Fridge On or Off Between Trips

[Sherwolfe]

So thought I would check with the experts. Suggestions on whether you should leave the fridge on or off between trips?

During the upcoming camping season we will have some periods of time, two or three weeks, between trips and I just don't know if it is best to leave the fridge running during these times.

Generally after each camping trip we have been turning the fridge off, then within two weeks, turn it back on a couple of days prior to departure to cool it down for the next trip. Have never had any ice build up in the freezer or on the cooling fins so not too concerned about that. Just didn't know if it was harder on the unit to cool down numerous times or just leave it running if it will be put back into use in a few weeks.

What are your thoughts?

[MarcS]

I left ours on all last summer when plugged in at the cabin. We were up there every weekend. When we went camping I'd turn the LP on to get to our site. Then back on electric. Yes, there was some ice build up on the fins. No much though. I don't know if doing that had any I'll effects on the refrigerator or not. I guess I'll know more this summer.

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[Frank G]

Ours has been on for the last 6 months, defrosted it once. We will turn it off in a couple of weeks. Our policy, if setting for more than 3 weeks, turn it off.

[Bisjoe]

Ours has been off since I winterized but I leave both doors open. It looks like I may de-winterize this weekend, if not next, and will turn it back on while plugged in on the side yard and get ready for the first trip in May.

[chuckster57]

If your not “using it” you can turn it off. Just make sure the doors are NOT closed. It’s not going to hurt anything to leave it on if you want. I leave my doors open and fridge off until I get ready to go. Since mine is in the backyard, I just shut the doors and turn it on (auto) about 3 days before putting any food in it.

[Carrottop]

I added a 50amp plug to the side of my house (for my old class A) now I use it for my 30amp trailer. Unit stays on pretty much all summer. We don't really empty it during the summer makes loading and unloading easier. But again I am connected to 30amp power all summer while the unit is not being used. I have been doing this for the last 15 years over 3 units with no issues at all.

[Pull Toy]

Quick Tip!

We keep at least six milk jugs of H2O in our home freezer to help with a quick "COOL DOWN" at the start of a short trip, and always crank her up at least 24 hours ahead. The jugs also act as an ice box on route, so no propane. When we get there, drinking water for the dogs. Water from home + no scours = Happy Dogs, Happy Wife

Once we are up for the season we leave her fully stocked, and cold, and don't open the doors any more than necessary. This will cut down on frost and defrost issues. We open the doors, and shut her down at the end of the season.

Good luck,

[Sherwolfe]

I left ours on all last summer when plugged in at the cabin. We were up there every weekend. When we went camping I'd turn the LP on to get to our site. Then back on electric. Yes, there was some ice build up on the fins. No much though. I don't know if doing that had any I'll effects on the refrigerator or not. I guess I'll know more this summer.

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Thanks, appreciate the info. Ours stays plugged in next to the house when not on the road.

[Sherwolfe]

If your not “using it” you can turn it off. Just make sure the doors are NOT closed. It’s not going to hurt anything to leave it on if you want. I leave my doors open and fridge off until I get ready to go. Since mine is in the backyard, I just shut the doors and turn it on (auto) about 3 days before putting any food in it.

Chuckster57, We never leave doors closed if the fridge is not in operation. We do have the trailer parked next to the house with power to it all the time, so thinking if going to be sitting more than three weeks or four weeks we likely just shut it down. Just wasn't sure if it was harder on it to turn it on and off a lot during the summer.

Thanks Chuckster57, always appreciate your input.

[Sherwolfe]

I added a 50amp plug to the side of my house (for my old class A) now I use it for my 30amp trailer. Unit stays on pretty much all summer. We don't really empty it during the summer makes loading and unloading easier. But again I am connected to 30amp power all summer while the unit is not being used. I have been doing this for the last 15 years over 3 units with no issues at all.

Alright, so it would appear leaving the fridge on and stocked during the camping season really is not a bad idea either and does make sense. Ours is parked next to the house and plugged into shore power, thus running on electric. Thanks for your input.

[Sherwolfe]

Quick Tip!

We keep at least six milk jugs of H2O in our home freezer to help with a quick "COOL DOWN" at the start of a short trip, and always crank her up at least 24 hours ahead. The jugs also act as an ice box on route, so no propane. When we get there, drinking water for the dogs. Water from home + no scours = Happy Dogs, Happy Wife

Once we are up for the season we leave her fully stocked, and cold, and don't open the doors any more than necessary. This will cut down on frost and defrost issues. We open the doors, and shut her down at the end of the season.

Good luck,

Thanks, had not thought of the frozen water jug idea.

[Tinner12002]

Our trips unfortunately don't run that close together but even if they did, I would turn ours off. No reason to run something just to be running it in my opinion especially if your not checking it daily by being in and around your RV. Less chance for something to go wrong and not be noticed. We plug ours in overnite before we leave and frig is always cold enough to fill.

[jkohler70]

We leave ours on if our trips are less than 3 weeks apart. My reason is frugality. Or maybe cheapness. I found a site that estimated an RV refrigerator uses about $10 a month in electricity at average annual rates. It's worth it to me to unload it if it's going to sit in the driveway for over 2 weeks.

[Sherwolfe]

Our trips unfortunately don't run that close together but even if they did, I would turn ours off. No reason to run something just to be running it in my opinion especially if your not checking it daily by being in and around your RV. Less chance for something to go wrong and not be noticed. We plug ours in overnite before we leave and frig is always cold enough to fill.

Certainly something to consider because even though it sits next to the house we do not go in it everyday. Thanks....

[AbHDToyHauler]

I love the frozen mik jugs with water idea. Freezer in the house is very efficient so win /win and then yeah. its from home drinking water.