We’ve lived in a 5er for two Wyoming winters, and have done a lot of winter boondocking, our coldest boondocking a -22 F.....with minimal to no problems. Until a week or so ago.
We were in an RV park (full hook-ups).....thank goodness for the power cord. A little winter front came through, with wind gusting to over 35 mph and -10 F (not wind chill). We’ve had this camper for 6 years, with many winter trips, but had never parked with the refrigerator vents facing into the wind!
The front came in at about 01:00 hrs. ....and then we found we had issues. The heater could not keep up.....49 in the living area. Standing approximately 18” in front of the refrigerator, you could feel very cold air blowing into the camper. I ended up placing garbage bags over the outside refrigerator vents to help stop the air flow, which helped a good bit.
Once home I started a close inspection of the refrigerator area. It was then I discovered that there was no insulation or wind-stop between the outer refrigerator sides and the refrigerator cabinet (housing). It was pretty obvious that the refrigerator was at one time removed, prior to our purchase....and there was nothing installed around the refrigerator, for a wind- break or insulation. There was easily a 1/2” gap, all the way around the refrigerator.
After this finding, I stuffed (a bunch) of fiberglass insulation into this gap. I realize that compressed fiberglass is not great insulation but is a darn good wind-break!
We will soon be testing my handiwork! Of course, until we get a hard, cold wind directly on the refrigerator side....we still won’t be certain of the “fix”!
I share this, not only to “vent” a little, but if someone experiences unusual cold air flow into their camper....this may be something to look at! memtb
Todd & Marianne
Miniature Schnauzer's - Sundai, Nellie & Maggie Mae
2007 Dodge Ram 3500, 6.7 Cummins, 6 speed manual, 3.73 ratio, 4x4
2004 Teton Grand Freedom, 39'
2007 Bigfoot 30MH26Sl
