I wrote the Dometic company and asked about cold weather operation of the Fridge. Their reply was don't use it below freezing.
Why? Because part of the Ammonia cycle for cooling involves a liquid phase that is water. Water can freeze in the tubes (not the ones in the freezer but the ones intended to radiate heat in the "chimney"). If the water does freeze, it can cause the system to malfunction and may permanently damage the fridge.
The solution is to add a light bulb to the exterior of the fridge to keep it above 0 C (32 F). I intend to add a thermostat to my system, because I do RV in extreme cold.
JBarca wrote:
pianotuna wrote: Hi,
Actually cold below freezing *can* damage the fridge.
Hi pianotuna,
Can you expand on this? What and where is the damage and how does it occur?
I have not heard this before.
John
pianotuna,
Thank you. Never knew this. Will need to look into this more. We do winter camp but you have us beat in lowest temps. Our night time lows are 10 to 15F, day time is above freezing when we do camp.
The fridge does not run much at night as everything is cooled down and non one is opening the door.
The light bulb deal is not a big deal to add, 120 vac is right there. The bigger issue is the bulb filment does not break from road voibration. Maybe only screw the bulb in once we are at camp.
Will look into this more. So far it has not been a problem I was aware of. Lucky so far I guess. I'll have to look in the instructions if there are operating temp limits.
Thanks
John
John & Cindy
2005 Ford F350 Super Duty, 4x4; 6.8L V10 with 4.10
CC, SB, Lariat & FX4 package
21,000 GCWR, 11,000 GVWR
Ford Tow Command
1,700# Reese HP hitch & HP Dual Cam
2 1/2" Towbeast Receiver
2004 Sunline Solaris T310SR
(I wish we were camping!)
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