RV refrigerators come in a variety of styles, looks, and features. The one you choose should depend on your camping needs and budget. Decide whether you want a double-door model, a freezer on top, a side-by-side fridge, or something else. Choose a fridge that matches the cabinetry in your RV. You can even find models that have wooden fronts that are custom-made to match the existing cabinets. You can also opt for a stainless steel fridge or an absorption fridge. An absorption fridge works by using a complicated chemical process to keep food cold rather than relying on electricity and a compressor.
If you have an absorption fridge, make sure you defrost it regularly. Then wipe it down inside and out, and check the vents for obstructions like leaves. Keep a thermometer in the fridge to ensure food safety temperatures (40deg F and below for the fridge, 0deg F and below for the freezer). Limit the time the door is open so air can circulate properly.
Before you unplug your rv fridge, turn off the 12-volt battery bank connections and cap the propane line. Some RVs have a second shut-off on the fridge, so be sure to close that as well. If there are brackets to secure the fridge to the floor, use them. If not, you can force a pool noodle into a vertical position across both sides and the top to help buffer it during travel. It is important that your new rv fridge be secure when you’re driving so it doesn’t tip or slide around while you’re on the road.