The most significant advantage of RVs is that holidaymakers can get the necessary equipment during the hike. One of the most valuable devices in an RV is the refrigerator. After all, we all need a way to keep food cold, and refrigerators can do this, but keeping the refrigerator fresh with ice is a big problem and will spoil camping fun.
Of course, no equipment can be used permanently, and your RV fridge will need to be repaired or replaced at some point. Therefore, it is recommended to know all the knowledge about RV fridge. Do you do things like “How does the RV refrigerator work”? The differences between the models (and proper maintenance) will help you repair or replace the equipment in your RV.
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How does the RV refrigerator work?
Before introducing you to the best RV refrigerator, this will help you understand how the fridge works. Your RV fridge works very differently from your household refrigerator. Your household refrigerator uses a compressor. The RV refrigerator has no compressor and no moving parts for cooling. This is called an absorption chiller.
This is how absorption chillers work: basically, absorption chillers use flames to heat the chillers—a mixture of ammonia, hydrogen, and water. The heat evaporates these chemicals, and the condensation cools the refrigerator. When using shore power or generators, the battery generates heat. When there is no electricity, liquefied gas is used to create flames and heat chemicals. Most modern RV refrigerators can automatically switch between LPG and electricity, depending on whether they are connected/powered by a generator or propane. It would help if you remembered to change it so you don’t have to deal with badly rotten food when you forget it.
How big is the RV refrigerator?
When replacing an RV refrigerator, size is essential. Although most household refrigerators have a volume of 18 to 21 cubic feet, a typical RV refrigerator has 4 to 12 cubic feet. In addition to cubic feet (a measure of the size of the inside of the fridge), you also need to know how large the exterior of the new appliance is, and you need to measure the space carefully it will take up. We recommend taking multiple measurements to ensure that your measurements are accurate and suitable for the best results.
Types of RV fridge:
For RV, you will see compressor-operated chillers or absorption chillers. Absorption refrigerators are usually the most common. You will also see the term “domestic refrigerator.” Unfortunately, this term can be confusing. Some RV and RV manufacturers use this term to refer to buildings, while others refer to refrigerators designed for permanent residences.
Compressor Refrigerator
Power Compressor RV fridges are usually powered by AC/DC, which means that when your RV is plugged into a power source or uses a rechargeable battery when it is not connected, you can use it without power. They are used for fixed houses, they are also compressor refrigerators, but they can only work when attached to the wall. This means that they can only operate on the AC grid, so if the motorhome is not grounded or connected to a generator, you will need an inverter. Compressor coolers usually cool faster and are more efficient. You are not affected by altitude.
Absorption refrigerator
The most common type of refrigerator in motorhomes is an absorption refrigerator. Absorption refrigerator can be operated with liquefied gas. This makes them more flexible than compressor-operated refrigerators. Refrigerator “usually refers to an RV absorption refrigerator that can run on AC power and LPG.
Can an RV refrigerator run on propane or electricity?
This type of “dual fuel” option can be used for campers. Generally, this means that you can use the refrigerator while traveling and may not get electricity. When the van is parked, and electricity becomes more accessible, electricity may be needed to keep it cool without interruption. Most motorhomes and motorhomes with absorption chillers automatically switch between the two energy sources. However, it is best to check the switch or button if you are not familiar with it.
RV 3-side refrigerator and RV 2-way fridge
RV 3-way RV chiller and RV 2-way chiller are similar in gas operating system and 110 V power connection. The main difference between the two is that the 3-bit unit uses battery power while driving, while the 2-bit unit does not. Please note that the 12V battery does not work and gas or electricity; however, the temperature in the previously refrigerated refrigerator will remain the same. For these reasons, it is impractical to use batteries as the primary power source. Before switching to this method, you must first use gas or AC power to cool the system.
RV refrigerator maintenance
You must perform RV fridge maintenance regularly. Household refrigerators do not require these considerations and are often superior to personal RVs. The powerful air compressor motor in domestic refrigerators provides fast and stable cold air without the common factors affecting typical RV refrigerators’ efficiency. When using an RV refrigerator, please consider the following:
· The external temperature that affects absorption efficiency
· Level the parking space. If the refrigerator is parked unevenly continuously, it may damage the refrigerator.
· Adjust the internal airflow to ensure that the gravity feed system stays cool.
Is it safe to use an RV refrigerator while driving?
Ideally, if the RV refrigerator is not perfectly aligned, you will never open it. Studies have shown that the temperature in the cooling system of the RV fridge can rise above 350 degrees Fahrenheit in just 2-3 minutes on an uneven surface. Since the absorption cooler uses gravity to move the liquid ammonia into the evaporator coil, it is usually safe to open the more relaxed while driving because vibration can cause the liquid to sink into the RV (RV). The refrigerator) is in a vertical position. An exception can, of course, be a situation where you stand in a traffic jam for more than half an hour and park on an uphill or downhill.
