Hooking Up A Fridge In Your Camper: A Step-By-Step Guide

Refrigerators are an essential part of any camper setup, but they can be tricky to install and operate. Unlike standard home refrigerators, RV refrigerators use gravity to cool and can take up to 24 hours to reach the desired temperature. This article will provide an overview of the key considerations for installing and operating a refrigerator in a camper, including power sources, safety concerns, and alternative cooling methods.

Using a generator to power your RV fridge

Generators are a great way to power your RV fridge, especially if you're dry camping, boondocking, or have access to limited power. Here are some tips and considerations for using a generator to power your RV fridge:

Choosing the Right Generator

The key consideration when choosing a generator for your RV fridge is the power output. RV refrigerators typically use between 400 and 1000 watts of electricity, but this can vary depending on the size and type of refrigerator. Large or older fridge models tend to consume more power, with running watts ranging from 50W to 1500W and starting wattages between 200W to 5000W. Therefore, it's important to calculate the power requirements of your specific refrigerator by checking the owner's manual or the manufacturer's tag.

Another factor to consider is the type of generator. Inverter generators produce clean power that won't damage the sensors or control panels in modern smart fridges or camping refrigerators. Standard generators, on the other hand, often produce high total harmonic distortion (THD) that may harm the micro-compressors in frequency-sensitive devices.

Recommended Generators

• Honda EU10i - Best for mini and RV refrigerators. It delivers 1000 watts of maximum power and is lightweight at 13kg. It features sine-wave inverter technology, ensuring safe operation for frequency-sensitive electronics. The built-in Eco Throttle mode reduces noise output to 52 dBA while extending runtime.
• Honda EU22i - Ideal for powering medium-size modern fridges, smart fridges, and deep freezer chests. It produces 2200 watts of maximum power and 1800 watts of continuous power. The Eco Throttle mode automatically adjusts engine speed, saving fuel and extending runtime to 8 hours.
• Genesys GEN2500i - Suitable for powering old, large, or side-by-side refrigerators. It delivers a maximum of 2400 watts and can also run other essential devices simultaneously. This model runs for 40% longer than other generators in its class, with a continuous runtime of 6-20 hours.

Portable vs. Permanent Generators

RV generators come in two main styles: portable and permanent. Portable generators are ideal for short camping trips and can be used for other purposes besides RVing. They are generally more affordable but may not be built for consistent heavy usage. Permanent generators, on the other hand, are more expensive but offer a more stable and consistent source of energy for your RV. They are often encased, enclosed, and vented, and feature a transfer switch that automatically turns the generator on and off.

Fuel Considerations

Generators can run on different types of fuel, such as gas, liquid propane (LP), or diesel. Gas is inexpensive and easily accessible, but it burns fast. LP propane stores better than gas but outputs slightly less power. Diesel burns cleaner than gas and produces more power than propane. It is also considered a "greener" option. Among RVers, gas and propane are the most popular choices for their consistent heating performance.

Noise Levels

When choosing a generator, consider the noise levels to maintain courtesy towards neighbouring campers or RVers. Look for generators with lower sound decibel ratings and place them away from other campers if possible.

RV fridge considerations

When it comes to choosing an RV refrigerator, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Power Source

RV refrigerators can run on different power sources such as electricity, propane (LP gas), or DC power. Residential refrigerators typically run only on electricity, while RV refrigerators offer more flexibility. This is an important consideration, especially if you plan to dry camp or stay in locations without access to shore power.

Type of Refrigerator

There are three main types of RV refrigerators: absorption refrigerators, compressor refrigerators, and residential refrigerators. Absorption refrigerators are the most common type found in RVs, using chemical reactions to cool and can run on AC power, propane, or sometimes DC power. Compressor refrigerators are often found in residential settings and usually run only on AC power, but some RV-specific models can run on both AC and DC power.

Size and Space

The size of the refrigerator and the available space in your RV is a crucial consideration. Measure the designated space for the refrigerator, including height, width, and depth. Residential refrigerators often require more depth, and their door hinges may need additional clearance. If opting for a smaller refrigerator, you may need to fill in gaps, while a larger refrigerator might require removing cabinets or adjusting the floor plan.

Performance and Cooling

RV refrigerators have different cooling mechanisms, with absorption refrigerators taking longer to cool and being sensitive to levelling. Compressor refrigerators generally work faster and perform better in hotter climates. Additionally, consider the time it takes for the refrigerator to cool, as some can take up to 24 hours to reach the desired temperature.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Regular maintenance and troubleshooting are essential for RV refrigerators. This includes checking the levelling, cleaning vents and fans, and ensuring proper ventilation. It is also important to monitor the refrigerator's performance and make adjustments as needed, such as changing the settings based on the weather conditions.

Cost and Budget

RV refrigerators can vary significantly in price, with some options being more expensive than others. Consider your budget and the features that are most important to you. Used refrigerators can also be an option to save money, but thorough checking and testing are necessary to ensure proper functioning.

