Just to be clear... I am happy with this test. An empty fridge is worse-case scenario. I think you can add at least another 2 hours if the fridge is packed. Could make for a good follow up vid!
Absolutely would make a good follow up video. Heat transfer is a function of mass and difference in Temps. i.e. Delta Q = mc Delta T (1st law of thermodynamics). Great channel and i am very interested in how this TT holds up over time as i'm very interested in this model. Best thing to extend time in fridge is to freeze jug of water and stick it in fridge prior to travel.
We also turn ours off when on the move. I use a battery operated fan and use flat ice packs to help keep it cool. Of course it’s pre-cooled and loaded with cold food beforehand. The flat ice packs take up very little room. We’ve traveled as long as 6 hours in hot summer weather without a temp change. I always put a small shallow container of frozen water in the freezer and place a nickel on top. If the nickel isn’t on top the temp has dropped too low.
I would love to see a test with cold food. Also would consider freezing water in bottles and adding them to the refrigerator part for travel. Rather like a regular cooler with ice. I also think the type of food stored makes a big difference in the safety factor. Thanks for the test. Good effort and interesting results.
I live in hurricane territory so I keep some jugs of frozen water in the freezer. When power goes out I put those in the fridge. They do help as long as the power hasn't been off more than a couple of days. I would like to see a follow up.
We’ve tried a one gallon jug of water that we froze on our home freezer the night beforehand. It does take up room in the refrigerator but it certainly helps. It’s a compromise but we feel it’s worth while.
We lodge the frozen gallon with other items so it doesn’t roll around also it’s a good idea to put it as forward towards the front of your RV so when you apply the brakes it doesn’t slam forward against anything and break it.
Since we only have a small fridge/freezer in our 20-ft Forest River, (and keep it stuffed while traveling) we haven't had any issues with the unit getting too warm. We don't have a propane option, anyway. I DO wish we had a 12v option to keep things running while driving. We pulled several 6 or 7 hour trips between parks last year and, after setting up, found a good bit of ice remaining in the freezer trays Cold cuts, condiments, cheese, and bread stayed safely cold. I would be concerned about a 10 or 12 hour trip, however. Time to purchase a little thermometer. The 2 hour window past 40 degrees was good info.
Thanks for doing test, I used to have a 3-way fridge in my last rig, so was able to run it in battery while en route. Our current fridge is 120v or propane. I like the other tips too about adding ice packs or frozen water bottles.
We have always traveled with our propane on to power the refrigerator . When it’s really hot traveling during the summer I put freezer packs in the refrigerator to “ boost” the coldness . Then when we stop for the night we refreeze the freezer packs . If you are nervous about running your refrigerator while traveling you could put freezer packs in it like I do .
Another consideration on that lunch stop is that you will probably open the fridge to get the mayo, cheese and sandwich meat, then again to put it back. Another great video, thanks!
Thanks for the test. As you and many other folks have stated, the fridge will stay colder longer with cold items in it. Multiple frozen water bottles in the door of the fridge will keep it cooler much longer. Also, I've heard about a battery operated fan that you can put in your fridge that will help keep things cooler. I haven't purchased one, let alone even checked one out...but I think I will now while I'm thinking about it. Thanks again, brother!
Thanks for the video, this has been something I am very interested in. I have ran with the propane on, but I am uneasy about it. We actually have a 6 hour trip next week for my boys spring break. I agree that if it was filled with cold food and drink it would probably last longer. I've also thought about putting a couple of bags of ice in the fridge as well just to help it out. Anyway thanks again for you time and effort on these videos. Y'all take care!
Jeff Campbell Spring Break was the motivation behind this vid! We traveled 7 hours and the fridge was still cold. Then I asked myself “How cold does it need to be?” I’m happy with 5 hours empty! Thanks so much for watching!
I agree that a frig that is loaded will hold the temps better. It seems that recovering temperature in these RV refrigerators will take one hour for every degree in temperature needed.
