« previous next »
Pages: [1] 2   Go Down

Author Topic: What do you do with your fridge between trips?  (Read 8783 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Mik01

  • Soft Floor Camper User
  • ****
  • Posts: 406
  • Thanked: 8 times
    • Scenic Rim 4x4
What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« on: April 27, 2014, 08:01:22 PM »
Hi there,
Just got back from a week away. Cleaned new fridge, wiped out with eucalyptus spray, and have left the door up to dry out, and turned off.
So what way do you keep yours between trips?
Should I turn off and close up until next trip, leave running permanently, or turn on periodically and air it out. I'm worried it might get stale and musty inside, or mouldy seals if left closed up.

Not sure if there is the 'right way' that won't harm the longevity of the fridge. Thanks

Mike
Logged
Contact me for special MySwag prices on 4x4 accessories!
http://scenicrim4x4.com.au

Offline D4D

  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 16023
  • Thanked: 392 times
  • Are we there yet?
Re: What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« Reply #1 on: April 27, 2014, 08:04:25 PM »
When not in use, I run my Waeco a weekend a month. Otherwise I keep the lid on and give it an occasional wipe with citrus cleaner.
Logged
I owe, I owe, it’s off to work I go…

Work - Outback  SOLD
Play - Prado

Offline Trex_s4m1

  • Soft Floor Camper User
  • ****
  • Posts: 350
  • Thanked: 2 times
  • need more toys! :D
Re: What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« Reply #2 on: April 27, 2014, 08:09:57 PM »
Mine is my beer fridge now. Got rid of the big one as it was a waste of space
Logged

Offline Landyline

  • Tent User
  • ***
  • Posts: 199
  • Thanked: 4 times
  • Gender: Male
Re: What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« Reply #3 on: April 27, 2014, 08:11:52 PM »
Leave it in the shed with the lid propped open slightly.
I used to leave the lid propped on the two latches (Waeco CF80) but the lid has a bow in it now. I don't know if that contributed as Waeco fridges of various sizes are known for it. It is enough to strain and crack the latches so I doubt it seals properly anymore.

It's the last Waeco I will ever pay for so I don't try too hard to look after it
Logged
Customline camper trailer

Offline 6knights

  • Soft Floor Camper User
  • ****
  • Posts: 425
  • Thanked: 23 times
  • Gender: Male
Re: What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« Reply #4 on: April 27, 2014, 08:14:37 PM »
Mine mostly sits in the garage with the lid proped open with the lid latch (ARB fridge) that keeps it aired out and frees up space in the tug.
« Last Edit: April 27, 2014, 08:16:47 PM by timetogo »
Logged
2006 100 series towing a 2012 modcon HFA  🙂

Offline geopaj

  • Soft Floor Camper User
  • ****
  • Posts: 615
  • Thanked: 45 times
Re: What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« Reply #5 on: April 27, 2014, 08:18:30 PM »
As per the others, I leave mine with the lid propped open (I use three Duplo blocks  ;D).

I think it's a good idea to run them at least monthly for a few hours (or leave on full time).
Logged
NT Pajero VRX (My build - https://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=47893 )

Sar Major Camper Trailer (My Build - http://www.myswag )

Offline smokescreen

  • Swag User
  • **
  • Posts: 99
  • Gender: Male
Re: What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« Reply #6 on: April 27, 2014, 08:18:51 PM »
One of my fridges lives on the back of my ute and never gets turned off I have a solar panel on the roof to keep the battery topped up and my Engel serves as a drinks fridge when it's not used for camping it does help that I live in a company house and don't have to pay for power otherwise I would probably turn it on for one day of the month to keep everything moving.
Logged
2013 Toyota Landcruiser TTD
2013 Pioneer Onyx11
2012 Can am XMR 800

Tractor88

  • Guest
Re: What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« Reply #7 on: April 27, 2014, 08:29:03 PM »
I use mine as a drinks fridge full time when not away in the trailer. Our Waeco has been going now full time for over 4 years. Not a prob and wiped out and cleaned every couple of months. I was once told by a bloke that a healthy fridge is never turned off and left to sit. So far he has been correct. Luv my Waeco.    :cheers:
Logged

Offline oldmate

  • Soft Floor Camper User
  • ****
  • Posts: 496
  • Thanked: 1311 times
Re: What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« Reply #8 on: April 27, 2014, 08:34:57 PM »
Mine is in the garage with beer between trips, the one in the trailer gets cleaned and door left open.
Logged
Our Blog. A work in progress
https://www.facebook.com/UltimateAdventuresBlog/

Offline Mik01

  • Soft Floor Camper User
  • ****
  • Posts: 406
  • Thanked: 8 times
    • Scenic Rim 4x4
Re: What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« Reply #9 on: April 27, 2014, 08:37:17 PM »
Great replies, thanks.