Alternate RV Fridge Cooling Methods

RV refrigerators differ from standard home refrigerators in that they use gravity and airflow to cool, rather than a compressor. This means that RV fridges take longer to cool down, and are more sensitive to factors like the level of the vehicle, airflow, and exterior temperature. Here are some methods to help keep your RV fridge cool:

Use Ice or Frozen Bottles

The fastest way to cool an RV fridge is to use ice or frozen water bottles. These are already cooler than the fridge's target temperature, so they aid the cooling process. This method is especially useful if you want to cool items in the refrigerator quickly.

Use a Fridge Fan

RV fridges rely on airflow to maintain their temperature, so a fridge fan can be a worthwhile investment. Fridge fans are reasonably priced, easy to use, and don't take up much space. They work by circulating the air inside the fridge, reducing the overall cooling time.

Level Your RV

RV refrigerators work best when they are level because they rely on gravity to pull materials in the right direction for cooling. Gas-powered refrigerators, in particular, can be dangerous if the RV isn't level. Most manufacturers say that their refrigerators operate well within 3 degrees of movement side-to-side and 6 degrees front-to-back.

Park in the Shade

On hot, sunny days, the fridge has to work harder to maintain its temperature. By parking in the shade or using an awning to keep the RV cool, you can increase the efficiency of the fridge.

Monitor the Temperature

Many RV fridges don't have temperature gauges, but you can purchase an inexpensive thermometer to monitor the temperature. Some thermometers have displays that can be placed on a shelf or mounted to a wall, and some even connect to your phone. This way, you can monitor the temperature on the go and see how well the fridge is performing.

Keep the Fridge Full

A full fridge holds cold temperatures better than an empty one. However, be careful not to overfill the fridge, as this can impact airflow and cooling efficiency.

Turn on the Fridge 24 Hours Before Leaving

It can take an RV fridge up to 24 hours to reach the optimal temperature, so be sure to turn it on a full day before you plan to use it.

Measuring your fridge space

Turn Off Power Sources:

Before you begin measuring, it's important to ensure safety by turning off all relevant power sources. This includes turning off the propane, electric controls, and battery. Unplug the main power source, and if applicable, turn off your generator and house battery.

Access the Fridge:

Locate the access panel on the outside of your camper to access the back of the fridge. Disconnect the supply line and any relevant wires, such as 12V wires.

Remove the Fridge:

Go back inside your camper and unscrew the fridge. Gently remove any caulk or sealant holding it in place, and then carefully pull out the fridge.

Measure the Space:

Once the fridge is removed, use a measuring tape to determine the dimensions of the space. Measure the height, depth, and width of the refrigerator compartment. It is important to be as accurate as possible.

Consider Fridge Type:

The type of fridge you plan to install will also determine the necessary space requirements. Absorption refrigerators, commonly found in RVs, should fit fairly snugly in the space. On the other hand, residential refrigerators will need a couple of inches in the back for air circulation and may also require circulation space on the sides.

Compare Measurements:

After measuring your fridge space, compare these dimensions to the specifications of the new refrigerator you plan to purchase. Ensure that the new fridge will fit within the measured space, taking into account any necessary clearances for air circulation.

Ventilation Requirements:

Remember to consider ventilation requirements when measuring your fridge space. The refrigerator will need adequate breathing space to function efficiently and avoid overheating. Typically, refrigerators require a minimum of 2 inches of clearance from the back wall, 1 inch from the upper cabinet, and 1/8 inch on either side.

By carefully measuring your fridge space and considering the type of refrigerator you plan to install, you can ensure a seamless fit for your new appliance, making the delivery and installation process much smoother.

Removing the gas/electric refrigerator

Firstly, ensure all camper hookups are disconnected. This will prevent any potential electric shocks when you start removing the refrigerator. Then, locate the refrigerator access panel on the outside of your RV. This will look like a rectangular vent cover. Unscrew the panel to expose the back of the refrigerator.

You will now see the connections at the back of the refrigerator. Typically, there will be a wall plug, a fuel line (such as propane), and some wires spliced together with wire nuts. Unplug the fridge and disconnect and cap the fuel line. Twist off any wire nuts.

The next step is to remove the screws that secure the bottom of the refrigerator to the floor of the RV. These screws will be located behind the access panel that you have just removed.

Now, you will need to detach the fridge from the front. Start by removing the fridge doors. To do this, loosen the nut on the bottom of the door hinges and then lift the doors off. With the doors removed, you can now take off the trim around the fridge. Unscrew each screw around the perimeter.

Behind the trim, you will find additional screws both above and below the refrigerator. These screws attach the fridge directly to the wall of the RV to prevent it from sliding around when the vehicle is in motion. Remove these screws and any wire nuts that may be located behind the bottom panel.

At this point, the refrigerator should be ready to slide out of its cavity in the wall. Before doing so, however, it is important to take some precautionary measures. Remove any drawers or other movable parts from within the fridge to prevent them from sliding out during removal. If the fridge is not level with the floor, lay down some protective padding to prevent damage to the floor and the unit when you set it down.

If you plan to repair and replace the refrigerator, it is important to keep it upright as much as possible to avoid coolant contamination, which can impact the fridge's functionality. Due to their weight, it is recommended to have someone help you manoeuvre the refrigerator out of the RV and down the steps. If you are disposing of the fridge, you can back a pickup truck up to the RV door and load the refrigerator directly into the truck bed.

Frequently asked questions