Should I leave my RV refrigerator on all the time?

Ultimately, it's possible to keep your RV refrigerator running all the time if you don't go anywhere. However, if you're intent on travel, then powering down and disconnecting it from the power supply or propane source, is best.

Is it best to leave an RV refrigerator on all the time?

You don't need to leave your RV fridge on all the time. This will not extend its life. However, before going on a camping trip, you must turn on your RV refrigerator within 24 hours. This will allow your refrigerator to cool down in time for your trip.

Does an RV fridge use a lot of electricity?

The small RV refrigerator ended up using about 5 kWh of power per day. Our entire battery bank is about 24 kWh. This means that nearly every day about 20% to 25% of all our usable battery power would need to go to powering the refrigerator.

Is it better to run RV fridge on gas or electric?

Generally speaking, propane-powered RV fridges are preferred as they don't require a lot of maintenance, and they last longer as they don't have any moving parts. An electric fridge, on the other hand, is a bit safer and doesn't require you to be on the lookout for gas leaks.

Should you drive with your RV fridge on?

Remember to turn all appliances off when traveling. Most use an electric ignition that can create a spark and trigger an explosion if there is a break in the propane line. If you are an RV owner for whom safety is the first propriety, then traveling with your propane refrigerator switched off is the clear choice.

RV Refrigerator Do's and Don'ts

How do I keep my RV fridge cold while traveling?

Can I run my RV fridge on battery while driving?

The short answer is: Yes! An RV fridge can be used while driving. Keep in mind there are safety concerns with running propane while driving.

What does auto mean on RV refrigerator?

When a refrigerator is running on auto mode it will run on 110 power when you're plugged in, then switch to running on propane if electricity is no longer available. For example, if someone were to pull the electrical cord or power is cut to the RV, the refrigerator will automatically switch over to run on propane.

How much propane does my RV fridge use?

Generally, a 10 to 12 cubic foot RV fridge will burn about 1.5 pounds of propane per day.

What's a good temperature for an RV refrigerator?

Your RV's refrigerator should be less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 deg C), ideally around 35 degrees. Setting your fridge's temperature will vary depending on the brand but adding a thermometer will help you know if your fridge is set correctly.

How long will RV refrigerator stay cold?

How long will your fridge stay cool? A 12v RV fridge that has been running in an RV can typically stay generally cool for up to twelve hours, but running it as low as possible before shutting it off can add quite a bit more lasting, cold air inside.

What runs off the battery in a travel trailer?

Most RVs have one or more batteries. The batteries provide your RV with a source of power when no external power is available. The amount of power the batteries can provide on their own is fairly low — they can run the lights, water pump, and small appliances for the better part of the day, but that is about it.

How do you turn off an RV refrigerator?

The easiest way to turn it off completely is to switch off the breaker. Residential RV fridges are generally on their own breaker.

Why do RV refrigerators catch fire?

Fires are allegedly caused when defects in the Dometic refrigerator design release flammable gases, which can then explosively ignite and spread quickly through the refrigerator compartment and into the passenger area of the RV.

Does a propane fridge run continuously?

Propane refrigerators are highly efficient. While the efficiency varies per fridge, most last longer than 11 days running non-stop from a standard 20lb propane tank. You can increase this using our efficiency tips below. Still, use electricity when available: it's cheaper and doesn't need refilling.

Can you leave propane on in RV?

Never use outdoor fuel-burning equipment inside the RV. Keep propane tanks and cylinders at least 10 feet away from heat sources.

How long can you run RV fridge on propane?

You can run an RV fridge using a 20 lb. propane tank for 280 hours, or just over 11 days. Tip: Check out our free propane usage calculator in our popular guide How Long Does Propane Last in an RV? to easily calculate the propane usage of all the appliances in your setup.

How long does a 30 lb propane tank last in an RV?

That means that a 30 lb. propane tank can run our appliances for 16 hours before running out.

How long does RV fridge take to get cold on propane?

Smaller and newer RV fridge usually just takes 5.5 to 6 hours to cool down. While those with bigger sizes and older models usually take 12 to 24 hours to reach 40°F or lower temperature.

How does refrigerator work in RV?

An RV refrigerator works by absorption and a chemical reaction between ammonia, water, and hydrogen. The ammonia is heated then goes through an evaporation and condensation process which causes the cooling effect of the fridge. The ammonia is heated either by a propane flame or electric element.

Does RV fridge need battery to run on propane?

Although propane refrigeration does not require electricity to run, you will still need at least a 10.5 V battery power to get it on. This energy boost is needed to open the gas base and spark the ignitor, otherwise, the fridge will not run.

How long will a 12 volt battery run a refrigerator?

In general, a 12V-50Ah battery can run a 2 cubic feet 12V fridge for 35 to 50 hours before it's completely depleted. A 10 cubic feet RV refrigerator can run on the same battery for only 10 to 15 hours. However, it's important to note that: Batteries should not be fully discharged.

Can I run my generator while driving my RV?

Can you run your generator while driving an RV? The short answer to this question is yes. While some RVs don't come with a generator, some models do. Typically, your RV's generator is designed to provide 120-volt electrical power to RV amenities when outside power isn't available.

How do you turn off a Norcold camper refrigerator?

Turning on your Norcold RV fridge is simple. You'll find an on/off button on the control panel between the freezer and fresh food compartments. Simply press and release that button to power the fridge.