A well-functioning rv fridge is one of the key components of a comfortable camping trip. The initial investment is well worth it in the long run, especially for full-time RVers who spend much of their time on the road. But, like any appliance, it does require some regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly.

RV refrigerators come in two basic flavors: compressor or absorption. Both types have their pros and cons, but which type is best for you will depend on your budget, your RV’s available space and your power needs.

Compressor Refrigerators
This is the familiar, large residential refrigerator that you see in many new RV’s and fifth wheels. They can run on either propane or electricity and are powered by a small compressor unit. They can be very efficient, but they can also be noisy and have a tendency to clog.

Absorption Refrigerators
These refrigerators use no pumps or compressors and work by magic gas absorption. Pressurized refrigerant goes through a set of fins and gets cooled. This causes the refrigerant to condensate into a liquid. This liquid then passes through a little bit of office where it vaporizes back into a gas. This gas draws the heat from your food compartment and cools it. It then heads back to the compressor where the cycle starts all over again.

If you have an absorption refrigerator, it takes longer for your foods to get cold and may need to work harder when it’s hot outside or at higher altitudes. You can help it work better by parking your RV in the shade and keeping the fridge doors closed as little as possible. You can also try a fridge fan to increase air circulation and keep temperatures more even. rv fridge