The fridge is one of the most used and most important appliances in a motorhome, and when it fails mid-trip (with the shopping inside and heat outside) it's a serious nuisance. The good news is that with some simple care it performs better, uses less power and lasts longer. Here's the basic maintenance, whether your fridge is a compressor or an absorption type (see fridge types).
Cleaning and hygiene
- Clean it inside regularly with water and bicarbonate of soda or mild products; it prevents smells and bacteria.
- When you're not using it (during layoffs), empty it, clean it and leave it slightly open so it can ventilate and doesn't develop mould or smells.
- The door seal: clean and condition it; if it seals poorly, it loses cold air (check that it closes properly).
Keeping it cooling well
- Rear ventilation: fridges expel heat through the back (external vents). Keep those vents clean and clear; if they can't ventilate, cooling suffers, especially in summer.
- Don't overload it or block the internal air circulation.
- Cool it before setting off and put food in already cold (see preserving food).
- Open it only as needed: every opening loses cold air.
- Level the camper: absorption fridges cool poorly if tilted too much (see levelling chocks).
Depending on the type
- Compressor: they need almost no maintenance, but they depend on the battery (they run day and night). A properly sized electrical setup prevents failure from lack of power (see calculator).
- Absorption: check the gas side (burner, flame) during servicing, and remember they cool worse in high heat and need good ventilation and levelling.
In summary
The fridge cools better, uses less power and lasts longer with simple care: cleaning, clear ventilation grilles, not overloading it, cooling it before setting off and, for compressor types, a properly sized battery. The step to take today: clean the fridge and its ventilation grilles, check that the door seal closes properly, and cool it before loading it up; and if it's a compressor type, make sure you have enough battery to power it day and night. Combine it with fridge types.