Avoid One Common Mistake That Will Make Your RV Refrigerator Work Worse Overtime

If you're preparing for your first RV road trip, there's something you should keep in mind. While there are several different types of RV refrigerators, they generally don't work like the one you have at home. This means you'll need to take extra steps to use it efficiently and make sure your food and drinks stay cold.

It might be tempting to pack every available inch of your RV fridge with food and drinks, but overstuffing it is one of the worst things you can do for its efficiency. Unlike residential refrigerators, RV fridges rely on a different cooling system, and airflow is essential to keeping things cold. Packing the fridge too tightly also forces it to work harder to maintain the right temperature, which can reduce its lifespan over time and use excess energy during your trip. 

With all this in mind, there are some benefits to keeping the fridge somewhat full — for example, with colder items packed together, they can help insulate one another. It can also make the fridge more energy efficient than if it were mostly empty. So, the key is to find a balance — not too full, not too empty.

To get the most out of your RV refrigerator, start by organizing your RV fridge strategically. Avoid stuffing items tightly together. Instead, leave little pockets of space between them so cold air can circulate. You should also keep more frequently-used items up front so you don't have to go digging in the back, inevitably leaving the door open and letting too much warm air in.

Packing your fridge with items that are already cold or frozen can also help give it a boost. Pro tip: Use ice packs or frozen water bottles to help maintain lower temperatures, especially in hot weather. These will not only help keep food cool but can also be a handy backup cooling source if your fridge temporarily loses power. For another boost, you can also use a battery-operated fan like this Camco camper fan. Not only will it help circulate air, but it will also keep the inside smelling fresh.

Keeping your RV safe and functional with regular maintenance is key, and that includes the fridge. Keep it clean, dry, and turned off when you aren't traveling. Also, make sure it's level, and avoid parking on steep hills while you are traveling. Parking it in the shade and even installing a small fan to draw hot air away from the fridge can also prevent your fridge from having to work extra hard.