An RV refrigerator works a little different than a typical residential refrigerator. For example, an RV fridge doesn't have moving parts such as a compressor. It works using gravity and heat instead. Knowing these and other differences can help with understanding how to care for your RV fridge.
Keep it Level
An RV fridge uses gravity to keep the chemicals flowing that cool the fridge. It is for this reason that the refrigerator must remain fairly level when stationary. If there is too much of an angle, the liquid inside will not drain to the bottom properly. The result will be an inefficient fridge or even a broken one. Keeping this in mind, when leveling our rig, we make sure to set a level in front of our fridge. This ensures that this area of the RV is the most level spot.
Keep Air Flowing
Residential refrigerators typically have a fan inside to circulate the cold air. This eliminates warm spots. Refrigerators in RVs typically don’t have fans inside. Fortunately, they sell various types of RV refrigerator fans. We use a battery powered one. The fan runs continuously and sits on one of the fridge shelves to circulate the air.
Don’t Overcrowd It
This next tip is a bit tricky to conquer considering RV refrigerators typically leave us wanting in the way of space. As noted above, a fan will help circulate the air, but if the fridge is packed so tight that air can’t flow, you will still get warm spots. This could lead to food going bad.
Keep Vents Warm in Cold Weather
You probably noticed that behind your RV refrigerator there is a vent outside. This vent serves three purposes. When your refrigerator is running off propane, it provides a steady stream of oxygen to burn the gas. It also allows the fumes created to vent out and away from the rig. Lastly, the function of the fridge causes heat to build up in the back of it. This open area allows the heat to be vented out.
If the weather is particularly cold, around zero degrees Fahrenheit, this vent may allow too much cooling. This could cause the liquid inside the cooling unit to freeze which results in a fridge not working. If the fridge is left on too long in this condition, it could cause damage to the system. To prevent this from happening, many RVers place a light or small 250-watt heater in the vent compartment.
Keep Your Vents Cool in Warm Weather
In really hot weather, it is important to keep the vents cool. If the cooling unit is unable to vent heat away fast enough, the unit will have to work harder and work less efficient. If you know the weather will be particularly hot, placing a small fan pointing out towards the vent cover will help blow the hot air out.
Refrigerators are definitely an important appliance that require routine care and maintenance for continuous efficient service. Are there any tips you have to keep your RV fridge in tip top shape?
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