The range of caravan fridges on the market can be overwhelming.
There are large amounts of technical jargon and terminology, as well as all of the different options and adaptors available. This portable fridge guide is exactly what you need.
Different Types of Caravan Fridges
Most caravan refrigerators can be categorised as either:
Caravan compressor fridges function much like home refrigerators by using a compressor with moving mechanical parts to promote cooling.
Compressor fridges run off 12/24V and 240V power and are an excellent choice for off-grid campers or those who camp out for extended periods.
These fridges are more efficient and provide consistent cool temperatures in hot environments.
Three-way absorption fridges, on the other hand, are a bit different.
They can be run through a variety of means, including LPG, as well as 12V or 240V power.
They provide cooling by using liquid ammonia gasses mixed in a series of piping at the rear of the fridge.
Some off-the-grid campers prefer absorption fridges as they can run on gas, like LPG, instead of electricity. This helps save battery life by taking the fridge off the electrical system.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Caravan Fridge
Size of Your Caravan's Fridge
Decide early on how much space you will have in your caravan or camper trailer.
Consider the size of your cabin, how many people there are, and the types of climates you're most likely to encounter.
Keep in mind the age of your companions and any other health needs, such as keeping diabetes medication (insulin) in a cool, dry space.
If you are limited for space then it is worth checking out the range of drawer fridges available. These are a great alternative for motorhomes and campervans where room is tight. They are easy to access and have low power consumption. The Evakool 40 Litre Drawer Fridge/Freezer is one to check out. It boasts a 40 litre drawer capacity and can be used as all fridge or all freezer. These are also quite popular for the ute canopies or in the back of cars.
Caravan Fridge Efficiency
With portable fridges for camping, you get what you pay for.
Cheaper caravan refrigerators do not work as well as higher-quality models, which are more expensive due to the additional research and design.
Higher-priced caravan fridges are designed and built to suit the elements of the Australian outback.
Lower quality fridges have a shorter life span, are less efficient, and come with a shorter warranty period (you need a minimum of one year warranty)
The top five efficient RV fridges on the market are Dometic, Bushman, Engel, Thetford, and Vitrifrigo.
The efficiency of your fridge will also be determined by your outside temperatures, battery life, and the selected fuel.
A 3-way absorption fridge and compressor fridges will all operate at different efficiency levels, as both have their specific fundamentals when put to the test in different applications.
So, when choosing your next caravan, motor home, bus, boat, truck, or trailer fridge, look no further than the range Caravan RV Camping has to offer.
Your Camping Habits
Because a compressor fridge and a 3-way absorption fridge differ in the cooling techniques used, each has its advantages and disadvantages for different types of campers.
Caravan Parkers
Campers who mainly stay in caravan parks often make use of compressor fridges because they can be run by a caravan’s fuel supply using a provided 240-volt power supply.
Off-the-Grid Campers
These types of campers generally make use of both types of fridges. Compressor fridges generally require much less energy than 3-way absorption fridges and can be run on a solar / battery system.
Solar & battery systems have become quite sophisticated and will provide enough power to run an energy-efficient compressor refrigerator almost indefinitely. The following compressor models are highly sought after by customers traveling off-grid:
Installation
Another consideration is the installation of your fridge. A 3-way fridge is slightly more complicated to install, as it needs to have proper fridge vents installed to ensure that gas emissions and heat can escape. The same venting helps the fridge stay at cool temperatures.
Compressor fridges, on the other hand, are easier to install and do not need venting.
Amount of Insulation Needed
As a general rule, higher-quality refrigerators, such as Dometic, Engel, Thetford, and Vitrifrigo tend to be manufactured with larger amounts of insulation.
This added insulation is more expensive. On average, they sell for at least $1,000 to $2,000.
Although a cheap price tag can initially appear attractive, cheaper fridges tend to skip insulation, forcing owners to have to buy additional layers.
Automatic Or Manual
If you’re interested in a 3-way absorption refrigerator, it should be noted that some models offer Universal Energy Selection (UES) settings while others are manual.
UES allows you to switch between automatic mode and manual mode.
Automatic mode monitors the 3-way fridge to determine the available fueling method (LPG/natural gas or 12 volt/240-volt) and automatically switches the refrigerator settings for you.
There is only one manual model left on the market: Dometic RM2350 90-liter MES 3-Way Fridge.
All other 3-way absorption fridges in our range have UES settings.
Additional Accessories
When purchasing a caravan fridge, whether it is a new or existing installation choosing the correct ventialtion is of the upmost importance. All compressor fridges produce heat directly from the compressor, removing this heat will help make the fridge run more efficient, meaning you can stay off-grid for longer. Fridge vents are the key to keeping the back area of your fridge space cool. Installed on the outer wall of your caravan or RV it allows the hot air to escape.
Absorption fridges must also have adeqaute ventilation and a flue kit to expel any gas from the back of your fridge. Most absoprtion fridges won't include the flue kit so it is always advise to check and purchase seperately. Prior to ordering flue kits or vents please give us a call and we can place the order for you and find the right accessory for your fridge.
