Six Essential Tips to Keep Your RV Refrigerator Cold
An RV refrigerator operates differently than a home refrigerator. Unlike residential fridges that use a compressor to compress refrigerant vapor, RV refrigerators work through an absorption process. This process heats a refrigerant liquid that evaporates in a low-pressure environment to absorb heat and cool the unit. Here’s how you can keep your RV fridge at optimal temperatures and ensure your groceries stay cold throughout your travels.
1. Pre-Cool Before Stocking
Allow 8-12 hours of run time for your RV refrigerator to reach a cooling temperature of 36-40°F for the fridge and -10-0°F for the freezer. Waiting until the fridge is cold before stocking it will improve cooling efficiency.
2. Stock with Cool Groceries
RV refrigerators are designed to maintain temperature, not to cool down warm items. For best results, stock your fridge with groceries that are already chilled or at room temperature.
3. Space Out Items for Air Circulation
Avoid crowding items, especially near the fridge’s back vents. Keeping groceries spaced out allows cool air to circulate, which helps the fridge maintain an even temperature.
4. Take Advantage of Cold Zones
Remember, the coldest area of the fridge is on the bottom shelf. To increase air circulation, some RV owners place a battery-operated refrigerator fan on the bottom shelf, which helps distribute cool air more effectively.
5. Limit Door Openings
To keep the temperature consistent, minimize how often you open the fridge door. Knowing what you need before opening it helps, and storing frequently used beverages in a cooler can help reduce door openings.
6. After Your Trip: Proper Shut-Down and Storage
Once your trip is over, make sure to fully shut down the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature before storing it. Wipe down the compartments to remove any moisture, as lingering water can cause mold. Leave the refrigerator doors partially open to allow airflow during storage. Many RV fridges come with handle catches for this purpose; if yours doesn’t, draping a dry towel over each door will keep them from closing entirely. Don’t forget to remove the towels and secure the doors before your next trip!
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is deemed to be true and accurate at the time of publication. However, due to the evolving nature of our products and services, there may be changes or updates that occur after this article was published. We encourage users to verify the contents and consult with their dealer or Keystone RV for the most current information. If you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact your dealer or reach out to Keystone RV directly.