THIS. Having cold things in the fridge will keep it colder much longer. The air inside the fridge will warm up quicker, but objects in the fridge will hold temperature much longer. Stock it with water bottles or other non-perishable stuff.
Interesting. One thing though. When turning the propane on in your testing as if you had stopped to eat you need top open the door a couple of times as if you were removing and replacing items. This, I’m sure, would drop the temperature dramatically.
Great test & as expected results. These fridges are not a quick recovery design, so yeah that hour of being ran is not going to help much as you seen. I would like to see what ours will do with stuff in there & also take temps of item inside there.
Thanks for the thorough test. We have been out about 8x in 2yrs and for whatever reason my propane never would fire up before pulling out of the driveway.. was discouraging from the beginning especially having just loaded up full of food. Idk? I wasn't level and maybe that was why. My RV is a new Flagstaff 21fbrs and the equipment was not faulty. ??? Does the RV need to be level to get the propane to actually work in the fridge? This year we have gotten large freezer packs and even bags of ice while traveling to maintain that safe FDA guidines. We are now able to travel a safe 6hrs unplugged. Lol.. my next rv will be one with a 12v and solar package for the fridge needs. =) thanks again for the video
Thank you very much for this video. We usually leave our camper set up at a seasonal spot. However this year we are towing from Ohio to the OBX. I was just wondering how long the fridge would stay cold and this video could not have come at a better time. I have a game plan now thanks to you!
Daryl Pitts I sincerely think having some cold food in the fridge will get you another hour or two. This is a worse case scenario being empty. So glad this answers some questions. Thank you for watching and commenting!
Just a FYI the frig will generally get colder on propane then electric. This is because the propane burner puts out more BTU’s then the electric heating element. Since you have never used the propane before it works better in the summer heat will get colder.
This is why you have to leave the gas on. Imagine if it were a hot day, you’d be totally screwed. I agree having items in the fridge would help because it would add mass to absorb the warm air but I think it would be minimal effect. Plus what are you going to do, pack the fridge with more than you need? Bottom line, fridge has to be on while traveling unless you’re in very cool weather. If you can do that comfortably with gas like people have done for 50 years, do it. If you can’t, get a 12V compressor fridge. But if you go that route, you better have some legit batteries and even then you’ll have a whole new problem: keeping them charged.
I’ll simply disagree here. I’m not running down the road with propane on. I’ll just grocery shop when I arrive if it ever becomes an issue. The point of this video is unless you’re driving for more than 7 hours you DONT need to run the fridge. Especially if it’s packed. It’s never been even close for us. Items are always cold and even ice doesn’t melt for hours on end.
I have a Dometic like yours. I'm curious where you have the settings on the fridge. I have 5 lievels on mine, so I set mine at 2 or 3 when using it. Please let me know. Thanks for the great video.
Loved this video. It was like candy to my inner RV nerd. Lol. I'm wondering something... would those blue freezer block lunch box things set on the top shelf help any... Requesting a part 2 video so I don't make it MY next video. Lmao.😁😇✌In the summer sometimes I'll put a freezer pack in the fridge just to kinda help it get started here at the house before we head out. No idea if it's actually helping anything.
It’s funny that people say it’s not safe. Norcold and Dometic make kits to install that allow ventilation of propane exhaust while driving. Given draft and air flow there is a need for more control of the flame. -- It’s like saying you don’t want you gas tank in your truck running, because it’s a hazard; so turn off the gas tank. -- yes know it’s controversy. As are many systems in an RV. -- to each his own
Hmmm! Vary interesting. What was your fridge set point at and did you turn it down to see if it would cool off any faster. As far as why it cooled off fast was the lack of density in your fridge. Its the same principle as your fridge or freezer. If my fridge or freezers have empty space I’ll fill it with cardboard box’s, to create a more dense area, there for leaving less space to cool down But. I’m sure there’s many variables and the manufacturers just didn’t tell you that one variable that kept it cold for 8 hrs because in some cases it’s probably not practical unless you’re living in your trailer or rv long term. ( sounds good anyway). Well it’s great food for thought and a good video. Have a great day.