Other fridge accessories that help with the efficiency of the fridge include fridge side screens, which are installed on the outside of the caravan and provide shade to the back wall of the fridge assisting with temperature control. Mounting frames for specific fridge models are also available to help give a sleek look to your installtion.
If you require further information, please feel free to contact one of our friendly team members on 1800 787 278 or on our live chat www.caravanrvcamping.com.au.
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DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.
Comments (10)
Want to buy a compressor fridge
Hi there. Today I called you and spoke to an incredibly knowledgeable lady. Never got her name. Damn! Anyway she convinced me to buy a compressor fridge as we travel where there’s no power and rely on our 2 x 135 amp Safiery lithium batteries. The fridge and Airconditioner would be nice to run off solar too. At this stage I now know Airconditioner can not be done, even tho I was told by infinity motorhomes I can. Back to the fridge. Which make and model do you think I should go for. Also I live on the Gold Coast In Qld so if you know someone that can install. They will need to not only be a fridge technician but the cabinetry will need to be modified. If you reply via email I’ll send photos of the solar panels MPPT Victron Solar Reg and the 2 solar panels on the roof. Unfortunately I can’t call infinity motorhomes as they no longer exist. Thanks The area I have to work with is 550w 1450h 620dBy: albert portelli on 16 September 2024
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
Hi Albert, thanks for the lovely comment. We do love our fridges here at Caravan RV Camping. I will reach out to you via email so we can find the best fridge for your application
12v fridge
Hi, we're looking at replacing the fridge in our Nipper van to 12v. Can you advise us on the cost and process please. ThanksBy: Sue on 25 July 2024
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
Hi Sue, that is great news. The range of 12v fridges out now are fantastic and you will love how cold it keeps everything. I have reached out to you via email for some dimensions of your existing space so we can match up the best fridge for your needs.
Replace failed fridge.
My Dometic RM 2555...failed completely after 5 years. At 4 wks holiday a year...20 weeks...a very poor product. Now discontinued...does anyone have an old stock or recent product that would fit the space.?By: Hugh Stephens on 05 February 2024
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
Hi Hugh Thanks for reaching out. If you want to stick to a gas fridge then check out the Dometic RM2350, this will fit in the same cut out and is a great unit. It is also available in the RM2356 which is a little dearer and has automatic energy selection. If you just camp at powered sites or have a decent battery and solar set up then check out the new NRX115C Compressor fridge, these run great especially in humid temperatures.
Best Fridge for me
I have a A'van camper the fridge doesn't keep my milk fresh for very long it is a three way I have solar panel on roof and two batteries I sometimes camp off grid what would you cergest for a fridge that stays cold enough to safety keep my milk cold so it doesn't curdleBy: Patricia Yarlett on 27 September 2023
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
Hi Patricia, running an absorption (3 way Gas) fridge on 12v is not very economical. They have a very high 12v draw and struggle to cool especially in humid temperatures. 12v is only suggested on these fridges when in transit. It sounds like you have adequate solar and batteries so I would suggested changing over to a Compressor Fridge. These run off 12 and 240v and work well in humid conditions with approx 50% more efficiency than absorption fridges. Jump on our LIVE chat or give us a call on 1800 787 278 and we can step you through some options.
Caravan fridge
Hello I need to buy a new small fridge for my caravan as it cannot be repaired anymore. The size of my fridge is 1165mm high × 555mm wide. It is a fridge/freezer. Where can I buy this size fridge?By: Francois on 20 September 2023
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
Hi Francois, I have reached out to via email to help with your fridge enquiry. Please don't hesitate to contact us on 1800 787 278 or jump on our LIVE Chat to speak to us as well
Dp2600 vitifrigio overheating
My fridge will not cool sufficiently when 90% full. Freezer is fine. Door seals seem fine. I have installed fans at the top vent to improve ventilation. At max cool it sits on 7 degreesBy: Neil.Whitehead on 26 March 2023
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
Hi Neil, We are sorry you are having issues with your fridge. If you purchased it from us, please feel free to email your concerns with images of your installation to sales@caravanrvcamping.com.au and we will be more than happy to assist in some troubleshooting.
Dometic RM2350
Hi, does my Dometic RM2350 automatically select the power source?By: Amanda on 24 February 2023
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
G’day, the Dometic RM2350 does not automatically select the best power source. The Dometic RM2356 has the option to have the automatic energy selection.
3 way caravan fridges
Very informative. ThanksBy: Colin Appenzeller on 06 October 2022
Good info
Would like to know we’re can I get a 3 way good moter home fridge in Hobart newBy: Graham riseley on 29 September 2022
www.caravanrvcamping.com.au Response
Hi Graham, we have a range of 3-way fridges on our website. If you would like assistance finding the right fridge for your motorhome, jump on our live chat or give us a call on 1800 787 278 and we can help you out!
