Whether you are new to RVing or have been full-time traveling for years, having reliable refrigeration is essential to keeping your food and beverages safe. Here are some tips to help you keep your rv refrigeration running well for many adventures to come.
RV Refrigeration: Dos and Don’ts
Absorption-style refrigerators work differently from compressor fridges. They use a combination of heat, ammonia, and water to keep your food cold. They are quieter, and they can run on a variety of power sources including 110V AC, 12V DC, or propane. This makes them popular with campers who often travel to remote locations or prefer to boondock.
They are most susceptible to problems while parked, however. Unless your rig is perfectly level, this can cause magic gas absorption to not happen correctly, and the result can be issues such as ice build-up on the evaporator fins or coils. This can lead to poor cooling or even freezer failure.
If your rig isn’t level, it can also create ammonia crystals in the refrigerator’s piping which will prevent air flow and prevent your fridge from working properly. This can be especially problematic if you are using your RV for long hauls or are constantly on the go.
To avoid this issue, it is a good idea to level your RV before each trip and park on an even surface whenever possible. It is also important to block the refrigerator doors slightly open if you plan on leaving it unused for more than a day or two. This will help avoid the refrigerator from storing stagnant water, which can grow mold and algae.