Main Menu Best RV Dealer Best RV Rental RV Parks RV Generator 5th Wheel Camper Get a Toy Hauler RV Blue Book Find an RV Accessory RV Awning RV Refrigerator Fleetwood RV RV Camper Insurance RV Road Service RV Updates Shopping RV Videos Images & Links Privacy Policy Contact Us The RV Refrigerator- is an essential part of the enjoyment of your home on wheels. However the RV refrigerator is not the same as the one quietly humming away in your kitchen back home! The first difference in the typical RV refrigerator , is that runs on electricity or gas.   The domestic model in your kitchen  uses an electric compressor to provide the cooling, by pressurizing the refrigerant, freon or similar, which then expands, cooling the surrounding air. The RV refrigerator works on a different principle, by applying heat, from an electric or LP gas source to an evaporator.  The evaporator in the RV refrigerator uses ammonia, and has no moving parts. As the cooling system in the RV refrigerator is not as efficient as the compressor type, care should be taken with maintaining a safe temperature for food items you may be storing in it.  Some points you should consider include the following. -The RV refrigerator will take some time to reach a safe operating temperature. -Allow several hours or overnight running before you plan to use it. -Chill items in your domestic refrigerator, or purchase from the cold cabinets at the supermarket when on the road, to place in the RV refrigerator. -Do not over pack items in the RV refrigerator, to allow the air to circulate.(this is a good principle for any refrigerator). -Plan to replenish food every two or three days.  This will help reduce the quantity stored, and not allow the food to deteriorate. -Do not have the door of the RV refrigerator open unnecessarily. This is a favorite habit of any teenager - I speak from experience! -Try to keep the RV   level as the system uses gravity to operate, and is less efficient on an incline. -Keep the area around the heater - usually at the rear of the RV refrigerator - dust free, and ensure adequate air flow.  -While checking the heater area of the RV refrigerator, - at least once per season - be alert for a smell of ammonia, this indicates a leak, and requires service. If you plan to replace a failing RV refrigerator, consider a rebuild as an alternative.  There are companies which specialize in this. If it is looked after well, considering the above points, the RV refrigerator will serve you for many years. Header Photography © Robert Pernell, Aaron Kohr, Natalia Bratslavsky| Agency: dreamstime.com Copyright © Allfromhomecom