Use These Helpful Ways To Keep Your Rv Refrigerator Cold.
Are you prepared for summertime RV travel? Your refrigerator, which keeps food cold for those campfire barbecues and chills beverages for those refreshing drinks on the move, is one of the most crucial appliances this time of year.
Here are some helpful hints for maintaining this workhorse in top shape, but first, it’s critical to comprehend some essential concepts about refrigerators.
The Fridge Primer: Stone Cold Facts
Traditional RV refrigerators use an absorption-based system to function.
The driving energy for this is a heat source.
Liquid propane gas, 12-volt house batteries, or 120-volt AC shore power are all options for powering the heater.
These appliances, aptly referred to as “3-Way Refrigerators,” are often included in all trailers and the majority of RVs.
Why is this crucial? The 3-way or 2-way (LPG/120-vac) RV refrigerator is the best option for “off-the-grid” and sporadic boondocking.
On the other hand, all-electric refrigerators, like the ones found in houses, are becoming more and more common in recreational vehicles.
These are solely powered by a 120-volt AC supply and use electric motors to operate compressors.
Due to their enormous power consumption, they were previously highly impractical for the majority of mobile applications.
But the sector has made significant strides in energy conservation, and the power consumption has dropped by more than 75%.
However, an electrical converter is needed to use the home battery power while the RV is not linked to shore power since the only available power source is a 120-volt domestic current.
The home batteries’ 12-volt DC electricity will be converted by the inverter to the required 120-volt AC power.
When camping, attempt to place your RV’s refrigerator side in a shaded area.
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Maintaining composure amid a crisis
The refrigerator in an RV encounters various difficulties that don’t apply to the refrigerator in a typical house.
Outside Heat.
The outside of the RV becomes hotter throughout the summer, which increases the need for the cooling circuit.
Additionally, the cooling process has to release heat from the condenser, which is hampered by the heat in the summer.
All of this results in a decrease in the fridge’s efficiency.
Leveling
Absorption refrigerators for RVs need to be somewhat level.
Failure to comply with this condition might result in gradual loss of effectiveness and eventual disintegration.
So, here are 12 recommendations for the best fridge performance:
#1. Align Your RV For Fridge Use
For the greatest operation of your RV’s refrigerator, always make sure it is reasonably level.
Your RV’s leveling mechanism is quite important in this situation.
The good news is that perfection is not required.
Manufacturers claim that modern refrigerators only work within a 3 degree side-to-side and 6 degree front-to-back level operating range.
#2. Continue Airflow From The Unit To The Outside
For the heat from the refrigerator’s top-rear to be able to escape, make sure the upper vent outlet has a clear airflow.
Look to check whether this place has a vent fan.
If so, make sure it works.
Consider adding a fan if there isn’t one already.
Should it be necessary, the Camping World service crew may install a device to significantly increase the air flow.
Don’t leave the doors open for too long.
#3. Start The Refrigerator 24 Hours Before Departing.
the night before you need it, turn on the refrigerator.
That will enable it to completely cool.
Then properly stock your shelves.
In comparison to an empty refrigerator, a full one maintains frigid temperatures better.
#4. Avoid Shelf-Shopping
Long periods of time spent standing and looking through an open refrigerator are inefficient.
Keep the doors of your refrigerator closed as little as possible.
Always choose what you desire before deciding what you need.
So that you know where everything is, keep your fridge organized.
#5. Cover The Rv’s Refrigerator Side.
On hot, sunny days, the refrigerator has to go overtime to keep its chill.
It will be more effective in that respect if the refrigerator’s outside of the rig is shaded.
There are two retractable vents there, making it simple to see the fridge from the outside.
Always make an effort to choose a location with shade.
If an awning is erected on that side, extending it also reduces the temperature.
To guarantee that your refrigerator functions properly, keep your home batteries charged.
#6. Keep 12-Volt Home Power On
Make sure your home batteries are charged at all times, whether you’re dry camping or using shore power.
The control module of the refrigerator is run by this power source.
Always verify that the home battery bank has a sufficient charge.
You should make sure the AC battery charger is keeping the house batteries fully charged even while your RV is connected to shore power.
#7. Fill New Stock or Load With Cold Product
Always choose the already-cooled goods from the coolers rather than the shop shelves when purchasing soda, beer, and similar things.
This will stop the refrigerator from working too hard to cool the heated beverage.
Additionally, keeping cold drinks on hand will help to maintain the fridge’s optimal temperature.
#8. Buy Ice As Necessary
On warm days, avoid letting the refrigerator produce ice.
Purchase whatever ice you may need instead.
If ice is available at your campsite, inquire about it or make a trip to a neighboring grocery.
Your fridge will gain over time by avoiding this exhausting activity.
#9. Check The Refrigerator’s Temperature.
Purchase a cheap remote temperature gauge.
A shelf at the fridge’s back should be where you place the sensor.
Maintain the readout monitor in the kitchen.
You may now check on the condition of your refrigerator without opening the door.
With time, you will get familiar with this appliance’s standard functioning, which will enable you to solve any problems as they arise.
Three-Station Wireless Thermometer and Clock by TempMinder.
#10. Store Cool Leftovers In The Fridge
Dinner leftovers shouldn’t be placed in the refrigerator until they have cooled to room temperature.
The efficiency of the refrigerator will suffer in the near term if this is not followed.
#11. Regularly Defrost The Refrigerator
Whenever there is an accumulation of ice in and around the freezer compartment, defrost the appliance.
For the cooling coils to function properly, they must be able to radiate their frigid temperatures.
Ice accumulation might obstruct good door sealing as well.
#12. Verify The Door Seal.
Verify the door seal’s tight, even fit.
Any air leak will likely result in ice buildup within the appliance and lower its overall effectiveness.
If there is any damage or excessive wear, get the seal replaced.
These are just a few of the things you may do to beat the summer heat and still enjoy your icy drinks.
