Hitting the open road this summer will lead to plenty of RVing fun, as well as some hot temperatures. As temperatures continue to climb all across the country, sometimes reaching record-highs in certain areas, staying cool can be a challenge. If you’re struggling to keep cool in the heat, chances are that your RV fridge is struggling as well. Nothing can ruin a good vacation like a fridge full of spoiled food. But don’t panic! There are many tips and tricks you can utilize to keep your fridge plenty cold in the summer heat. Here, we’ll cover some of the best advice collected from pro RVers to help keep your fridge running at maximum efficiency no matter the outside temperature. Show How RV Fridges WorkBefore knowing how to troubleshoot and solve potential cooling problems, it’s important to first understand the ins and outs of how these fridges work. RV fridges operate completely differently from standard refrigerators. Most RV fridges run off of compression or absorption. If you are unsure which type of fridge your RV has, check the manual to be sure. Absorption and compressor fridges work completely differently from each other, so read on below to learn more about them. Compressor FridgesCompressor, or mechanical, fridges are more expensive but typically do a better job of keeping products cold, even in hot temperatures. These fridges work similarly to standard home fridges and run only on electrical power. The compressor compresses gas to a higher and hotter pressure, and the hot refrigerant then enters the condenser where it cools off and and becomes a liquid. Then the cooled liquid hits the evaporator which spikes the liquid’s temperature to a boiling point, which then helps to remove the hot air from the fridge. The evaporated gases then make their way back into the compressor, and the process continues. Photo credit: RVshareAbsorption FridgesMost RVs are equipped with absorption fridges. These are the fridge types that can run off of propane or electric. These fridges work by mixing ammonia (refrigerant) with water and using either propane or electrical power to go through a process that eventually the mixture until it boils. Because its boiling point is so low (-16 degrees Fahrenheit), it is able to absorb the surrounding heat inside the fridge, maintaining a cooler temperature. Although these fridges come installed in most RVs, they can fairly pricey to replace or repair, as they are somewhat uncommon outside of the world of RVing. However, replacement parts for these fridges can be found through Camping World, Amazon (sometimes), and local RV dealership service departments. Dos and Don’ts of RV FridgesNow that you understand how each type of RV works, it’s best to learn the dos and don’ts of RV fridges. Keep all of these simple tips and instructions in mind in order to maximize your RV fridge’s efficiency and maintain the coldest temperatures.
Defrosting the Fridge and FreezerOver time, many absorption fridges are prone to ice build-up on the evaporator fins in the fridge or back sensors of the freezer. If you’ve noticed that these crucial refrigerator components are frozen over, it’s time to defrost them, as it will be nearly impossible to keep food at the correct temperature with these important pieces not working properly. For this brief project, you will need a towel, a hairdryer or heat gun, a small ice scraper, and a cooler with ice. How-to:
Accessories to HelpThere are a few key accessories that can further help your fridge to stay cool in the heat of the summer. Check out these gadgets, and research a few options before making any purchases. Photo credit: RVing Know HowFridge-Cooling FanIf you read our RV refrigerator maintenance blog post, then you know that most RV fridge fans are overworked and under-powered. However, there is a simple solution to this: the Valterra fridge fan. This tiny accessory packs a big punch in helping your fridge stay cool. It runs off of two “D” batteries that are changed monthly and doesn’t require you to wire anything additional into your fridge. That’s a win-win in our book. If you don’t love the Valterra fridge fan, there are several other companies that create similar accessory fans to help. Thermometer packPurchase a pack of at least two or three fridge thermometers. These should have clips on them to hook right onto the shelves and help monitor your fridge temperature at a glance. For the most accurate readings, you will want to place at least two in the fridge, one in the back and one in the fronts, as well as one on each side of your freezer. However, if you only have one thermometer, this should still suffice to monitor your fridge temperatures. This is one of the best ways to monitor your fridge’s performance and adjust the temperature as necessary. The refrigerator should stay under 41°F, and the freezer should stay at 0°F. Photo credit: Camping WorldKeeping your food cold on your adventures is super important to avoid food-borne illness and prevent food spoilage. After all, food poisoning or wasted food is a sure-fire way to spoil a vacation. Follow these tips and tricks to keep your fridge running at peak performance no matter how hot your next destination is. Photo credit: Lichstinn RVDoes your fridge struggle to stay cool in the summer? Do you have any other tips or tricks to add to the list? Tell us about it in the comments below! What's the coldest setting on a Norcold refrigerator?- The number “9” is the coldest temperature setting.
What is the correct temperature for an RV refrigerator?This is one of the best ways to monitor your fridge's performance and adjust the temperature as necessary. The refrigerator should stay under 41°F, and the freezer should stay at 0°F. Keeping your food cold on your adventures is super important to avoid food-borne illness and prevent food spoilage.
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