RV refrigerators work when propane heats up an ammonia solution until it boils. The ammonia vapor then rises to the condenser where it becomes a liquid. The liquid ammonia is then combined with hydrogen gas in the evaporator and becomes a gas again. This rapid evaporation cools the refrigerator.
How does a 3 way RV refrigerator work?
A “3-way fridge” usually refers to an absorption RV refrigerator that
can run off of AC Power, LP gas, and DC Power
. This fridge can run off of shore power (or a generator), propane, or house batteries. Absorption refrigerators provide more flexibility because you can switch to propane to conserve power.
Can you leave camper fridge on all the time?
Ultimately,
it’s possible to keep your RV refrigerator running all the time if you don’t go anywhere
. However, if you’re intent on travel, then powering down and disconnecting it from the power supply or propane source, is best.
Can you run RV fridge on propane while driving?
The fact of the matter is that there is no simple answer, and most RV owners run their propane while driving. However,
leaving your propane on does expose you to some risks
. A severed propane line in an accident can ignite in an instant, much easier than spilled gasoline or diesel can.
How do I keep my RV fridge cold while driving?
- 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.
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.
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.
Is it better to run RV fridge on propane 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 an RV fridge need power 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.
Is it better to leave a RV refrigerator on or off?
You don’t need to leave your RV fridge on all the time
. This will not extend its life. However, before going on a camping trip, you must turn on your RV refrigerator within 24 hours. This will allow your refrigerator to cool down in time for your trip.
How long do RV fridges 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.
Why do RV refrigerators catch fire?
Fires are allegedly caused when
defects in the Dometic refrigerator design release flammable gases
, which can then explosively ignite and spread quickly through the refrigerator compartment and into the passenger area of the RV.
Will RV fridge run off battery?
An RV refrigerator will run off of the battery if your fridge model is set up for it or if it uses propane too
. An absorption fridge will run on batteries only for about 3 hours but if using propane too it will last for weeks. A residential RV fridge will last for about 12 hours on batteries.
How much propane does a RV fridge use?
Generally, a 10 to 12 cubic foot RV fridge will burn about
1.5 pounds of propane per day
.
How does a 12 Volt RV refrigerator work?
A 12 volt RV refrigerator
runs primarily on the 12-volt DC power from your rig’s house batteries
(or potentially your car or truck’s starter battery). These refrigerators operate solely on electricity, as opposed to absorption or two-way RV refrigerators that can burn propane to power their cooling system.
Is it OK to run generator while driving RV?
Driving with the RV generator on is perfectly safe
and will allow you to run all of your major RV appliances while driving your RV. Even though it is not the most fuel efficient way to drive your RV, you and any passengers on board may be very happy being able to use all the conveniences the RV has to offer.
How long will an RV fridge run on battery?
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 cold should RV fridge be?
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.
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.
How long does it take for RV fridge to get cold on propane?
How long does it take for a RV Fridge to get cold? It typically takes
24 hours
for your refrigerator in your RV to get cold. As the fridge is an absorption style, it takes more time to exchange the heat out of the refrigerator than a typical residential fridge.
How much electricity does a RV refrigerator use?
The small RV refrigerator ended up using about
5 kWh of power per day
. Our entire battery bank is about 24 kWh. This means that nearly every day about 20% to 25% of all our usable battery power would need to go to powering the refrigerator.
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.