I had it set to its coldest setting. We had just cleaned it out from a week-long trip. It was nice and primed. I like this test because its worst-case scenario. Nothing in the fridge and it still performs for nearly 5 hours. I am happy with that.
We just bought a travel trailer and have the same fridge. The sales person told us it took 8 hours after turning it on to come to temp. Do you not find this the case? We have been going to storage before we head out the day before and turning it on to cool. Maybe we should do our own test but was wondering what you thought?
Nancy VanGaasbeek I think 8 hrs is a good rule of thumb. We generally bring our trailer home a day or two before to start the fridge and pack for the trip. Maybe that’s a good vid idea too!
Just to be clear... I am happy with this test. An empty fridge is worse-case scenario. I think you can add at least another 2 hours if the fridge is packed. Could make for a good follow up vid!
Absolutely would make a good follow up video. Heat transfer is a function of mass and difference in Temps. i.e. Delta Q = mc Delta T (1st law of thermodynamics). Great channel and i am very interested in how this TT holds up over time as i'm very interested in this model. Best thing to extend time in fridge is to freeze jug of water and stick it in fridge prior to travel.
@@NCSUME1 Would a small block of dry ice be better? Curious.
We also turn ours off when on the move. I use a battery operated fan and use flat ice packs to help keep it cool. Of course it’s pre-cooled and loaded with cold food beforehand. The flat ice packs take up very little room. We’ve traveled as long as 6 hours in hot summer weather without a temp change. I always put a small shallow container of frozen water in the freezer and place a nickel on top. If the nickel isn’t on top the temp has dropped too low.
I would love to see a test with cold food. Also would consider freezing water in bottles and adding them to the refrigerator part for travel. Rather like a regular cooler with ice. I also think the type of food stored makes a big difference in the safety factor. Thanks for the test. Good effort and interesting results.
Sue Freivald that’s what we do. Have some frozen food in the freezer and fridge.
@@KarensTownsend9 Our approach as well. Would be interesting to see it tested. We generally don't drive more than four hours, in any event.
We keep a couple frozen water bottles in the freezer and then just stick them on the top shelf of the fridge for travel days!
That will certainly help the fridge stay cold much longer!
I live in hurricane territory so I keep some jugs of frozen water in the freezer. When power goes out I put those in the fridge. They do help as long as the power hasn't been off more than a couple of days.
I would like to see a follow up.
We’ve tried a one gallon jug of water that we froze on our home freezer the night beforehand.
It does take up room in the refrigerator but it certainly helps. It’s a compromise but we feel it’s worth while.
Ronald Maclean is a frozen gallon ok with weight on fridge door while moving?
We lodge the frozen gallon with other items so it doesn’t roll around also it’s a good idea to put it as forward towards the front of your RV so when you apply the brakes it doesn’t slam forward against anything and break it.
Since we only have a small fridge/freezer in our 20-ft Forest River, (and keep it stuffed while traveling) we haven't had any issues with the unit getting too warm. We don't have a propane option, anyway. I DO wish we had a 12v option to keep things running while driving. We pulled several 6 or 7 hour trips between parks last year and, after setting up, found a good bit of ice remaining in the freezer trays Cold cuts, condiments, cheese, and bread stayed safely cold. I would be concerned about a 10 or 12 hour trip, however. Time to purchase a little thermometer. The 2 hour window past 40 degrees was good info.
Thanks!! Making our first long travel day in our new TT in July and this answered a lot of my thoughts.
Good to hear! Enjoy your trip.
Thanks for doing test, I used to have a 3-way fridge in my last rig, so was able to run it in battery while en route. Our current fridge is 120v or propane. I like the other tips too about adding ice packs or frozen water bottles.
We have always traveled with our propane on to power the refrigerator . When it’s really hot traveling during the summer I put freezer packs in the refrigerator to “ boost” the coldness . Then when we stop for the night we refreeze the freezer packs . If you are nervous about running your refrigerator while traveling you could put freezer packs in it like I do .
