Caravan Fridges

Handy tips on making your caravan fridge run more efficiently on 12 volt or 240 volt.

What types of refrigeration do they use in vans and motorhomes?

The most common type of refrigerator is a ‘three way’. It is called three way as it has three alternative power sources ie: 12V/ 240V and gas.

The standard refrigeration in most RVs is a small capacity one door fridge. It normally has a small freezer section which will hold little more than ice trays. For a long term traveller it will not be sufficient. However, some travellers use a portable refrigerator such as an Engel or Waeco which can be placed in the back of the vehicle/4WD to complement this.

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Another type of fridge is the 12V/ 240V compressor refrigerator/freezer. Two popular brands of this type are VitroFrigo and Waeco / CoolMatic Danfoss Kompressor fridges. The capacity of these refrigerator/freezers range from 40 litres up to 230 litres. There are models featuring two doors ie: one for the large freezer compartment and the other for the refrigerator.

Types and sizes are similar for motor homes with the larger coach type motor home such as the Swagman having a standard two door 230 litre 12V with separate freezer.

Deep cycle batteries will be required to run these 12V compressor refrigerators when not connected to a 240V power source. Most RV’s will also have solar panels plus a solar regulator and an inverter or a generator to supply power to the batteries.

There are three types of batteries that are most popularly used in solar electric systems ie: Flooded Lead Acid, Absorbed Glass Matt Sealed Acid (AGM) and Gelled Electrolyte Sealed Lead Acid.

Can I run my 3-way caravan fridge on gas while travelling ?

Definately NOT. This is highly dangerous. All gas appliances must be turned off whilst driving. Imagine what would happen if you cut an active gas line. There are just too many sources of ignition around, like a stone hitting a metal part and generating a spark.

How can I make my caravan fridge more efficient ?

While you have the fridge out or the covers off, install fibreglass batts around the sides and top of the fridge. Obtain or buy a small fan and fit it below the condenser fins where they are hottest. Make a curved tin top to the fridge to allow the hot air to flow smoothly out.
Install a solar fridge fan in the vent compartment behind your refrigerator
Install a 12V Fridgemate cooling fan - this attaches to the bottom of the refrigerator compartment and blows up into the coils and toward the top vent
When stationary - use some shadecloth or canvas awning to shade the exterior of the RV where the fridge vents are located. This is particularly helpful for the gas type fridges.

The article from which the following extract on the climate class rating of refrigerators is reproduced by express permission, Collyn Rivers, Caravan & Motorhome Books, Broome, WA 6725. This article is protected by Copyright. www.caravanandmotorhomebooks.com

Climate Class Ratings

I to explain here just what I mean. A number of fridges sold in Australia are marketed as 'tropicalised'. Whilst this is a reasonable description of their design and construction, the term 'tropicalised' can unintentionally mislead those not familiar with fridge technology.

The increasingly accepted European Union (CEN) fridge performance standard, includes so-called 'Climate Classes' in which the most stringent is Climate Class T. And that 'T' stands for Tropical. So in the way that 'oils ain't necessarily oils', a 'tropicalised' fridge ain't necessarily Climate Class T.

There are four (CEN Standard) Climate Class ratings.

Fridges rated 'SN', and 'N' (which stands for Sub Normal, and Normal respectively) are designed and rated to work up to 32 degrees C.

Fridges marked 'ST', (which stands for Sub Tropical) are designed and rated to work up to 36 degrees C. Those marked 'T' (which stands for Tropical) are designed and rated to work up to 43 degrees C.

A correctly installed fridge Climate Class rated fridge can be relied upon to work satisfactorily up to the highest ambient temperature for which it is rated. But once past that temperature, cooling performance is likely to drop off. If, for example, you have a Climate Class SN or N fridge (ie. designed for 32 degrees maximum), but it's 42 degrees outside, the beer in that fridge is likely to be up to ten degrees C warmer.

So if you are planning to spend time in places that are very hot, it is prudent to use a 'T-rated' unit. I have yet to encounter anyone even locally using a correctly installed 'T-rated' fridge that was not completely satisfied with its performance. And I live in the Kimberley which is one of the most consistently hot areas of this country.

Do note that the European Union Standard that includes Climate Class ratings is not obligatory in Australia. Nevertheless Dometic and a few other fridge vendors market fridges in Australia that have the 'Climate Class' rating noted on their compliance plate (which you'll find inside the fridge). Climate Class T fridges were for example fitted in several display Winnebagos on display at the Casino Rally and many CMCA members have recently bought them.

Be clear regarding this: a statement that a fridge is 'tropicalised' does not imply that it meets Climate Class 'T' requirements.

Dometic states that its fridges that do meet the 'T' standard (and are designated accordingly on the compliance plate) are the larger models RM 2453, RM 2553, and RM 4601. The company claims only that its smaller fridges are 'tropicalised'.