So, leave it running or store with lid open slightly and run periodically.

Hmmmm. Might store it. Seems a waste of electricity to run for no reason. As long as it doesn't cause long term damage...
Logged
Contact me for special MySwag prices on 4x4 accessories!
http://scenicrim4x4.com.au

Offline Supersi

  • Soft Floor Camper User
  • ****
  • Posts: 329
  • Thanked: 19 times
  • Gender: Male
Re: What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« Reply #10 on: April 27, 2014, 08:40:51 PM »
Be careful with fridges that have plastic lids (any brand) when leaving them propped open, they do warp as mentioned by Landyline.
Logged

Offline RebsWA

  • Hard Floor Camper User
  • *****
  • Posts: 1062
  • Thanked: 66 times
  • Gender: Male
Re: What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« Reply #11 on: April 27, 2014, 08:46:27 PM »
Quote from: Supersi on April 27, 2014, 08:40:51 PM
Be careful with fridges that have plastic lids (any brand) when leaving them propped open, they do warp as mentioned by Landyline.

Mmmm, bold statement IMO.
Logged
You don't stop laughing because you grow old
You grow old because you stop laughing

2006 TD LandCruiser Troopy LX  -  2015 Jayco Starcraft Outback (a Caravan...)

Offline IanC

  • Soft Floor Camper User
  • ****
  • Posts: 403
  • Thanked: 67 times
Re: What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« Reply #12 on: April 27, 2014, 08:47:34 PM »
This is going to sound strange but hang a new teabag inside it after you have cleaned it out.  Wife does this with all our eskies, the waeco and engel and even keeps a couple hanging in the kitchen fridge.  Stops odours..  Strange but true.... 
Logged
2008 Cruiser - "Guzzles"
2015 Lifestyle Reconn

Offline Doug.b

  • Soft Floor Camper User
  • ****
  • Posts: 452
  • Thanked: 5 times
  • Gender: Male
  • Dislike keyboard Heroes
Re: What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« Reply #13 on: April 27, 2014, 08:53:08 PM »
I have two waeco's, I clean them when I get home and leave the lid fully open for 24 to 48 hrs and then close them up.
Never had any problems with mould or smell.

Doug
Logged
2012 PAJERO VRX  - Adventure offroad camper  - Cape York 
http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=35363.0

Offline kiva

  • Soft Floor Camper User
  • ****
  • Posts: 380
  • Thanked: 3 times
  • Gender: Male
Re: What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« Reply #14 on: April 27, 2014, 09:23:39 PM »
I give the inside of the fridge a wipe out to remove excess moisture and then leave the lid slightly ajar, propped open slightly with a rolled up chux cloth. The fridge remains unpowered until the next camping trip.
Logged

LandCruiser GXL 105 Series. Complete Campsite Exodus 14.

Offline Patr80l

  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 1682
  • Thanked: 38 times
  • Gender: Male
Re: What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« Reply #15 on: April 27, 2014, 09:24:24 PM »
My Engel stays in the car and runs continuously (for 20 years) although in really hot weather if the car is not being driven I turn it off with the lid propped open.  Otherwise it does drain the battery.
Logged
40, 80, GU, Touareg, GU, Touareg, 200

Offline Jakster1

  • Soft Floor Camper User
  • ****
  • Posts: 450
  • Thanked: 14 times
  • Gender: Male
Re: What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« Reply #16 on: April 28, 2014, 07:52:37 AM »
I have a 40L engel that lives permanently in the back of the patrol. It gets turned on probably a few times a week for shopping and day trips on the weekend. Rarely comes out of the car, it's probably about 3 years old and havent had any problems with mould or mildew or anything and i live in a climate that everthing goes mouldy if left out. Gets cleaned out every now and again and aired for a few hours/overnight.

