in the fridge as one way to get the fridge down to the proper internal temperature. This was a new fridge in our S&B, but the same principle should apply.

When we have put a fridge in storage, we always disconnect, clean, and prop the doors open so it can dry out to avoid mold.