Keeping the Freezer Frost-Free (Longer, at Least)

[jpsgirl96]

We have a new (last summer) refrigeration system on our 2001 Hunter 410. We are (now) sailing in the tropics. I am finding myself needing to defrost it rather often (every 7-10 days).
Any tips out there? Is it better to run it as continuously as possible, within the bounds of good power management? Better to cycle it, and if si, at what intervals?
Full disclosure: we love our 410, AND the freezer seal was a common complaint in the early days, but her original owner addressed it and I would say it freezes beautifully...except for the frost build up.
Any help much appreciated.

[zeehag]

dont run it on full blast-- will work better on a lower setting without freezing up. i found all my land based fridges would ice over if used on full cold settings. turn it down, then see how long it takes to ice..... goood luck.

[sailorboy1]

Before the experts start; be aware that on the 410 the system is a spill over with a fan between the freezer and the refrigerator. The thermostat on the freezer controls the compressor etc and the thermostat in the refrigerator only runs the fan between the boxes. The manual states to expect frequent defrosting.

The frost problem is by far the #1 common complaint about the 410. I don't have an answer but look forward to hearing a workable 1 beside 1-don't run as you don't need regrigeration 2-tear out the system and redesign it.

To the OP - maybe you should post same question here: HunterOwners.com - Home

[sailorboy1]

This weekend after having the frost problem on my 410 the past 2 weekends I when though the seal check etc.

I found aproblem for the system I've never seen written about.

Check the latches on the inside of the boxes (mine as a latch on each side). Be sure that the littloe latch arm is up when the box is open so that when you close the top it locks the latch. If the arm is down and you close the lid, the lid will be open just a small amount. And this is turns is venting the box and letting amuch of outside mosit air into the unit. Which results in ice building up on the evaporator unit.

[Vasco]

Quick frost build-up is usually the result of bad seals. Give the freezer and the fridge the "dollar bill" test. (shut the door on a dollar bill, if you can pull it out, the seal is not good enough). Use a Canadian dollar, it's worth more. On second thought use a US dollar, ours is a coin now!

[MarkJ]

By whacking a few of those freezer blocks inside the freezer it has totally changed the whole way my refigeration works.

They freeze when the unit is on but stay frozen longer.

Try it and see if there is any effect.

[Unicorn Dreams]

The more you open the lid, the more warm moist air you let in, which also causes frost.
Having 2 separate lids keeps from letting air into the freezer, less frost.

[Auspicious]

Originally Posted by Unicorn Dreams

The more you open the lid, the more warm moist air you let in, which also causes frost.
Having 2 separate lids keeps from letting air into the freezer, less frost.

First thing I thought of when I read the initial post. The best thing you can do to reduce frost is to load up a cooler with food and drinks for the day each morning and don't open the fridge anymore.

[Bash]

This is a problem with your spill-over system, Don. Every time you open the fridge, you end up introducing moisture into the freezer.

Simply a bad design.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by Bash

This is a problem with your spill-over system, Don. Every time you open the fridge, you end up introducing moisture into the freezer.

Simply a bad design.

I understand this and may move the fan location and wasn't posting as a question.

But I never had read anyone post the latch issue as a possible source and since the OP asked about the 410 I figured I would add it to the thread for future searchers.

On the other hand I ran my system for days not long ago and didn't have a big frost problem. Then it did pop up and I hope it is the latches as I did notice the top was not shutting as tight but it took me what now seems a long time to trace it down..

[Bash]

Originally Posted by Don Lucas

But I never had read anyone post the latch issue as a possible source and since the OP asked about the 410 I figured I would add it to the thread for future searchers.

Yes. They break. I used to order them a dozen at a time from Hunter.

[hellosailor]

Frost = lots ofmoisture from lots of moist air.

Having the air circulating through both boxes, means more moist air in the freezer all the time.

All you can do is eliminate the moist air, which may mean new seals, or simply keeping both boxes FULL so moist air doesn't refill them. That can be inflated empty ziplock bags, empty water jugs, full water jugs if you prefer <G>...A couple of bubblewrap blankets, whatever suits your purposes. You probably could keep a box of silica gel in the frig side, that would actively suck out any moisture in the air and might even keep the frost down below a normal level. I have no idea how well that stuff works at 40F.

[CPN]

Don,
Going a little techie, but there are a few "out of the box" methods (ha...get it?) for humidity control—unfortunately, it is a whole lot easier to increase humidity than it is to reduce it.
I stumbled upon this stuff when looking into controlling humidity for sausage curing. Zeolite is an organic compound that is often used in commercial refrigeration and cooling.
I cannot speak to its safety in a freezer or small space , but I think you'd be "A" okay.
Attached is a link for a site that sells 6lb quantities and also they claim that the stones are reusable. A bonus is that you can easily rebag the stuff into smaller, porous containers. I haven't used zeolite in a minifridge/freezer, but for $40, it may be worth a shot (considering new seals are $$$).

Stinky-Be-Gone®, Set of 3 - Griot's Garage
(I am in no way affiliated w/ griotsgarage.com, just posting as a potential alternative).
--
CPN

[rdy2go]

Keep a bowl of rice in your fridge and or freezer replace as needed you will be surprised at how well it pulls moisture out.Also dont put moist goods in fridge always use Tupperware or something on top.What happens when you put a pitcher of water in fridge without a top vualla instant moisture. Good luck

[jpsgirl96]

Lots of great input!
We do indeed buy the crappy latches by the gross.
We do plan to try using a thermal "blanket" when we get back to her in October.
The rice idea sounds intriguing and certainly a great minimalist approach.

Interestingly, we bought a cooler for drinks when we passed through Provo (yes, a stupid place to buy anything) so perhaps we do now open the fridge side marginally less often during the heat of the day.

Thanks all - keep 'em coming!