pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Joined: 12/18/2004
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Hi DanoT,
Gas Refrigerator: The refrigerant in a propane/electric refrigerator is a mixture of distilled water, ammonia, sodium carbonate and hydrogen gas, all at 200 psi pressure.
Storage is not a problem--but running one in cold may be an expensive lesson.
Absorption fridges are a pain. In the summer we need about 6 hours to cool them off, and in winter they really ought to be "warmed up" before they are turned on.
If I get some cold weather I'll do some "back yard" experiments to see how long it takes to get up to a safe operating temperature.
Regards, Don
My ride is a 28 foot Class C, 256 watts solar, 556 amp-hours of Telcom jars, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter, Sola Basic Autoformer, Microair Easy Start.
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SteveAE
Bend, Oregon
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Joined: 02/20/2012
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The refrigerator in my trailer is a Norcold.
I called Norcold and discussed this with them.
They said that below 32 degrees (F), the refrigerator would not operate correctly, and that at temps of ~ zero (F), damage “could” occur. (I have used my trailer in below zero temperatures and, so far, the refrigerator still works)
However, they now make (and install on all new Norcold refrigerators), a "Cold Weather Kit" (Norcold part number 634913) that will allow the refrigerator to safely operate down to zero degrees. I am still unclear as to exactly what it does; however I will probably get it just for piece of mind when operating in cold temps. The price is about $80.00. If I do get it, I will post my feedback here.
Steve
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SmallTownMike
private lot
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Joined: 12/14/2012
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I live in Middle Georgia...full time Rver...but I stay on a private lot...do not travel....we do not have cold cold winters, but cold enough...The camper I purchased had a bad fridge, so took it out and replaced with a dorm size fridge, utilized the space and built a pantry in its place...my question is concerning holding tanks...how to keep them from freezing, i leave my grey water tank open and water running inside, since I am hooked up full time to a septic tank...would underpinning the camper help or hurt, to keep the winds from the tanks...just wondering
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Hi SmallTownMike,
Underpinning would help. Add a heater on a thermocube, too. I'd prefer an oil filled one myself.
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Hi,
Someone just reported having problems with their jacks at -14 C (6 F)--so I guess it may be better to not use them in the cold.
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camperpaul
Wherever I park my travel trailer
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Joined: 05/10/2006
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SteveAE wrote:The refrigerator in my trailer is a Norcold.
I called Norcold and discussed this with them.
They said that below 32 degrees (F), the refrigerator would not operate correctly, and that at temps of ~ zero (F), damage “could” occur. (I have used my trailer in below zero temperatures and, so far, the refrigerator still works)
However, they now make (and install on all new Norcold refrigerators), a "Cold Weather Kit" (Norcold part number 634913) that will allow the refrigerator to safely operate down to zero degrees. I am still unclear as to exactly what it does; however I will probably get it just for piece of mind when operating in cold temps. The price is about $80.00. If I do get it, I will post my feedback here.
Steve
A "Thermocube" and a 40 Watt appliance bulb do the job for me.
Paul
Extra Class Ham Radio operator - K9ERG (since 1956)
Retired Electronics Engineer and Antenna Designer
Was a campground host at IBSP (2006-2010) - now retired.
Single - Full-timer
2005 Four Winds 29Q
2011 2500HD 6.0L GMC Denali (Gasser)
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SteveAE
Bend, Oregon
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Joined: 02/20/2012
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Be careful when using 120 VAC light bulbs in a closed compartment that is subject to vibration and shock ... and/or that could have combustibles (i.e.; mouse nests, etc.) in close proximity.
I just recently received the cold weather kit and I will soon install it and let the group know what I think about it at that time.
I anticipate that it will use about 20 watts as the heater resistance is 7.5 ohms. There is a thermally activated switch that will turn the unit off when the ambient temperature is high enough. Only other componet is a 3 Amp fuse. Pretty simple.
Steve
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Hi SteveAE,
Any chance of a picture of the unit before you install it? (i.e. on a table)
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SteveAE
Bend, Oregon
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edited
* This post was
edited 12/27/12 09:34pm by SteveAE *
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SteveAE
Bend, Oregon
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Edited
* This post was
edited 12/27/12 09:35pm by SteveAE *
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