FTC Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through some of the links in this article for more information, visit our Advertising Disclosure Page.

Can You Run An RV Refrigerator 24/7?

by Andre
(California)

Tips on Properly Running an RV Fridge 24/7

Tips on Properly Running an RV Fridge 24/7

I used my truck camper almost every weekend of the year (3 out of 4)and wondered if I should leave the refrigerator going while plugged in at home or start it up on propane before heading out?

Thank you very much

ANSWER: Hi Andre since your Truck Camper is going to be plugged into electricity you should have no problem running the refrigerator on electric 24/7. You could also run the refrigerator on propane, but you would have to keep an eye on the propane level.

Unlike the refrigerator in your house the refrigerator in your camper is an absorption refrigerator and has no moving parts like a compressor so it uses a lot less electricity than the fridge in your house. That's the good news the bad news is that absorption fridges take a lot longer to cool down when first turned on than a home refrigerator. Take a look at the video below so you can get an idea of how absorption fridges actually work.

Over 1,500,000 successful roadside rescues—Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service



HELPFUL HINT: Since absorption refrigerators are not as efficient at cooling as a home refrigerator, you may want to invest in a battery-operated RV Fridge Fan, that will help circulate the air around the food in the refrigerator.

Also unlike the refrigerator in your house the fridge in your Camper requires a little more maintenance. Take a look at the video below to find out what you need to do to keep your RV's fridge in tip-top shape.


I hope that this information has been helpful.

Do you have any suggestions or comments on this topic? You can add them to this page by clicking on the "Click Here To Post Comments" link located near the bottom of this page.

Happy RVing

RVing Al

Comments for Can You Run An RV Refrigerator 24/7?

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		follow manufacturers recommended defrost
by: Anonymous

you can run it constant but ice will build up only use it when you need to keep food cold

it would be foolish to waste the energy if its going to be empty for more than a few days, just start it going the day before you need it
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		RV. Refrigerator
by: Anonymous

Do I need to vent a RV refrigerator if I put it in a cabin that I will be living in all the time?

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Ask an RV Question.

LEARN HOW TO RUN 2 RV A/Cs ON A 30 AMP CONNECTION