A refrigerator is an important part of your RV. It can be a challenge to keep it cold and functional while traveling on the road.
Consider a residential style fridge for your RV. They use less propane and are more energy efficient.
Keep a thermometer in the fridge to monitor temperature. Make sure the fridge is level so the chemicals circulate properly.
Size
RV refrigerators are usually much smaller than the residential fridges that you are used to at home. They also need to be able to cope with the bumps and bangs of an RV driving down the road. They are typically designed with ledges on the shelves to hold foods in place and latches to keep them shut.
Another important thing to think about is how much food you are going to need to store in your RV fridge. If you have a large family that will be traveling with you, then you will want to go for a larger capacity refrigerator.
It is also a good idea to get a RV fridge that can run on both propane and electric power. This way you can save on costs when you are camping or boondocking. Absorption refrigerators use very little propane if they are not running too hot. The downside of this is that it takes a longer time for them to cool down when they are in use.
Energy Efficiency
RV refrigerators require a lot of energy to keep cool, and the bigger they are, the more power they consume. You should assess your RV’s power supply capabilities and energy efficiency, especially if you plan to use the fridge a lot while boondocking or staying at campgrounds with limited electric hookups.
The most popular RV fridge style is an absorption refrigerator, which can run on propane or electricity. It works by using heat from an element to boil water and refrigerant, which then moves through the cooling coils. This vapor is then used to cool the food and freezer compartments.
If you have an absorption fridge, make sure to check the airflow regularly. Keep it clean and clear of debris like bird nests and leaves to ensure that the excess heat can escape. Also, install a fridge vent fan to help keep the air cool. This improves refrigerator performance by up to 40 percent. It is essential to have the fridge level, too, as a non-level fridge will work harder to cool its contents.
Temperature Control
RV fridges are designed for the rigors of the road and are usually less expensive to repair or replace than residential refrigerators. There are a few things to do in order to keep your RV fridge running efficiently.
Avoid overstuffing the fridge as it interferes with air circulation and can make the freezer hotter. Especially with absorption fridges this can cause a problem with the thermocouple that controls the propane/water mixture. It is recommended that the fridge be at least partially insulated and a fan installed to help circulate the cool air.
Keeping the fridge clean is also important. If the condenser coils become blocked with dust they can’t properly release heat and will decrease the fridge’s cooling efficiency. It is also good to periodically inspect the fridge vent and roof for obstructions that can prevent excess heat from escaping. A thermostatically controlled refrigerator vent fan installed at the back of the fridge can improve cooling performance by up to 40 percent.
Maintenance
RVs are designed to withstand the jostling and vibration of road travel, but that can take its toll on many components. Preventative maintenance is the key to keeping your home on wheels looking and functioning like new.
Start by checking the fuse for your fridge in the black box that’s usually located under the rig. If the fuse is blown, that’s a relatively easy problem to solve with a few steps.
First, shut off the power to your refrigerator by finding the dedicated circuit breaker or disconnecting the electrical line. Then, remove any covers or panels to inspect the cooling coils and fins. Make sure they’re not clogged with dust or critter nests.
You may also need to clean the burner flue that’s directly above the refrigerator if you store your rig near bodies of water. Flakes of rust can fall down into the burner and block the igniter. Blowing compressed air up the flue can help dislodge these particles.