RV refrigerators are one of the most important appliances in your camper. If your fridge is not working correctly, you should have a technician check it out right away.
The cooling unit is made up of a series of tubes that are filled with an ammonia-based liquid. When heat is applied, the liquid vaporizes and draws away heat from your food.
Portable Fridge
Essentially a powered cooler, these fridges are good for keeping lunch cold in your work truck and keeping medicines on hand. The smallest portable fridges are capable of holding enough food for two people over a weekend or a whole week if you’re traveling solo. Before purchasing one, be sure to closely inspect it for any signs of wood rot and water buildup in the flue. Also, test the temperature and cooling capabilities with a thermistor or food thermometer before taking it out on your next adventure.
The best thing about a compressor fridge is that it works like the refrigerator in your home and uses less electricity than a thermoelectric or absorption model. However, they can be a little noisy and need to be on flat ground to function properly. Before you buy, measure the space where you’re putting your new fridge and double-check to be sure it can fit through your RV door.
Refrigerator/Freezer Combo
A refrigerator/freezer combo offers all the benefits of two appliances in one cabinet. They’re ideal for storing perishables and displaying merchandise. Some models come with interior LED lighting and clear glass displays that draw attention to products. Others have solid doors for added durability and energy efficiency.
These fridges typically have a freezer section on the bottom with the chilled compartment sitting above it. They tend to offer more freezer space than top freezer fridges and can be easier to reach frozen food. However, they’re not as convenient for grabbing fresh items since you’ll likely have to bend down to grab them.
Some of these appliances also have features like exterior ice and water and adjustable door bins. These fridges are an affordable option for households that don’t want to sacrifice a sleek look or high-end features. They’re also perfect for kitchens in small apartments or homes with limited storage space.
Refrigerator/Freezer/Cooler Combination
If you’re looking for an RV fridge that can do it all, this is the one to get. It has enough room to keep your food fresh for days and also comes with a separate freezer compartment that can hold meats and other frozen foods.
It uses propane and natural gas, which makes it a good choice for boondocking when power is scarce. It’s also designed to draw less power from your RV batteries so it won’t drain them overnight.
Just be aware that this fridge needs to be fairly level because it relies on gravity to work properly. If it’s not, the ice will start to build up in the back of the freezer and can damage the walls. You’ll also need to defrost the fridge before each use (turn off, leave doors open and BE PATIENT. You shouldn’t use a hair dryer to speed up the process). Also, this fridge is quite heavy so make sure your RV floor can handle it before installing.
Compact Fridge
A compact fridge makes a great addition to a dorm room or office. It can also help a media room, man cave, or home workshop feel more like a living space with its ability to keep snacks and drinks within reach. These appliances are also a handy option for campers, boaters, and tailgaters.
Some models have a separate freezer with a door, similar to a full-sized top-freezer refrigerator. Taller models can have up to 4 cubic feet of claimed storage capacity. Many compact fridges have just one ice-cube tray that produces miniature ice cubes.
Whether you purchase an RV refrigerator that is new or used, check it carefully before your trip. Look for a clean interior that doesn’t have mold or odors. If you see any signs of water buildup or wood rot, remove the fridge from your vehicle for inspection before using it again. It’s also important to level your fridge while traveling and camping to avoid ruining the absorption refrigerant design.refurbished rv refrigerators
