Propane Usage For Operating A Camper Fridge Efficiently

how much propane to operate camper fridge

Propane fridges are a common feature in the RV/Camper world. They are fantastic for boondocking and conserving electrical power. However, it can be tricky to estimate how much propane an RV fridge consumes, as it depends on various factors, including ambient temperature, fridge size, age, and usage patterns.

For example, a 20-pound propane tank may last around 11.5 days in an 8 cu ft RV fridge with a very efficient rating of 1,500 BTUs per hour. On the other hand, a full 20-pound propane tank might only last a week in a less efficient, older model.

To reduce propane consumption, RV owners can perform regular maintenance, ensure their RV is level, pre-cool the fridge, pack it wisely, and use fans to circulate cold air.

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A 20-pound propane tank can last 11.5 days

The age of your RV fridge is another factor. Older fridges tend to be less efficient and may have issues such as dust and debris build-up, blocked vents, or soot, which can affect combustion and cause inefficient propane use. Newer, more efficient RV fridges are more thermally efficient, so they don't need to cycle as often and burn less propane.

Other factors that can affect propane usage include the ambient temperature, how the refrigerator is packed, and whether you put cold or warm food into the fridge. For example, operating your RV fridge in hot weather will increase propane usage, as will frequently opening the fridge door, as cold air escapes each time the door is opened.

Additionally, it's important to keep your RV level, as absorption fridges run more efficiently on a level surface. This is because the fluids involved in the cooling process are gravity-fed, and if the RV is not level, these fluids can pool in the wrong places, reducing the amount of refrigerant available for each cooling cycle.

By taking these factors into consideration, you can optimise the efficiency of your RV fridge and make a 20-pound propane tank last for 11.5 days or even longer.

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Propane fridges use some electricity

Propane fridges are highly efficient, with most lasting longer than 11 days running non-stop from a standard 20-pound propane tank. However, they do use some electricity, and there are several factors to consider when determining how much propane is needed to operate a camper fridge.

Firstly, it's important to note that propane fridges use absorption technology for cooling, which requires heat to boil the liquid chemicals inside a sealed system. While propane is typically used as the heat source, some units also have an electric power option, known as a heat rod. The heat rod produces the required heat using electricity, but it has a very high wattage usage, up to 350 watts, and is not solar-friendly. Therefore, it may be more costly to operate the fridge using electricity, depending on energy prices and usage habits.

Additionally, the efficiency of a propane fridge can vary depending on several conditions, such as the ambient air temperature, airflow around the refrigerator, the contents of the refrigerator, and whether it is level. For example, if the refrigerator is not level, the cooling efficiency can be affected as the system relies on gravity. Similarly, if the refrigerator is opened frequently, warm air enters and affects the temperature, requiring more propane to maintain the desired cooling level.

Furthermore, the size of the propane tank and the specific model of the fridge will also impact how much propane is consumed. Different fridges have different BTU (British Thermal Unit) ratings, which measure the amount of heat energy they consume. As a rough estimate, a 20-pound propane tank can provide approximately 427,000 BTU of heat energy, and an average propane fridge may use around 36,000 BTU per day. Therefore, a 20-pound tank may last for around 11 to 12 days with non-stop use. However, it's important to note that these are estimates, and actual usage may vary based on various factors.

In summary, while propane fridges can operate without electricity, some models do offer an electric power option. The amount of propane consumed will depend on various factors, including ambient temperature, fridge contents, airflow, and the level of the refrigerator. The size of the propane tank and the specific model of the fridge will also impact consumption rates. Therefore, it's important to consider these factors when determining the electricity usage and propane requirements for operating a camper fridge.

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Ambient temperature affects propane usage

Ambient temperature has a significant impact on propane usage in camper fridges. A higher ambient temperature results in increased propane consumption as the fridge works harder to maintain a lower internal temperature. This effect is exacerbated when the internal temperature is set very low, leading to a larger temperature differential between the inside and outside of the fridge.