Another consideration on that lunch stop is that you will probably open the fridge to get the mayo, cheese and sandwich meat, then again to put it back. Another great video, thanks!
Thanks for the test. As you and many other folks have stated, the fridge will stay colder longer with cold items in it. Multiple frozen water bottles in the door of the fridge will keep it cooler much longer. Also, I've heard about a battery operated fan that you can put in your fridge that will help keep things cooler. I haven't purchased one, let alone even checked one out...but I think I will now while I'm thinking about it. Thanks again, brother!
Thanks for the video, this has been something I am very interested in. I have ran with the propane on, but I am uneasy about it. We actually have a 6 hour trip next week for my boys spring break. I agree that if it was filled with cold food and drink it would probably last longer. I've also thought about putting a couple of bags of ice in the fridge as well just to help it out. Anyway thanks again for you time and effort on these videos. Y'all take care!
Jeff Campbell Spring Break was the motivation behind this vid! We traveled 7 hours and the fridge was still cold. Then I asked myself “How cold does it need to be?” I’m happy with 5 hours empty! Thanks so much for watching!
I agree that a frig that is loaded will hold the temps better. It seems that recovering temperature in these RV refrigerators will take one hour for every degree in temperature needed.
THIS. Having cold things in the fridge will keep it colder much longer. The air inside the fridge will warm up quicker, but objects in the fridge will hold temperature much longer. Stock it with water bottles or other non-perishable stuff.
Great test. Well done - and useful info. Thanks
Interesting. One thing though. When turning the propane on in your testing as if you had stopped to eat you need top open the door a couple of times as if you were removing and replacing items. This, I’m sure, would drop the temperature dramatically.
Great test & as expected results. These fridges are not a quick recovery design, so yeah that hour of being ran is not going to help much as you seen. I would like to see what ours will do with stuff in there & also take temps of item inside there.
Thanks for the thorough test. We have been out about 8x in 2yrs and for whatever reason my propane never would fire up before pulling out of the driveway.. was discouraging from the beginning especially having just loaded up full of food. Idk? I wasn't level and maybe that was why. My RV is a new Flagstaff 21fbrs and the equipment was not faulty. ??? Does the RV need to be level to get the propane to actually work in the fridge? This year we have gotten large freezer packs and even bags of ice while traveling to maintain that safe FDA guidines. We are now able to travel a safe 6hrs unplugged. Lol.. my next rv will be one with a 12v and solar package for the fridge needs. =) thanks again for the video
Yes! Being level is KEY when running the fridge on LP.
Ooooo. I love a good data collection.
You should run the most important test..... Fill it with beer from top to bottom and see how long the mountains stay blue!
Ha! Next time!!
Thanks for doing this test this is good information.
Appreciate you watching!
Thanks for the test, since we went to class C ours run off of a DC to AC convertor. So using propane is not an issue for us.
Great video!!Answered so many questions
Thank you very much for this video. We usually leave our camper set up at a seasonal spot. However this year we are towing from Ohio to the OBX. I was just wondering how long the fridge would stay cold and this video could not have come at a better time. I have a game plan now thanks to you!
Daryl Pitts I sincerely think having some cold food in the fridge will get you another hour or two. This is a worse case scenario being empty. So glad this answers some questions. Thank you for watching and commenting!
Just a FYI the frig will generally get colder on propane then electric. This is because the propane burner puts out more BTU’s then the electric heating element. Since you have never used the propane before it works better in the summer heat will get colder.
Very good vid. Very informative and helpful. Thanks for sharing!
Would be interesting to know if those rv fridge fans that run on DD batteries would change results.
Not a good test, ambient temp to cool, was the rv in the shade, wind conditions and other variables. Thanks for making the video though.
This is why you have to leave the gas on. Imagine if it were a hot day, you’d be totally screwed. I agree having items in the fridge would help because it would add mass to absorb the warm air but I think it would be minimal effect. Plus what are you going to do, pack the fridge with more than you need? Bottom line, fridge has to be on while traveling unless you’re in very cool weather. If you can do that comfortably with gas like people have done for 50 years, do it. If you can’t, get a 12V compressor fridge. But if you go that route, you better have some legit batteries and even then you’ll have a whole new problem: keeping them charged.
