When you travel in an RV, you want to be sure that your food and drinks are at safe temperatures. This is why having a camper refrigerator is so important. However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to decide what type of fridge is best for your RV. Ultimately, what you need depends on how and where you plan to use the fridge.
If you are looking for an RV fridge to replace your current one, it is essential that you measure the space where the new unit will go to ensure it fits in the area you have. If possible, it’s a good idea to take the measurements before you start shopping so you can avoid purchasing a fridge that won’t fit and have to return it.
It’s also a good idea to check the doorway that the fridge will need to pass through to make sure it can open and close easily. Finally, if you are going to install the fridge yourself, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly. If you’re not comfortable doing this, you can always hire a professional.
RV fridges come in two basic varieties: absorption and compressor. Absorption fridges use a process triggered by heat to change liquid refrigerant from vapor to liquid again and create cool air. They are a great choice for those who don’t need the extra space and power that comes with a compressor fridge.
The downside of absorption RV refrigerators is that they tend to be slower than compressor fridges. This is because they don’t have a fan to push the cold air through the fridge, which can cause it to cool more slowly. Also, it’s a good idea to clean the coils regularly to keep them running efficiently.
A compressor RV fridge uses a fan to blow cold air through the fridge, which speeds up the cooling process and can save you money on electricity. They also tend to be slightly larger than absorption fridges, but can still be compact enough for smaller RVs. It’s also worth mentioning that a compressor fridge can use more power than an absorption model, so you should think about your power consumption before making a decision.
Another benefit of a compressor RV fridge is that it can run on either propane or 120-volt AC. This can be a useful feature if you often travel in areas that have both types of power sources. However, it’s a good idea to keep in mind that these fridges usually only work when the fridge is plugged into its dedicated outlet, which is typically found in the exterior lower access panel of your RV.
It’s a good idea to purchase a cheap refrigerator thermometer for your RV so you can monitor the temperature and make sure that it is at a safe level. This will help prevent your food from spoiling or containing harmful bacteria. It is also a good idea to check the fridge’s circuit breaker to make sure that it hasn’t tripped. Finally, if your fridge doesn’t seem to be working, you can try to determine why by checking the other appliances that run on the same 120-volt power source. If the problem seems to be a fault with the fridge’s cooling coils or the 12-volt DC coach battery, you should consult an RV technician.