How does camper refrigerator work

These pipes can be hidden and difficult to navigate if you suspect a leak. If you smell propane, it would be wise to get it checked out as soon as you can. You can expect to use up to 1. These type refrigerators can also be a compressor refrigerator, unlike the absorption refrigerator so prevalent in RVs. These will often look like traditional ice coolers. Some campers like to get off the beaten path, called boondocking, or RV camping outside of a traditional campground.

In this case, instead of lugging around a spare generator, portable solar panels may be a good alternative. These refrigerators are exactly the type you would put into a college dorm room or your garage to hold drinks. You must make sure to keep these refrigerators level as this is a compressor refrigerator.

But if you have a permanent hookup this might be an option. An RV refrigerator takes a little more thought and planning than a refrigerator for your kitchen. There are certain tips that can help you maintain the life of your fridge. Here are 4 tips on how to keep your RV fridge cold while driving. More reading: How to keep mice out of your RV camper. This eliminates the need for them to carry propane with them and allows them to run their fridge off a house battery that is charged when the vehicle is running or from a small solar setup attached to the roof of their van.

One thought to keep in mind is that refrigerators tend to break down quickly when not in use. If you only go camping with your camper a few times a year, you may want to skip buying a camper refrigerator altogether. The first option is a traditional camper fridge. This fridge runs off of propane and electricity. The great aspect of this fridge is that its ability to use multiple fuel sources makes it very versatile.

However, this fridge can be expensive to buy or repair. Also, it must remain level while it is running. If the fridge is left in an unlevel position for too long, it will get too hot and it will destroy itself.

The self-destruction of an older propane fridge can actually be dangerous. It automatically changes between gas and electric and automatically ignites the propane flame when needed. It has several shelves in the refrigerator and two in the freezer. The New Generation even has the ability to hold a one-gallon jug inside of it as well as half gallon jugs on the door. This means that the fridge can be run from a volt battery as well as from a typical house outlet.

It can hold up to oz cans. It has a quart capacity and can hold up to cans. This is a much less expensive solution, but it can come with problems. The reason for this is that these fridges have compressors and they are not built to withstand the constant movement of a camper. One other problem with using a mini fridge as a camper fridge is that it has to remain level even when it is not running. This is because the coolant can pool up in one spot in the compressor. Since the fridge cooling system depends heavily on gravity, being out of level can be a big deal to your fridge.

The chemicals may stop circulating if the fridge is too tilted which, at the very least, will cause the fridge to be less efficient. How much out of level can you be?

Well, up to 3 degrees should be okay or half a bubble. If you run your fridge out of level for even 30 minutes you run the risk of damaging your unit. Now you might be worried about barreling down the road with an open flame.

Others opt to turn off their fridge while driving. If you have a three way fridge then problem solved, just set it to the 12VDC setting while you are driving. Some worry about the level issue mentioned above while driving.

But the motion of the RV keeps the chemicals moving and allows the fridge to continue to operate efficiently while traveling. Also, try to stay out of the fridge till you get it running again. A word of caution, you should turn off your propane prior to entering a gas station. RV fridges tend to be very efficient with their use of propane. Since the absorption process is a closed loop the amount of propane needed to heat the ammonia solution is very minimal. Propane consumption also will vary from one brand and model to the next.

The smaller the unit the less fuel it will use. Newer units tend to be more efficient as well. The average sized RV fridge is around 6 cubic feet, this will probably consume about 1-lb of propane per day. For reference, your standard BBQ tank is about 20 lbs.

Not bad when you probably use more propane in your actual BBQ during the summer. Can I replace my RV fridge with a standard mini fridge?

Do I need electricity to run my RV fridge on propane? Even when your fridge is running on propane you will still need some power from your 12VDC system to power the circuit board of the fridge. If your house batteries are on the fritz then you will have issues running your refrigerator.