A fridge is one of the most important additions to any camper van if you plan to live on the road full time. Traveling without a fridge limits the types of meals you can cook and forces you to eat at restaurants, which is fine if that’s what you want to do, but if not, a camping refrigerator makes life much more enjoyable.
There are a lot of different fridges available on the market, and new manufacturers enter the camping fridge market all the time. We recommend sticking with the well-established brands that have built a solid reputation for producing durable, high-quality fridges. This will ensure your fridge lasts, and it will also be easy to get replacement parts should the need arise.
When choosing a camping fridge, consider the size you’ll need and what you’ll be using it for. You’ll also want to pay attention to energy efficiency, as this will have a big impact on how long your fridge will last on each trip.
The best camping fridges are those that can be powered by both propane and electricity. This gives you the flexibility to switch between the two depending on what’s more affordable and efficient at that moment. If the weather is cloudy and your solar system isn’t working as efficiently, it may be more economical to switch to propane for cooling.
Most fridges give off heat while running, which is great if you’re in cold weather, but can be a problem when your RV is parked in the sun. To counter this, some campers choose to add a fan to their fridge, which helps pull cool air in and keep the temperature down. Another option is to place the fridge in a shaded spot where it won’t be exposed to sunlight.
How you pack your fridge will also affect how long it will stay cold. When packing, it’s important to separate drinks from food and to stack them properly. This will prevent the drinks from absorbing moisture from the food, which can cause them to spoil sooner than they should. It’s also helpful to store the most commonly used items first, so you can grab them quickly and easily.
Another way to help your fridge stay colder for longer is to use a cooler bag for frozen foods. This will reduce the amount of condensation that forms on the food and drink, which can affect the flavour. It’s also a good idea to pack your drinks in cans rather than bottles, as these tend to cool faster. Finally, remember to fully close the door and check the gasket regularly for leaks. It’s important to make sure that the seal is intact so that air doesn’t escape and warm up the fridge. A little bit of maintenance will help your camping fridge last a long time and ensure that you always have access to delicious, fresh food on the road..
