Do you need to choose an rv-refrigerator?

The RV-refrigerator - Keeping food and drink cold

Nothing beats a cold beer or other beverage or keeping your cold perishables cold. Most perishables are maintained at above 32 degrees F to 50 degrees F. Perishable foods, such as meats and dairy products will deteriorate rapidly due to the growth of bacteria and other organisms. Good rv-refrigeration must consider this as your family health depends on it. Whether you have a Dometic, Norcold, Waeco or other make, good refrigeration is essential.

A well-found RV kitchen is important and good rv-refrigeration is central to this. Some temperature 101 - On the Fahrenheit Scale, freezing point is 32ºF, and boiling point is 212ºF. On the Celsius Scale freezing point is zero 0ºC Centigrade and boiling point 100ºC. Conversion is ºC = 5/9 x ºF, or ºF = 9/5 x ºC.

Rv-Refrigerators are different to those at Home

Besides being generally smaller they also are operationally or technically different, the refrigeration principle is the same, how it works is very different. The rv-refrigerator is an absorption refrigerator and unlike the unit at home with a compressor this type has no moving parts so it’s virtually silent. What else is different is many can be operated on propane gas, DC electrical and AC 110 volt electrical

One thing is very important with and absorption type refrigerator, and that is it must be level. If your RV is going to be stationary for a long time period, then you should ensure it is level so it can operate properly. If you leave your frig on when moving the leveling is not absolutely critical as the rolling and pitching movement of the RV helps the unit operate efficiently. A gas-absorption rv-refrigerator uses what is known as a gravity-flow system, and operating on an angle greater than 3 degrees for any extended period of time will stop the refrigeration process. RV refrigerators do not have a compressor, and it is a series of coils in the rear which are heated and this helps circulate the refrigerant gas (ammonia)and this absorb heats from the interior of the refrigerator and carries to the outside. The heating is from 110v and/or 12v and a propane gas flame.

Regular RV-Refrigerator Maintenance

1. Check and verify that the burner flame has the right appearance. The flame should be a light blue color. If the flame has a yellow tip, this indicates that the flame is not burning correctly and the frig should be serviced by a qualified technician. If your RV has gone unused for some period you should check that the burner does not have any spiders web, insect nesting, excess soot or rust around it that causes poor combustion. Gently scrape or knock off any material using a small screwdriver and clean the area.

2. It is important that the frig has proper ventilation, and you should ensure that there is clearance behind the RV-refrigerator. You also should check the upper and lower vents and the area between those openings for any obstructions.

3. You should inspect all the gas pipe connections in the LP gas system located in the rear of the RV-refrigerator for gas leaks. This can be done using either a non-corrosive commercial leak detector solution applied to all connections, or using kitchen washing up detergent. It is a no brainer however NEVER use a flame to check for any gas leaks. If you get bubble then you have a gas leak and you should immediately call in a qualified service technician

Once a Year RV-Refrigerator Maintenance

Get a qualified service person to perform these inspections every year.

1. Do a physical inspection of the 2-volt battery system and wiring. Battery and wiring connection problems can affect your refrigerator performance by causing intermittent operation. You should check the condition of the battery terminals, the electrolyte level, the amount of charge and charging systems. A normal operating voltage should be in the range 11.5 to 12.5 and 13.5-14.0 volts DC when charging.

2. Ensure that the technician makes a close inspection of the gas pressure, makes complete checks for any gas leaks, thoroughly cleans the flue tube and burner jet and also checks the operation of the LP gas safety shutoff. It is a fact that 90 percent of all RV refrigerator failures are caused by dirty burners.

Daily Self help RV-Refrigerator Maintenance

You should periodically inspect all vents, the ventilation pathway and the refrigerator flue to ensure that they are clear of debris or other obstructions caused by animals such as mice or insects.

You should always allow a RV-refrigerator to attain the correct internal operating temperature by pre-cooling for at least 8t hours before putting food in. You should also pre-cool any food before placing in the frig, as inserting warm food in a warm RV-refrigerator effectively doubles the cool-down time.

As gas-absorption refrigerators don't have internal fans (although you can get nifty little battery units from West Marine) the frig cooling efficiency is dependant on air circulation within the frig space. If you want to maximize efficiency ensure food is loose stacked to allow air circulation. To reduce buildups of frost, you should limit the length of time that refrigerator doors are left open

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