Are you thinking about getting a new or better caravan fridge? There are a few things you should think about before you buy a caravan fridge. Our buying guide will help you weigh all your choices, from upright and portable to the correct size and off-grid setup for your mobile life. Learn everything you need to know to get your caravan, RV, or tent trailer to fit right.
What Is the Best Type of Fridge for a Caravan?
Most caravan owners choose upright fridges because they’re easy to get to and work like a home fridge. They have a lot of storage space and a freezer for keeping ice, meat, and other things you might want to use later. The door to an upright mobile fridge hinges open and shut, making it easy to see what's inside and keeping your food and drinks close at hand.
Another crucial consideration when getting a fridge for life in a van is buying one that operates on 12V to save power. If you have a 120V fridge, also known as a "mini fridge," your inverter needs to be turned on all the time, which is not a good idea. It's even worse that 120V "mini fridges" or "dorm style" fridges don't keep your food as cool as 12V fridges, which is two problems in one. When something like a fridge is on constantly, you want to ensure it won't drain your battery too quickly. That makes a 12V upright caravan fridge the most suitable type for van life.
Some people also choose a second fridge, usually a chest fridge freezer, which they can use as a drinks fridge or a deep freezer for long trips. You can keep a movable chest fridge in your car, UTE, or caravan, and it can run on battery power when not connected to the power grid.
Types of Upright Fridges
Upright caravan fridges fall into two groups: compressor and three-way absorption fridges.
2-way Compressor Fridges
Caravan compressor fridges work a lot like home refrigerators. They cool things down with a compressor that has moving parts. Compressor fridges are great for campers who want to be off the grid or like to stay out in the woods for long periods. They can keep things colder for longer, even in hot places, because they’re more energy-efficient than their competitors. They can also run well on rough ground.
3-way Absorption Fridges
Three-way absorption fridges are a little different. There are several ways to power a three-way absorption fridge, such as with LPG or 12V/240V power. They cool the food by mixing liquid ammonia fumes in a set of pipes at the back of the fridge.
Which Type Is a Better Option?
The answer depends on what's important to you. Pick an absorption fridge if you are free camping for a long time and want a fridge that can run on gas. People who like to camp for free, not worrying about having enough battery power on long trips, usually choose these 3-way RVs. Remember that absorption fridges are only meant to run when the car’s driving – they won't last long on a 12V power source.
The 2-way compressor fridge is the best choice if you want a 12V upright caravan fridge that stays cooler, works better on battery power, and can handle hotter places. Leading brands like Dometic Waeco, Thetford, and Bushman make 2-way compressor RV fridges that work great and get to the temperature you want (fridge or freezing) fast.
As a general trend, we're seeing many people get rid of their old 3-way absorption fridges and replace them with new 12V compressor fridges. With today's better solar and battery performance, your 12V compressor fridge will run efficiently and keep your food and drinks cool.
Size
Regarding fridge size, consider the size of your cabinets, how many people you usually travel with, and the weather you'll be in. Some travellers also need to think about their travelling partner’s age and any health issues they may have. For example, someone with diabetes may need to keep their insulin in a cool, dry, and refrigerated place while travelling. Also, remember that a bigger storage space for your food and drinks is always better.
Finding balance when buying anything for your RV, including a fridge, is paramount. You must have just the correct room for your food and drinks without using too much power to cool space. Caravan fridges come in a massive range of sizes, from 230 litres to a small 40 litres.
Long-distance trips are better with bigger fridges holding between 90 and 220 litres. These are usually two-door fridge freezers with a crisper area. If you want something smaller, 40-80 litre compression fridges are good choices. You can also get a fan drawer fridge that starts at 20 litres.
Included Extras
Many extras come along with caravan gear to make it more full. While some models have a freezer section that can be unclipped and taken out when you need extra fridge room, others have door/shelf sections that can be removed to get the proper configuration. On some Dometic Waeco fridges, you can change the hinge so the door can open to the left or right. The model may also have automatic defrosting, a double lock system, different installation choices, USB charging ports, monitoring from afar, and other features. Of course, it varies on the type of fridge.
These are the kinds of features that are common. You can also choose to add a lot of different extras. That includes frames, vents, gas piece connections, and other things to help find the fitting upright fridge.
