Troubleshoot and Repair Your RV Refrigerator

As an RV owner, you may eventually come across a few different RV repairs you have to make. One that can be common but frustrating is the RV fridge. Our team at Camp Site RV has put together a brief guide to help you troubleshoot and repair your refrigerator!

1. How Does an RV Refrigerator Work?

In order to properly troubleshoot your appliance, you have to understand how it works. RV refrigerators are built a bit differently than residential ones, typically using a dual-fuel absorption system. These models don’t use a compressor or freon for operation; it uses propane or electricity to run the cooling unit. 

2. What Are Problems to Watch For?

There are a few different scenarios that might cause you to believe that your refrigerator needs repaired. You might notice that your refrigerator will operate with propane but not electricity, for example. Other things to watch for include: smelling ammonia, electrical problems, leaking water, and fluctuating temperatures.

3. How Can You Avoid Refrigerator Problems?

There are a few things you can do to reduce the need for repairs. Keeping your unit clean, for example, can avoid unwanted buildup and can help you monitor the condition of your appliance. To reduce the frequency of refrigerator repairs, you should keep the batteries charged, always level your RV when it’s being used, and properly defrost and clean your appliance between trips. 

RV repair doesn’t have to be complicated if you stay up to date with general maintenance and use your resources! Visit Camp Site RV in Cresco, IA, to learn more about repair and parts options. We proudly serve Cedar Falls, IA; Rochester, MN; and La Crosse, WI.