
Keeping your camper fridge cold during hot weather can be challenging. Traditional camper fridges use an absorption-based system, and their performance can be affected by the angle of the vehicle, airflow, and external temperature. To keep your camper fridge cold, it's important to ensure the camper is level, as this allows the refrigerant fluid to move through the pipes correctly. Keeping the fridge's exterior vent in the shade will also help, as direct sunlight can impact its ability to cool. Other tips to keep your camper fridge cold include turning it on 24 hours before departure, avoiding leaving the door open for too long, and not overfilling the fridge, as this can affect airflow.
What You'll Learn
Ensure the camper is level
Keeping your camper level is extremely important for a three-way fridge to operate correctly. When your camper is level, the refrigerant fluid can move through the pipes at the back of the appliance, working to extract heat from the absorption fridge. If your camper is not level, the liquid refrigerant can get trapped and damage the unit.
To level your camper, you can use levelling jacks or ramps. It is recommended to get your camper as level as possible, ideally within two degrees front to back and within three degrees side to side. This ensures that the refrigerant fluid can flow downhill through the zig-zag tubing at the back of the fridge by gravity.
If you are travelling with your fridge running, motion keeps everything moving inside the fridge's plumbing and prevents any problems. However, if you stop, even for a short time, on a slope, remember to turn the fridge off. Additionally, if you are parked on a slope, try to position your camper so that the fridge's exterior vent is not in direct sunlight. This will help keep the fridge cool and prevent it from struggling to maintain its temperature.
By taking these steps to ensure your camper is level, you can help your three-way fridge operate effectively and avoid issues with cooling.
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Keep the fridge in the shade
Keeping your camper fridge in the shade is one of the most important things you can do to keep it cold. The sun's rays can quickly heat up the exterior of the fridge, impacting its ability to cool. When parking your camper, try to position the fridge's exterior vent away from direct sunlight. This can be done by facing the vent north or by parking in a shaded area. If natural shade is not available, you can create your own shade by using an awning or a 'shade-making' device.
There are a variety of ways to create shade for your camper fridge. One option is to install an awning specifically for the fridge. This can be done by rigging an awning to cover the refrigerator vent, ensuring that it doesn't impede airflow. Another option is to use a fan to blow air into the bottom of the fridge, helping to circulate cool air. This can be done by propping open the bottom cover and positioning a small fan to blow air into the fridge.
In addition to using shade, there are other ways to keep your camper fridge cold. One important tip is to level your camper. For a three-way fridge to operate correctly, it needs to be level, ensuring that the refrigerant fluid moves correctly through the pipes. Another tip is to avoid overfilling your fridge, as this can prevent proper airflow. It's also important to ensure that the fridge door seals tightly and that food and beverages are not placed in the fridge when they are still hot.
By following these tips, you can help keep your camper fridge cold and avoid food spoilage. Keeping the fridge in the shade is one of the most effective ways to maintain a cool temperature, so be sure to prioritise this when setting up your camper.
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Turn the fridge on 24 hours before departure
It is highly recommended that you turn on your camper fridge at least 24 hours before your trip. This is because it can take a long time for an empty absorption fridge to cool down—anywhere from 8 to 24 hours. The cooling time will depend on the age and model of your fridge, as well as the ambient temperature. For example, if it is very hot inside your camper, it may take longer for your fridge to cool down.
By turning on your fridge a full day before your departure, you ensure that it has enough time to reach the desired temperature. This is especially important if you are planning to store perishable food items that require a constant cool temperature. No one wants to start their trip with spoiled food!
Additionally, if you plan to pre-chill your food items before placing them in the fridge, turning it on 24 hours in advance gives you ample time to do so. This is a good practice because it reduces the amount of work your fridge has to do to maintain a cool temperature.
Remember, the more you open the fridge door, the faster the cool air escapes, and the harder your fridge has to work. So, during this 24-hour period, try to limit door openings to help your fridge maintain its temperature efficiently.
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Keep the door closed
Keeping the camper fridge door closed is essential to maintaining a cold temperature inside. When the door is left open, cold air escapes, and the fridge has to work harder to cool down again. This is especially important when the camper is not level, as fridges need to be level to operate correctly.
There are several ways to ensure the fridge door remains closed while travelling. One simple method is to use a child lock or latch. These can be purchased from hardware stores and are designed to keep toddlers out of fridges, but they work just as well for camper fridges. For example, a simple strap can be wrapped around French doors to keep them secure. If your fridge has a side door, you can use a multi-purpose appliance latch with sticky tabs and a strap.
If you're feeling creative, you can make your own latches. One option is to attach a small piece of metal hook to the fridge and then stretch a bungee cord between them to keep the door closed. Another DIY solution is to use zip ties or velcro straps to secure the fridge doors.
For longer trips or when the fridge will be unused for a while, you can use duct tape to seal the door shut. Simply attach a strip of duct tape diagonally from one side of the door to the other, making sure to cut off any excess tape.
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Check the door seals
Checking the door seals on your camper fridge is an important step in ensuring it is working correctly and that your food stays cold. Door seals are one of the most common problems with camper fridges, and faulty seals can lead to excess frost and moisture, poor cooling performance, and accelerated food spoilage.
To check the seals on your camper fridge, start by visually inspecting the seal. Look for any cracks, tears, holes, or areas where the seal has come loose. If you find any damage, the seal may need to be replaced. Otherwise, try massaging the seal back into place to ensure a good connection between the seal and the door.
Next, you can perform the "dollar bill test". Take a dollar bill and place it partially across the seal, then close the door, leaving enough of the bill showing so you can grip it. Gently pull on the bill, and if the seal is working properly, you should feel some resistance. Repeat this test around the entire seal to check for weak spots. If the bill slides out easily or comes out with a lot of gunk on it, it's likely that the seal is not functioning properly and may need to be replaced.
Another way to check for leaks is to use a laser thermometer. Simply run the thermometer's reading point slowly around the seal, and if you see the temperature dip, it indicates a leak.
If you find a leak, it may be due to gunk or buildup on the seal. In this case, you can try cleaning the affected area with warm soapy water. Be careful of mould, and use non-chlorine bleach to effectively sterilise the area if needed.
It is recommended to perform the dollar bill test regularly, about once every six months, to ensure your camper fridge is functioning optimally.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few things you can do to make your camper fridge colder. Firstly, ensure the camper is level, as this is important for the refrigerant fluid to move through the pipes at the back of the appliance. Secondly, keep the camper fridge's exterior vent in the shade to prevent the sun from heating it up. Finally, install thermostat-controlled fans at the back of the fridge to prevent heat build-up and improve airflow.
Aside from the above, you should also ensure that the fridge door seals properly and that there are no gaps that let warm air in. You can also buy a refrigerator-freezer thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of your fridge. Additionally, make sure to turn on the fridge at least 24 hours before departure so it has time to cool down, and try not to keep the door open for too long.
If your camper fridge is still not cold enough, you may need to consult an RV technician to check for any issues such as a dirty burner assembly area or a corroded electrode. They can also help with any circuit board issues or exterior airflow baffle installations.