A camper refrigerator is the heart of your RV, whether you use it as a cooler by the BBQ or to store frozen food for longer trips. It’s essential that your fridge is working properly so that your beer and ice cream stay nice and cold.
If your RV fridge isn’t keeping things cool, there are many possible causes. You should first make sure that your 12-volt DC coach battery is full enough to power the fridge. If it is, then the problem might be somewhere in the 120-volt AC chain. The cooling coils may need to be cleaned or the fridge might not be plugged in all the way. If you’re still unable to figure out what’s wrong, you can always call a professional RV tech.
Another common cause of a non-functional camper fridge is that it’s simply being used too often. Opening and closing the fridge all the time makes it work harder to keep everything cold. This can also lead to a loss of energy, so try to limit how much you use it. You should also check the door seals regularly to ensure they are tight and in good condition.
There are several different types of RV refrigerators, but the most popular is a compressor-based model. These fridges are a little more expensive than absorption models, but they provide superior performance in terms of temperature and energy usage. They are also more versatile because they can be run on either propane gas or AC/DC electricity.
If you want to save some money on a camper fridge, then you can’t go wrong with a Dometic 12v model. This fridge is designed for off-grid camping in small campers and trailers, and it features two compartments with separate temperature controls (one can be at “fridge” temp and the other at “freezer” temp). The fridge is super quiet and uses very little power.
You’ll also find a few other names brands of 12v fridges on the market, but the price difference can be significant. It’s a good idea to shop around for the best deal and don’t be afraid to consider off-brand options. Many of these have been tested by experienced RVers and they tend to be just as good if not better than name-brand fridges.
The only downside to this type of fridge is that it takes a bit longer to cool than compressor fridges. That’s because it relies on a chemical process to convert from liquid to vapor and back again, which takes some time. You should also remember to defrost the fridge on a regular basis and make sure that the vents are clear of obstructions. If you follow these simple tips, then your RV fridge should be able to reliably keep all your beverages and food at their ideal temperature. This will help to prevent any unnecessary wear and tear on the unit over time, and it will save you from having to replace it sooner than you might have expected.