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Refrigerator temperature
I've noticed on both my LD's the refrigerator seems to run a few degrees cooler on AC rather than it does running on LPG.

Am I imagining this?
2021 Mid Bath

Re: Refrigerator temperature
Reply #1
I've noticed on both my LD's the refrigerator seems to run a few degrees cooler on AC rather than it does running on LPG.
Am I imagining this?

We taked with friends today who are on a six month, cross-country trip. Their LD’s refrigerator runs a little cooler on propane than A/C. Their refrigerator was replaced a few month ago
It apppears there is a range variability. How warm does it get when operating on A/C?

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

 
Re: Refrigerator temperature
Reply #2
We taked with friends today who are on a six month, cross-country trip. Their LD’s refrigerator runs a little cooler on propane than A/C. Their refrigerator was replaced a few month ago
It apppears there is a range variability. How warm does it get when operating on A/C?

Larry

Low 30's on A/C.
Mid to upper 30's on LPG.

Unscientific of course.
2021 Mid Bath

Re: Refrigerator temperature
Reply #3
Low 30's on A/C.
Mid to upper 30's on LPG.
Unscientific of course.

That’s a wide range, the A/C heater might produce more heat than the propane flame, not sure what else would cause the difference. Is the temperature adjustable?  Some refrigerators have fixed temperatures and cannot be adjusted.
If the propane regulator’s output pressure is not high enough, it could cause this issue.

We keep both the refrigerator's and electric ice chest’s temps set at 38-40 degrees, for maximum freshness with the minimum amount of propane and battery consumption.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Refrigerator temperature
Reply #4
No, Yes, and Yes. There are three cases.

Case 1: Heat load is within the cooling capacity. The unit has a thermostat in the refrigerator section. It turns the cooling mechanism on and off to target some particular temperature set point. If that cooling mechanism works better, then the thermostat will turn it on for shorter intervals, to satisfy the set point. Whether the mechanism works better or worse only affects how long it needs to run, not the temp. The temp of the unit will maintain at or slightly above the set point, no matter if AC or propane provides more cooling.

Case 2: Heat load exceeds the cooling capacity. The thermostat will turn on the cooling mechanism and keep it on indefinitely, since it can’t reach the set point. The temp will increase until the cooling capacity equals the heat load, at which point the temp will level off. This temp will depend on the cooling capacity, so AC might yield a lower level-off temp than propane. Or vice versa. Either way, the unit is not getting down to the set point.

Case 3: In between the previous cases. If the heat load is within the better-performing energy source capacity, then it will maintain temp (Case 1), whereas the other source can’t maintain, and the temp rises (Case 2).
2013 27’ Mid-Bath
2005 Honda CR-V

Re: Refrigerator temperature
Reply #5
"The unit has a thermostat..."

That device you mention is properly referred to as a "Thermistor". A Resistor whose resistance varies with temperature.  ;)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!

Re: Refrigerator temperature
Reply #6
"The unit has a thermostat..."

That device you mention is properly referred to as a "Thermistor". A Resistor whose resistance varies with temperature.  ;)
Yes and no.... The temperature sensing device IS a thermistor, but it is part of a temperature controller that turns the cooling cycle on/off. So functionally, the thermistor is part of an adjustable electronic thermostat.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit

Re: Refrigerator temperature
Reply #7
"Yes and no...."

The correction was made with the thought of clarity in mind so that future readers would be less confused! I didn't want to go too deep into the technical weeds.   ::)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!