Many RVs come equipped with an AC unit that may need to be replaced. In selecting a replacement, determine the size and type of the old unit by looking at its label or checking in the owner’s manual.
Look for a cooling effect rated in BTUs per hour. Also, consider getting a unit that can do double-duty as a heater, which will save on electricity costs.
Mini-Fridges
Whether it’s for your first apartment, dorm room, man cave or home bar, adding a mini fridge to keep your food and drinks cold is easy and affordable. These small refrigerators also come in handy on RV trips as they take up very little space and use less power than larger RV refrigerators.
This type of fridge uses a compressor to cool and is similar to the residential fridges you have at home. They can be used on both AC and DC electricity, making them ideal for car trips or RVs with a generator.
Dometic’s CFX portable fridges have energy-efficient and variable speed compressor cooling built for travel, along with latching doors and other features designed to hold up while on the road. These fridges are available in various sizes and operate quietly to not disturb your sleeping or driving conditions. They use less power than compressor refrigerators and can be run on a battery with an inverter during off-grid travel.
Portable Refrigerators
RVers, Overlanders, and day-trippers alike appreciate the convenience of a portable cooler/refrigerator. These units help keep food and drinks fresh for a tailgate party or week-long camping trip, respectively. It’s important to do your research before investing in one, though, as not all are made equally.
Some thermoelectric coolers act like a refrigerator, but they can’t cool anything below the ambient temperature. They can, however, offer heating for your food or beverages.
Many of these fridges require a dedicated battery to operate. When shopping for one, look for a unit that shuts off at a low voltage level to prevent draining your car battery and leaving you stranded. Some also feature a telescoping handle and durable wheels that make them easy to move. They’re usually crafted from metal, plastic or fibreglass to resist damage. They’re also available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different truck bed configurations. Some models include a USB port and spot for wireless charging.
Compressor Fridges
Modern compressor fridges, sometimes referred to as two-way refrigerators, are the superior choice for caravan owners who want heavy-duty and consistent cooling. They operate more efficiently on 12V than absorption fridges, which makes them ideal for campers who spend most of their time touring Australia’s hotter environments.
They also draw less power, meaning they’re a good fit for vans that have been specced with battery storage and generation equipment, or those who plan on boondocking for multiple days. The downside is that they can make a bit more noise than an absorption fridge, although it’s not much of a problem unless you’re camping in very quiet surroundings.
If you notice a gurgling sound coming from your caravan refrigerator, it’s likely that the cooling unit has failed and needs to be replaced. Nordic Refrigeration remanufactures all popular caravan refrigerators, including Dometic and Norcold, so you can rest assured that you’ll get an efficient replacement solution. Contact us today to find out more.
Residential-Style Refrigerators
Residential refrigerators run on a much larger scale than dorm fridges. They require more power to operate. They can require up to 6 amps per hour in order to maintain a constant temperature.
They are not ideal for boondocking and dry camping, since the jiggling and shaking of driving down the road will cause them to work harder than necessary and can shorten their lifespans. They are also often wider and deeper than traditional absorption fridges, requiring RV interior modifications to ensure they fit in the existing cabinetry.
They can be 2-way or 3-way units, meaning they can run off LP gas, AC power or battery power from your house batteries (depending on the model). These fridges are ideal for those who do not go boondocking or dry camp very frequently and instead enjoy weekend trips to remote destinations with electric hookups. You can find these types of refrigerators in many newer RV models. Older RVs may have them as optional options.rv cooling units
