An RV refrigerator is one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll need on a boondocking trip. It needs to be durable and work well with your solar power system.
Try to only store cool foods and drinks in the fridge. This will reduce the workload and help your rv refrigerator keep its optimal temperature.
Absorption Refrigerators
In the days before mechanical compressors became commonplace, absorption refrigerators provided a good option for RVers. In fact, they still do. While they may be a little less efficient than compressor units, these fridges are very easy to use and work well.
The cooling process is accomplished by heating a 2-part mixture of ammonia and water. The vapor moves to the refrigerator’s coils where it cools the interior, starting in the freezer. Then the vapor returns to the absorber, and the cycle begins again.
The absorption fridge can be powered by electricity, a 12-volt or 240-volt electrical heating element, or by propane gas. Propane heat sources are typically used when electricity isn’t available.
One of the most common problems with absorption refrigerators is that they don’t get as cold as they should. The problem can be caused by a variety of things, including the age of the fridge’s cooling unit or insulation. It’s also important to ensure that the fridge is level when parked.
Compressor Refrigerators
Refrigerators with compressors use an electric motor to circulate HCFC or HFC refrigerant in closed systems, heating it up and raising its pressure before it goes into cooling coils. This allows refrigerators to maintain a consistent temperature, regardless of the outside ambient temperature.
This type of RV fridge is best suited for people who prioritize heavy-duty and consistent cooling since it can chill down to very low temperatures. It’s also the fridge of choice for caravanners who plan to do a lot of camping in off-grid settings or travel on rough terrains.
However, you should know that they consume a lot of power when running on AC & DC. Plus, they tend to drain your caravan battery a lot faster than 3-way absorption fridges. So, you’ll need extra equipment such as solar panels or generators to charge your batteries on the go. They also produce audible noises when the compressor is running. They are typically found in Class A and Class C motorhomes as well as some luxury 5th wheels.
Solar Power Refrigerators
Solar fridges are powered by the sun’s energy. They’re ideal for campers, hikers, and those who live in areas with long hours of sunlight. Most of these models have a battery backup system that stores excess solar-generated power so the fridge can run at night even when the sun is not shining.
They use a different compressor than regular refrigerators, making them much quieter. Plus, some models don’t make any noise at all, which is especially helpful if you have children or pets in your home.
To run a solar power refrigerator, you’ll need a solar panel that can generate 200-400 watts and a deep cycle battery to store the electricity it produces during the day. You’ll also need a power inverter to convert the DC power from your batteries into AC that your fridge can use. You’ll want to protect your setup with fuses, as well. These should be placed between your solar panels and the battery, as well as between the fridge and your battery.
Portable Refrigerators
A portable fridge will make your camping and road trips a little more comfortable. There are many options for these small appliances, from models that plug into your car to ones that can use propane and run off of a solar panel. When choosing a portable refrigerator, you should consider how it works, its size, durability and warranty.
Compressor fridges are similar to those found in your home and are a good option for people who camp or live off the grid often. They’ll drain more electricity than a thermoelectric fridge but less than an absorption model. Thermostats control the cooling and freezing temperatures in these models. A Whynter portable fridge/freezer has a chest-style design that opens from the front so you don’t lose cold air when opening it. It can run off your car’s cigarette lighter, on an EcoFlow portable power station or with a battery to keep it off the grid. It can also accommodate an ice pack for quick food and beverage chilling.