Some individuals can prioritize certain amenities while RVing, whether it’s internet access, cable TV, or air conditioning, and they learn to adapt. However, one essential amenity for a comfortable experience on the road is the RV refrigerator. Dealing with an RV refrigerator can sometimes be challenging, from doors swinging open to food spoilage. With proper planning and execution, you can ensure that your food stays cold, your refrigerator functions well, and your appetite is satisfied. Below are some valuable tips to help you maintain your RV refrigerator and its contents effectively.

What to Know About Your RV Refrigerator

First and foremost, if your RV utilizes an absorption refrigerator, it must remain level at all times.

Keep an Eye on the Outside Elements

Contrary to traditional home refrigerators, an RV refrigerator can be significantly affected by external weather conditions. Therefore, it’s crucial to monitor the internal temperature, particularly during extreme weather. Adjusting to your refrigerator’s lowest setting during hot summer months or warming it up during cold spells can help maintain optimal conditions.

Tips and Tricks for Packing an RV Refrigerator

The key to ensuring your food remains fresh lies in maintaining a consistent flow of air inside the refrigerator. It’s advisable to leave space between various items and the refrigerator’s cooling fans.

Pro Tip: When you reach your destination, consider purchasing fresh fruits, vegetables, and even meat or seafood locally. This not only supports local businesses but also saves space in your refrigerator and minimizes spoilage concerns.

Avoid tightly packing your items, as this can lead to uneven cooling; while the outer items may remain cold, those in the center might not. If your refrigerator struggles to maintain a cool temperature, adding extra cooling fans can be a cost-effective solution instead of investing in a new refrigerator.

Distribute your food evenly throughout the refrigerator. Aim to place heavier items at the bottom and lighter items at the top. This arrangement helps prevent the heavy items from crushing lighter ones during travel.

Similar to loading your home refrigerator, exercise caution when placing produce inside. Wrap delicate fruits and vegetables in paper towels and Ziploc bags to keep them fresh. Ensure that heavier items cannot fall on your delicate produce.

Keep Your RV Refrigerator Door Closed

RVers often become frustrated when refrigerator doors pop open, leading to spilled food, wasted energy, and potentially ruined meals. Fortunately, this can be avoided by using RV refrigerator tension bars to secure the door. Additionally, it helps to store only lighter items in the refrigerator door area, as heavier items can inadvertently cause it to swing open.

Pro Tip: Depending on your RV’s kitchen layout, using bungee cords can effectively keep the refrigerator closed. This method also works for securing cupboards and storage areas during travel.

Power on Your RV Refrigerator Before Packing It

Be sure to power on your refrigerator before loading it with food. An RV refrigerator can take several hours to reach optimal temperatures, so it’s best to turn it on the night before your journey.

Using ice packs from your home freezer inside the refrigerator can help speed up this process since an empty refrigerator must exert more effort to cool down.

It’s essential not to load your RV refrigerator until it reaches a safe temperature, particularly if you’re preparing for a long drive. Otherwise, your food may spoil before you reach your destination.

Now that you have these helpful hints, you can savor delicious treats during your travels. Remember to inspect your refrigerator at least twice a year to maintain its cooling performance and ensure optimal function.