Logged
GU Patrol. Lifted Locked and Boosted
 Johnnos offroad deluxe -SOLD
 Dmax dual cab 4x4
 Jayco Eagle Outback

Offline Young Camping Family

  • Sleeping Bag User
  • *
  • Posts: 39
  • Thanked: 1 times
  • Gender: Female
Re: What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« Reply #17 on: April 28, 2014, 08:18:27 AM »
Same as Doug. Ours is a 3 way so it may be different to others. I wipe it out after use, leave the lid open to dry fully (couple of days) then close it til next use (the last trips were a year apart and no odour or mould). If there is no moisture and no leftover food bits mould can't grow.
Logged

Offline Steffo1

  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 2208
  • Thanked: 247 times
  • Gender: Male
  • More I learn about women, more I like my ute
Re: What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« Reply #18 on: April 28, 2014, 08:26:14 AM »
My 40 litre Engel doubles as the deck beer fridge when not in the vehicle so runs 24 hours. It's coming up to 30 years old with original seals. I'm not saying having it on helps the seals but just making an observation.
The 3 way in the camper we leave off & ajar until 2 days before use.
Steffo
Logged
'93 4.2 TD 'Cruiser 'tilly
'08 TD V6 Disco 3
'10 16' Evernew Pop Top

"sit bonum tempora volvunt"

Offline JD-120

  • Hard Floor Camper User
  • *****
  • Posts: 849
  • Thanked: 63 times
  • Gender: Male
Re: What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« Reply #19 on: April 28, 2014, 08:52:06 AM »
waeco 80 ltr just sits in the living room turned on. gives us extra fridge space.
Logged
Cheers

Justin

Offline ozstickman

  • Soft Floor Camper User
  • ****
  • Posts: 647
  • Thanked: 1 times
  • Gender: Male
  • Just Grinning
Re: What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« Reply #20 on: April 28, 2014, 10:57:52 AM »
My engel is my extra beer/rum fridge when it isn't being used for camping.


Sent from my Ring-a-ding-a-ling
Logged
Don't complain! It could be worse, you could be six foot under or a brick of ashes!!
Our camper Barry - http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=31963.0

Offline Bird

  • Once Was Lost, now am found
  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: I am a geek!!
  • Thanked: 1888 times
  • Gender: Male
  • Life is far too long....
    • My Place.
Re: What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« Reply #21 on: April 28, 2014, 11:07:42 AM »
When Dan's died and he took it in for repairs (right on the limit of warranty) they asked how often he ran it..

he was told at LEAST once a month for warranty - its in the manual for the Engel and shows Dan that... dunno if it still is..
Logged
-
Click to enlarge

Gone to a new home

Offline chester ver2.0

  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 2573
  • Thanked: 162 times
Re: What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« Reply #22 on: April 28, 2014, 11:07:55 AM »
The Waeco 80 stays in the back of the ute however it will have to stay at the service agent fr this week as the thermostat has packed it in
Logged
I Drink & I Know Things

Offline Axl

  • Soft Floor Camper User
  • ****
  • Posts: 303
  • Thanked: 22 times
  • Gender: Male
Re: What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« Reply #23 on: April 28, 2014, 07:44:25 PM »
Quote from: Lost on April 28, 2014, 11:07:42 AM
When Dan's died and he took it in for repairs (right on the limit of warranty) they asked how often he ran it..

he was told at LEAST once a month for warranty - its in the manual for the Engel and shows Dan that... dunno if it still is..

Yep Engel manual suggests running them at least once a month, so if I haven’t been camping I turn mine on for a few days and use it as a beer fridge.

For storage I simply wipe out all the moisture leave the lid open for a day or two then close it once I’m happy it is dry.
Logged
Cheers Axl

2010 14.44.3 OB Jayco Expanda
2018 Dual Cab LS-M Isuzu D-max
2013 Lifestyle Camper Trailers Explorer (Sold)

Offline speewa158

  • Hard Top Camper User
  • ******
  • Posts: 12092
  • Thanked: 558 times
  • Gender: Male
Re: What do you do with your fridge between trips?
« Reply #24 on: April 28, 2014, 08:01:16 PM »
1 of my Engals is never warm as it cycled with tinnies weather at home or at camp . The 2nd has a gut full of beer  , chilled in case of extended requirements of No1  :cheers:
Logged
You can go your own way . Treg Up & Make Dust
Pages: [1] 2   Go Up
« previous next »