Fridge storage

ryanhewitt

Adventurer
I'm curious as to what people do with their fridges when they are not being used. I've heard that it is important to have it running all the time to keep the coolant/compressor moving. Mine is not permanently mounted in the vehicle so right now it's just sitting in the house plugged in. Am I putting useless wear and tear on it? Thank you in advance.
 

will

Adventurer
Why would it need to be running all the time? Mine is sitting in the house unplugged. I would think having it off would extend longevity...wouldn't it?
 

Count Fred

Observer
I throw one of those fridge baking soda de-odorizers in and call it good. Only comes on when I need it. The only wear and tear it sees between trips is when I throw leftovers from a restaurant in there.

When I first had it, I was living in a dorm room and it was my guest chair as well as my primary fridge.

I don't notice any difference these days when it rarely gets used from when it was on 24/7. I wouldn't leave it off for years, but presumably you would take it on trips occasionally, otherwise why have it right?

Cheers,
JFS III
 

Corey

OverCamping Specialist
Mine is in the rig 24/7, but only running from summer to fall.
Then it is turned off until the first off road trip or camping trip of the season.

I do not put baking soda or anything in it, and the lid is down all the time.
No smell/no mold.

Fridge works perfect each season when it is fired back up again.
Been in the rig since around 2007.
 

Bennyhana

Adventurer
Mine has been running non stop for over a year now. No problems as it serves as the garage beer fridge when not in the jeep.
 

RHINO

Expedition Leader
after a trip mine will run until i drink the last of the beer in it,,,, then its off till the next time. not very long between trips but its off.

i like charcoal better than arm and hammer.
 

cruiseroutfit

Supporting Sponsor: Cruiser Outfitters
From the new ARB 50qt unit user guide:

Storing Your Freezer
If you are storing your fridge freezer for an extended period of time, ARB makes the following recommendations:
  • Switch the fridge freezer off and disconnect it from all power sources
  • Remove all items except for the basket and basket divider from within the cabinet
  • Leave the lid slightly open to allow airflow through the cabinet

Engel does (did) in fact recommend you just leave it running if practical, however if not I would follow the same recommendations above and call it good. I've not turned off my Engel in a loooong time.
 

Bergger

Explorer
My Waeco CF-50 has been running almost non-stop for near 3 years now. When not used for camping it's a beer fridge in my garage.
 

cruiseroutfit

Supporting Sponsor: Cruiser Outfitters
Because its halftime in the U of U-Air Force Game...

Engel User Guide:

"It is advisable to operate your refridgerator at regular intervals if it is being stored for extended periods. An ideal use for it is as a 2nd fridge or bar fridge in your home"
 

ryanhewitt

Adventurer
Thanks again

Thanks for the additional input. ARB replied with the same as cruiseroutfit stated, and that's to not leave it running. I'm wondering if the lid ajar to allow airflow could be accomplished by just pulling the drain plug instead?
 

cruiseroutfit

Supporting Sponsor: Cruiser Outfitters
Thanks for the additional input. ARB replied with the same as cruiseroutfit stated, and that's to not leave it running. I'm wondering if the lid ajar to allow airflow could be accomplished by just pulling the drain plug instead?

I'm sure it would help but it likely wouldn't promote much airflow. Do you have a new ARB fridge (50qt)? If so do you have the user guide/owners manual? If not you might try and get your hands on one, it is very thorough and has a lot of helpful advice on all aspects of the fridge such as the storage info I posted above. I might have a spare one here.

If you have an older ARB (Engel/Sawifuji) I might have some owners manuals kicking around there too or worst case its much smaller than the new ARB one and I could easily make some scans of it.
 

Snagger

Explorer
I leave my Waeco switched off when not needed. It may see two weeks' worth per year, but that's not even every year. I did start getting a little mould, but that was because something must have leaked in it and not been cleaned up before storing it. I cleaned it out with disinfectant, then gave a light misting spray of disinfectant without wiping away on all the interior surfaces before leaving it closed, and have no growth a year later.
 

hochung

Adventurer
I like to keep my Engels running 24/7. I don't like leaving them unplugged and stored in the garage. It's a waste. The coldest beer/soju come out of Engels, and that's what I need at home. :)

Also, each time you take it out from long term storage and plug it in, it will run non-stop until it reaches the cold temperature. I think that's harder on the unit than leaving it running.

How many of you turn your computers on and off on a daily basis?
 

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