| RV refrigerators, for the most part, are efficient. In | | | | obstruct the burner assembly. When this happens it |
| many cases it is something the owner does that | | | | will be necessary to clean the flue and the burner |
| makes the refrigerator less efficient. | | | | assembly. Turn the refrigerator off again and locate |
| There are several things we can do to help the | | | | the burner. Directly above the burner is the flue. The |
| refrigerator do its job more efficiently. First and | | | | baffle is inside the flue. Wear a pair of safety glasses |
| foremost the RV must be fairly level for the | | | | and use an air compressor to blow air up into the |
| refrigerator to operate properly. Older RV | | | | flue. After the flue is clean use the compressed air to |
| refrigerators required more precise leveling, but even | | | | remove any debris from the outside refrigerator |
| the newer models need to be close to level for | | | | compartment. Now, turn the refrigerator on in the LP |
| optimum performance. Over time a cooling unit | | | | gas mode to make sure it is working properly. Look |
| operated out of level will be permanently damaged. | | | | for the bright blue flame. For a thorough cleaning of |
| Traveling with the refrigerator on will not cause | | | | the flue and baffle it will be necessary to have your |
| problems because the liquids and gases in the cooling | | | | RV dealer do it for you. While it's there have them to |
| unit are constantly moving around. They don't collect | | | | do an LP gas pressure test too. |
| and stay in areas of the cooling unit like they can in a | | | | Another good idea is to install a 12 volt, |
| stationary, out of level refrigerator. | | | | thermostatically controlled refrigerator vent fan at |
| The initial cool down process can take four to six | | | | the back of the refrigerator, or at the top of the |
| hours. You should turn the refrigerator on the day | | | | roof vent, to assist with drafting the hot air away |
| before you plan to leave, and before you put any | | | | from the refrigerator. If you are mechanically inclined |
| food in it. When you do load the refrigerator the | | | | these fans are fairly easy to install, or you can have |
| food you put in should already be cold, and the food | | | | your RV dealer install one for you. Either way it's |
| put in the freezer should already be frozen. Putting | | | | worth it. The fan removes the heat built up behind |
| cold food in the refrigerator, rather than adding warm | | | | the refrigerator improving the refrigerators |
| food, lets the refrigerator work less to cool down. | | | | performance by up to 40%. |
| One common mistake made is to over pack the | | | | The outside temperature also affects the operation |
| refrigerator. There has to be space between the | | | | and efficiency of your RV refrigerator. When it's cold |
| foods to allow for air to circulate throughout the | | | | out you can lower the temperature setting and when |
| compartment. In most situations you will have access | | | | it's hot out you can raise the setting. Some |
| to a store where you can buy food. A two to three | | | | refrigerators are preset by the manufacturer. |
| day supply should be enough. | | | | Extremely hot weather will directly affect the |
| To assist with air circulation you can purchase an | | | | refrigerators efficiency. When it's really hot outside |
| inexpensive, battery operated refrigerator fan. Put | | | | try parking your RV with the side the refrigerator is |
| the batteries in and place the fan in the front of the | | | | on in the shade. Periodically inspect and clean the |
| refrigerator compartment blowing up. Cold air drops | | | | refrigerator door gaskets. Check them for a good |
| and warm air rises. The fan will improve the | | | | seal. Place a dollar bill behind the seal and close the |
| efficiency by circulating the air and it will reduce the | | | | door. It should stay there and not drop. When you |
| initial cool down time by 50%. | | | | try to pull it out there should be some resistance felt. |
| The heat created by the cooling process is vented | | | | Do this in several different places and have any |
| behind the refrigerator. Air enters through the outside | | | | damaged seals replaced. |
| lower refrigerator vent and helps to draft the hot air | | | | Try to limit the amount of times you open the |
| out through the roof vent. Periodically inspect the | | | | refrigerator or freezer doors and the length of time |
| back of the refrigerator and the roof vent for any | | | | you leave the doors open. Every time the door is |
| obstructions like bird nests, leaves or other debris | | | | opened it loses a few degrees of heat. On a hot |
| that might prevent the heat from escaping. | | | | summer day it won't take long to lose all of its |
| To keep the refrigerator operating efficiently in the | | | | cooling capacity. Last but not least you should always |
| LP gas mode there is some routine maintenance you | | | | have a thermostat in the food compartment. Food |
| can perform. Remove the outside lower vent cover | | | | will begin to spoil at temperatures above 40 degrees. |
| to access the back of the refrigerator. With the | | | | RV absorption refrigerators do a great job for RVers. |
| refrigerator turned off ensure all connections are | | | | They will do an even better job, and last longer, if |
| clean and tight. Turn the refrigerator on in the LP gas | | | | we apply these simple tips to make their job easier |
| mode and a look at the flame. If the flame is burning | | | | and less demanding. |
| poorly, a yellow colored flame, or if the refrigerator | | | | Happy Camping, |
| isn't operating properly in the gas mode it's possible | | | | Mark |
| that the baffle inside the flue is covered with soot. | | | | Copyright 2006 by Mark J. |
| Soot, rust and other debris can fall down and | | | | |