For example, a study found that by keeping the internal temperature of a camping fridge fixed at 4°C and altering only the ambient temperature, the energy used was approximately three times higher within a 24-hour period when the ambient temperature was 43°C compared to 21°C. Similarly, another user reported that their 11-year-old 6 cubic foot Dometic RM2652 fridge used close to 20 lbs of propane per week in 90°F+ days, whereas it would typically last longer at lower ambient temperatures.

To optimize propane usage, it is recommended to keep the camping fridge well-ventilated and away from direct sunlight or high-ambient conditions. Additionally, minimizing the opening of the fridge door, ensuring the flame is on, and maintaining a level surface can help improve efficiency.

It is worth noting that newer compressor refrigerators are more efficient at maintaining cool temperatures in hot ambient conditions compared to older ammonia absorption refrigerators, which tend to struggle in such environments.

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Older fridges are less efficient

In addition to higher electricity costs, older fridges may also struggle to maintain performance over time. They may become slower to cool, especially if the door is frequently opened. They can also have difficulty maintaining cool temperatures at higher altitudes or when the ambient temperature is high.

For example, a user with an 11-year-old 6-cubic-foot Dometic RM2652 fridge reported that it consumes close to 20 lbs of propane per week in 90-degree Fahrenheit weather. In contrast, a newer model, such as a 12 cu/ft Norcold refrigerator, would use significantly less propane, burning 2400 BTU/hr, which equates to about 38 hours of use with one gallon of propane.

Another user with a 45-year-old Haddco refrigerator reported that it uses 20 lbs of propane every 14 days, which is a relatively low consumption rate for its age. However, newer models with higher energy efficiency would still outperform it.

Upgrading to a newer, more efficient model can lead to substantial cost savings and improved performance, making it a worthwhile investment, especially for those who frequently use their camper fridges or face challenges with their older appliances.

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Propane fridges need electrical power to run

Propane fridges, also known as absorption refrigerators, do not require electrical power to run. This is because they use "absorption cooling", a refrigeration process first developed by Michael Faraday in 1824. This process involves sealed tubes and canisters containing liquids and gases that experience a chemical reaction under heat and pressure, which, with the help of condensers and compressors, creates a drastic cooling process.

However, while propane fridges do not rely on electrical power, they do require a propane flame to heat the water and ammonia inside the fridge to its boiling point. This now-gaseous material then rises into a condensing chamber where it cools and returns to a liquid state. This liquid then flows into another chamber, the evaporator, where it mixes with hydrogen gas, and a chemical reaction occurs that absorbs heat from inside the refrigerator. As such, propane fridges require propane fuel to run, and a single 20-pound propane tank can typically power a propane fridge nonstop for 11 days.

It is worth noting that the performance of a propane fridge can be affected by various factors, such as outside temperature, how often the fridge is accessed, and the materials inside the refrigerator. For example, one user reported that their 11-year-old 6 cubic foot Dometic RM2652 fridge used close to 20 pounds of propane in a week during 90-degree weather. Additionally, propane fridges may struggle to maintain cool temperatures at higher altitudes or when they are not level, and they tend to be slow to cool if the door is opened frequently.

Despite these considerations, propane fridges remain a popular option for recreational vehicles, cabins, lake houses, or any place that doesn't have ready access to electricity. They are economical and reliable, and for travelers or those who live off-grid or in remote areas, they can be a more convenient option than refrigerators powered by battery or solar panel electricity.

Frequently asked questions

On average, an RV fridge consumes 2400 BTU/hr of propane. The amount of propane used depends on the size and age of the fridge, ambient temperature, and how the refrigerator is packed.

A 20-pound propane tank contains 4.6 gallons of propane and can run an 8 cu ft RV fridge for approximately 280.6 hours (or around 11.5 days).

Regular maintenance, pre-cooling the fridge, packing the fridge wisely, and keeping the RV level are some ways to reduce propane consumption.

The amount of propane used depends on various factors, including the size and age of the fridge, ambient temperature, and how often the fridge door is opened.

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