The fridge is one of the most important appliances in any RV or camper. The right fridge can save you lots of trouble and money in the long run.
These 12V fridges are the best option for boondocking or overnight Walmart stays as they use very little power and don’t require propane. They also tend to cool faster than absorption fridges.
Size
A fridge is one of the most essential appliances in any RV, and there are a lot of things to consider when picking out the right size. The size is a big consideration because it dictates how much food you can store in the fridge, and that in turn affects how often you need to go grocery shopping!
If you do a lot of camping, then you may want a larger refrigerator with more storage space. There are even residential-style fridges designed for RV use that you can find, sometimes described as “compressor fridges” because they use a compressor to cool rather than an absorption system. These are great for when you’re plugged into shore power, but if you plan to do a lot of boondocking then you’ll want an absorption fridge that uses solar capacity and battery power.
There are also portable fridges that are perfect for campervans and other RVs because they’re small, but still powerful enough to keep your food and drinks cold on the road. These usually have a freezer too and offer modern tech for the ultimate flexibility.
Capacity
If you cook a lot of meals while camping, you may want the large capacity offered by a residential-style fridge. They work great when plugged into shore power, and most stock RV battery banks will be able to support their needs if you camp at developed campgrounds with electric hook-ups. However, they are not ideal for boondocking and will drain your battery bank quickly.
Alternatively, many Van Lifers opt for a chest-style fridge. These are more like the fridges in their home kitchen and run on compressor power. These are more energy-efficient than absorption refrigerators and work well for off-grid campers, as long as you have a beefy battery bank or plan to use solar power.
You can also keep your fridge more secure by using bungee cords or Velcro strips to help keep the door closed during travel. This will prevent the contents from spilling and becoming ruined, especially during hot and cold weather.
Energy Efficiency
When you’re travelling long distances in your camper, having a fridge that can save you money on propane and battery power is important. The best option for this is a fridge that can be powered by either gas or electricity, such as an absorption refrigerator or a compressor fridge.
Absorption fridges work by using a combination of ammonia, water, and hydrogen to heat and evaporate refrigerant into vapor. They then use a series of tubes to transfer the vapor through the refrigerator to create cool air.
They’re also silent, making them perfect for relaxing or sleeping in your RV without being disturbed by noise. However, it’s important to avoid overpacking the fridge so that cool air can circulate freely and keep everything cold. Installing a refrigerator fan can also help. It will help your refrigerator run more efficiently and can even make it last longer. Also, regularly checking the seals and keeping them clean is essential.
Power
RV fridges consume a lot of energy, and every little bit counts when you’re using limited battery power. Luckily, there are refrigerators that can help you conserve energy on the go!
This refrigerator is specifically designed to run on 12V power and generates heat from the ammonia that runs through the cooling system. This reduces power consumption while still providing fast cooling and a big freezer. This model also has a digital control panel with modes to increase or decrease energy efficiency and noise.
These fridges are a great option for anyone who doesn’t want to use gas or need a large freezer. They can be powered by AC power (from a campground’s electric post or a generator) or DC power from your RV batteries. They also can be used with LP gas, which provides a great option for boondocking. Just make sure to regularly inspect your refrigerator for signs of wear and tear that can cause air or propane leaks.camper refrigerator