I’ll simply disagree here. I’m not running down the road with propane on. I’ll just grocery shop when I arrive if it ever becomes an issue. The point of this video is unless you’re driving for more than 7 hours you DONT need to run the fridge. Especially if it’s packed. It’s never been even close for us. Items are always cold and even ice doesn’t melt for hours on end.
I have a Dometic like yours. I'm curious where you have the settings on the fridge. I have 5 lievels on mine, so I set mine at 2 or 3 when using it. Please let me know. Thanks for the great video.
I didn't look. That said I almost always set anything just below max. I don't like running anything on its max setting. In this case I'd be set at 4.
Loved this video. It was like candy to my inner RV nerd. Lol. I'm wondering something... would those blue freezer block lunch box things set on the top shelf help any... Requesting a part 2 video so I don't make it MY next video. Lmao.😁😇✌In the summer sometimes I'll put a freezer pack in the fridge just to kinda help it get started here at the house before we head out. No idea if it's actually helping anything.
The DeCampers May do a follow up with cooled water bottles in the fridge...
Great test! I've been interested in this info.
No one has mentioned dry ice. Would that be better than frozen water jugs or ice blocks? Just curious.
We put a block of blue ice in the fridge when we move 4 hours later when we get there, the block is still frozen.
My Dometic fridge like yours only gets down to 40°F. It's brand new also.
Hmm? Mine almost gets too cold according to this test... weird
Todd S, I would have it serviced. That’s not good or healthy. Maybe a setting needs to be set colder?
It’s funny that people say it’s not safe. Norcold and Dometic make kits to install that allow ventilation of propane exhaust while driving. Given draft and air flow there is a need for more control of the flame. -- It’s like saying you don’t want you gas tank in your truck running, because it’s a hazard; so turn off the gas tank. -- yes know it’s controversy. As are many systems in an RV. -- to each his own
Kevin J Seems like you’re making the point that it’s unsafe to run with propane on if one needs a kit to have it work correctly.
Wandering Weekends - agree and confusing to me too.
I would actually consider running with propane on if Dometic is confident enough to actually promote a kit. Do you have a link to the kit?
Nice job.
Hmmm! Vary interesting.
What was your fridge set point at and did you turn it down to see if it would cool off any faster. As far as why it cooled off fast was the lack of density in your fridge. Its the same principle as your fridge or freezer. If my fridge or freezers have empty space I’ll fill it with cardboard box’s,
to create a more dense area, there for leaving less space to cool down
But. I’m sure there’s many variables
and the manufacturers just didn’t tell you that one variable that kept it cold for 8 hrs because in some cases it’s probably not practical unless you’re living in your trailer or rv long term.
( sounds good anyway). Well it’s great food for thought and a good video. Have a great day.
I had it set to its coldest setting. We had just cleaned it out from a week-long trip. It was nice and primed. I like this test because its worst-case scenario. Nothing in the fridge and it still performs for nearly 5 hours. I am happy with that.
We just bought a travel trailer and have the same fridge. The sales person told us it took 8 hours after turning it on to come to temp. Do you not find this the case? We have been going to storage before we head out the day before and turning it on to cool. Maybe we should do our own test but was wondering what you thought?
Nancy VanGaasbeek I think 8 hrs is a good rule of thumb. We generally bring our trailer home a day or two before to start the fridge and pack for the trip. Maybe that’s a good vid idea too!
Cool test
Cooler at the beginning than at the end... ;-)
How long will it stay cold? Not long enough
7 hours with nothing in it, much longer if it were full. How long are you driving?
Your test is useful only to people that travel in 72 degree weather with an empty fridge.
each time you opened it up you lost a considerable amount of cooling
Holy Trash I didn’t open it after I placed the wireless transmitter inside.
How many people out there use the little RV fridge fan with the D battery? I love those things.
Valterra Deluxe Fridgecool Fan
We do. We think it helps