Refrige operation in cold weather

[two_travelers]

We'll be travelling in Feb. and will encounter night time temps in the teens to 20's. We're not planning on staying in the RV but will stay in motels. I believe I've read that these cold temps could cause problems with the absobtion type fridge. I have a Fridge Defend installed.

Would appreciate any advice on this matter.

[pianotuna]

two travellers find detailed explanations and solutions here:

https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/24160748.cfm

[dougrainer]

COLD below 20 degrees affects the operation of the COOLING UNIT ammonia mixture. Turning on the LAT(if installed) does NOT have any affect on extreme cold weather operation. It is best to just install a 40 watt incandescent light bulb in the rear outside of the refer. Of course, this assumes you will be able to plug in to 120 volts while staying in the Hotel. I always advise AGAINST blocking the outside air door intakes. Out of sight and out of mind mentality takes over and if you forget to open up the blocked doors when traveling to warmer climates, you can ruin a cooling unit. Doug

[Ivylog]

I’d seal the bottom vent closed until warmer temps.

[wa8yxm]

Won't hurt the fridge..

Some units have a LAT switch (Low ambient temp) That turns on the inside light (incandescent) to generate a bit of heat inside the fridge which believe it or not makes it work better in cold temps.

I've been down to 11 overnight with no problem and no LAT (The RV was heated to 70 however by the furnace)

[stickdog]

If you run it during the daylight traveling but worried about the night in the 20s or teens just turn it off till your on the road again. If its that cool it will take some time to alter the internal temp of the fridge. Just remember the second law of thermodynamics, if anything the temp may get a degree or two lower.