Do you use your fridge all year? How often do you defrost?

[cmeadows]

I used to defrost the fridge after every trip. It was basically a cleanup operation after turning off the power after a trip. Then there was the need to turn on the fridge a day before we traveled again. It seemed a hassle to defrost the fridge after every trip and remember to turn it back on before the next outing.

For the last couple years we’ve been using the coach enough that we have been leaving the fridge on. It is nice to have it always on and functional. I don’t bother to defrost after every short trip and now shut it down to defrost it two or three times per year. Of course, this would not be necessary with a frost-free model.

While energy cost is a consideration with a cycling 300 watt electric element, I’ve not put a meter on it to see how much energy it uses in a day or week. Replacement cost for the fridge is one consideration. Energy cost plus heating element replacement cost is another possible consideration. These weighed against the convenience of always having a cold fridge ready to travel and not worrying about defrosting it after every trip.

A co-worker friend with a history in gas research told me that the best way to get the longest life out of an ammonia fridge is to never turn it off. The logic seems sound for the Midwest as rust on the coils is the most likely cause for a coolant leak. With the fridge always under power, the heat would keep the coils dry and prevent rust. What do you do with your fridge and how long does it set dormant between uses? Do you use your fridge all year? How often do you defrost your fridge?

Thanks, Chuck

[bigdipper]

Norcold frig on our 2001 ran a defrost cycle automatically. At first I was worried that something was broken when it warmed up. Not sure about current Dometic although for up to a month frost accumulation has not been a problem.
Ralph

[John S.]

Yup I have been told the same thing to never turn it off. I turn mine off about once a year to defrost it. It lasted 10 years before the next owner had to replace it as I sold the BF last year at 9 years old.

[cmeadows]

Ralph, John, Thanks for the notes. I will keep the fridge on and defrost as needed. I replaced the propane burner a couple years ago but other than that it’s been trouble free. Maybe keeping it on will prolong its life a little. – Chuck