Although times will vary depending on the battery and fridge, the average RV fridge will run for
8 to 10 hours
with the batteries on. When plugged into shore power your house batteries will be charging so the battery will last as long as you are plugged in.
How many hours a day does an RV fridge run?
Compression fridges or “residential” fridges tend to run for much longer on battery –
up to 12 hours
– compared to absorption fridges that usually last around 3 hours. Another thing to consider is what kind of battery you have. Some RVs run off of a single 12-volt battery, while others run off of four 6-volt batteries.
Do RV Refrigerators run all the time?
ANSWER Hi Dale, the simple answer to your question is
no, you do not have to leave your RV’s fridge running to extend its lifespan
. RV Refrigerators are designed specifically for RVs with the understanding that they are turned off and on frequently.
When should I turn on my RV refrigerator?
One important difference with an RV refrigerator is that it will take the refrigerator about 24 hours to cool down to the desired temperature. I recommend you plug it in, and turn it on,
at least one day before you plan on using it
.
How long will a 20 lb propane tank run a refrigerator?
If you’re using a standard 20-lb propane tank, you can expect it to last around
11 days
(non-stop) before needing to replace or refill it.
How long will a camper refrigerator run on propane?
You can run an RV fridge using a 20 lb. propane tank for
280 hours
, or just over 11 days.
Does RV fridge work better on propane?
Generally speaking,
propane-powered RV fridges are preferred as they don’t require a lot of maintenance, and they last longer as they don’t have any moving parts
. An electric fridge, on the other hand, is a bit safer and doesn’t require you to be on the lookout for gas leaks.
Will RV fridge run off battery while driving?
Yes, you can certainly run your RV refrigerator while driving
. But you will need to decide on the level of RV travel safety risk you are willing to take.
How long will my RV battery run my refrigerator?
In general, a 12V-50Ah battery can run a 2 cubic feet 12V fridge for
35 to 50 hours
before it’s completely depleted. A 10 cubic feet RV refrigerator can run on the same battery for only 10 to 15 hours. However, it’s important to note that: Batteries should not be fully discharged.
How do I keep my RV fridge cold while traveling?
- Lower the Fridge Temp Before Leaving. …
- Refrigerate Items at Home Before Loading Them into Your Fridge. …
- Consider what you pack in your fridge. …
- Place Ice Packs in Your Fridge. …
- Avoid Opening the Fridge While Traveling. …
- Use a Fridge Fan Inside Your RV Fridge.
Should I leave my RV refrigerator open when not in use?
Most of you also know that
it’s a good idea to leave your RV’s refrigerator and freezer doors open a bit while it’s not in use
. This just allows air flow and helps to prevent any musty smell or condensation inside the refer.
Will RV fridge run on 110?
Most modern RVs now are leaning toward having “residential” refrigerators that are only electric – while the die-hard boondocking types seem to favor the “2-way” or even “3-way” RV style refrigerators.
Typically “2-way” refrigerators can run on 110 Volt A/C household power or propane gas.
How long do camper refrigerators last?
RV refrigerators typically last
10 to 18 years
, and the average life of a refrigerator is 14 years. Many factors influence the life of fridges, including the type of refrigerator and environmental factors.
Does RV refrigerator work better on gas or electric?
Many agree that RV refrigerators work better on electricity
, as it keeps the food fresh and cold for a longer period. On the other hand, a gas RV fridge will cool faster and stay colder even in high temperatures.
Does RV fridge need battery to run on propane?
To run on propane (LP),
an RV fridge does not require battery power
, but it does require battery power to open the gas valve and fire the igniter. The front panel LEDs and thermostat are also powered by RV batteries. RV refrigerators commonly use a gas absorption cooling system.
Does RV fridge cool faster on propane?
It will cool faster on propane
and stay colder on extremely hot days. It’s all about getting the ammonia solution to boil and circulate.
Do all RV refrigerators run on propane?
The refrigerator should generally operate on LP gas, unless it is set on automatic
. If the system is set on automatic, it will switch and run off of 120 volts of electricity should it become available.
How much gas does a camper fridge use?
A typical RV fridge/freezer will use about 36,000 BTU of propane per day which is about
. 37 gallons or 1.5 lb of propane per day
. A typical RV propane tank contains about 30 pounds of propane and at 1.5 lbs used per day will be pretty much empty in about 19 days. In fact in propane mode the RV fridge is an energy hog.
Can I drive my RV with the propane on?
You can run your RV fridge on propane while driving, but there are some risks associated with it
. The most obvious risk is that there could be a fire or explosion that comes as a result of the propane. This risk mostly exists if something were to go wrong while you were driving.
Does an RV refrigerator cool faster on propane or electric?
Propane would be faster than electric if the outside temps were 45 I expect
. In the same air temps the air leaving the roof vent over and over is 10 degrees hotter on propane than electric. This increased heat load seems to cancel out any gains in the propane’s ability to cool faster.
How cold should my RV fridge get?
Your RV’s refrigerator should be
less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 deg C), ideally around 35 degrees
. Setting your fridge’s temperature will vary depending on the brand but adding a thermometer will help you know if your fridge is set correctly.
How do I know if my RV refrigerator is working?
RV fridges
use electric igniters that will make a clicking sound and you should see a spark
. If there is no clicking sound but gas is flowing, the control circuit board is probably not working. If you hear the ignitor but do not see any flame, the gas valve may not be working properly.
