Troubleshooting RV Fridge that Runs Warm

Updated 06/11/2025 | Published 06/06/2025

Question:

We have one of the Everchill 324-000119 12v refrigerator/freezer units in our new Sun Lite 19RB LTD camper. Went camping in it the first time over Memorial weekend. With the refrigerator setting at its lowest temperature, the refrigerator was at 35 degrees. But the temperature started slowly creeping upwards, so that by Sunday night it was at 42 degrees! The freezer kept things in it frozen the entire time. We did not put anything warmer than room temperature in the refrigerator and were not opening it any more than necessary. What would cause this problem?

asked by: Richard K

Expert Reply:

Hey Richard, sorry to hear about that with your fridge. Hows the 12 volt power supply of the fridge? Battery and charging system is in good shape? No clogged drain lines or anything? Is the fridge new or was it working fine at one point?

expert reply by: Jameson C

Richard K.

6/11/2025

The fridge - along with the camper itself - is brand new. It worked fine initially (35 degrees on the lowest setting), but over several days the temperature crept upwards to over 40 degrees. Meanwhile, the freezer kept its contents frozen.

Jameson C.

6/11/2025

@RichardK Hows the ventilation around the fridge? Is it pushed too far back and not able to vent properly? The usual suspects aside from that are typically only show up if the fridge has some time on it. Condenser coils being dirty Door gasket not sealing Thermostat issues Circuit board being faulty (this is possible) Low refrigerant Frozen defrost

Richard K.

6/11/2025

@JamesonC It appears to have been installed correctly. Could there be a problem with the control board? I've heard those can be iffy on the Everchill 12v refrigerators.