Shop Caravan & RV Fridge & Freezers – Dometic
Few items are as essential for a happy caravanning adventure than a reliable refrigerator, keeping your supplies cold and fresh. With a few simple tips you can make sure you always have a cool drink and the makings of a tasty meal at the ready.
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Before heading off on your next adventure, plug your Dometic fridge/caravan into mains power (if possible) and allow it to cool down for several hours or overnight. Starting with a cold refrigerator will make it easier to maintain low temperatures during the trip. Plugging in the caravan power will also ensure you leave home with fully charged house batteries.
Load your refrigerator with pre-cooled or frozen food and drinks where possible. Avoid placing warm or room-temperature items inside, as this makes the compressor work harder to cool them down, reducing efficiency.
Every time you open the refrigerator door, cold air escapes and warmer air enters. Limit the number of times you open the refrigerator and keep the door open as briefly as possible. Unlike your home refrigerator, your Dometic fridge is running from a finite power source; the more the refrigerator runs, the more power it will consume.
Keep your refrigerator well stocked but not overloaded. Make sure there’s enough space between items for air to circulate properly. But if you only have a small amount of stock, the refrigerator needs to work harder. When well-stocked, the cold items help maintain longer off-cycles due to their latent cold.
Good ventilation allows your Dometic fridge to dissipate heat. Make sure the external vents (particularly for absorption refrigerators) are unobstructed, allowing adequate airflow. Efficient ventilation requires an “in” vent and an “out” vent.
Park your caravan in a shaded area whenever possible. Keep the refrigerator out of direct sunlight and it will use less energy to cool your items.
Your Dometic refrigerator will have to work harder in hot conditions, because the compressor or cooling system needs to run longer to achieve the same temperature. If your perishables can tolerate slightly higher refrigerator temperature, you may be able to reduce on cycles.
This is less critical for fresh fruit and vegetables than for meat, chicken, seafood and dairy, so be mindful of good food hygiene. Proper ventilation and parking in shade can also reduce on cycles in hot conditions.
A level caravan is vital to ensure your Dometic absorption fridge works efficiently. These refrigerators rely on gravity to circulate coolant, and an uneven surface can affect the refrigerator’s cooling capacity. When driving, an absorption refrigerator is not as efficient as when it is parked and level. Being level is less critical for a compressor refrigerator.
Clean the interior of the refrigerator regularly to prevent odours and bacteria buildup. Use a mild detergent and water to wipe down the shelves, walls, and seals. A thin smear of Vaseline on the hinge side of the door gasket can prevent the seal from catching and becoming deformed as the door closes.
Pro Tip: Keep an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator to absorb odours.
Check and clean the external vents regularly for both compressor and absorption refrigerators. Dust and dirt can accumulate, blocking airflow and reducing efficiency. Open and clear ventilation is critical for refrigerators to perform at their optimum level.
Inspect the door seals regularly to ensure they’re tight and free from cracks or wear. Damaged seals allow cold air to escape, causing the refrigerator to work harder.
Pro Tip: Place a piece of paper between the door and the seal, then close the door. If you can easily pull the paper out, the seal might need replacing.
Frost can build up in the freezer or fresh food compartments, reducing efficiency. If you notice frost, defrost the refrigerator to improve cooling performance. Most Dometic fridges have auto-defrost for the fresh food section, but the freezer section is manually defrosted. Use an egg flip to scrape away some ice build-up but be careful not to use sharp implements that might cause damage.
Pro Tip: Defrost your refrigerator before each trip to ensure it’s working at maximum efficiency from the start.
The cooling system in both compressor and absorption refrigerators can lose efficiency over time. Have a professional service the system annually to check refrigerant levels, gas flow, or any worn-out components.
Pro Tip: Absorption refrigerators may require a heat exchanger and gas operation check. This is a job for qualified professionals to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Compressor refrigerators with a dynamic condenser should have the condenser cleaned regularly. Once a year is usually sufficient, but if you have just been on an extended “dirty and dusty” trip, it’s worth checking and cleaning if necessary.
Ensure the condensate drainage tube is clear of blockages. Condensation should drain away effectively to prevent moisture build-up, which can cause mould or rust inside the refrigerator.
If you notice water under your crisper drawer, the drain may be blocked, and if left unattended, may cause damage to the cabinetry or floors of the caravan. If unsure, consult a professional. Dometic offers appliance servicing packages that cover this.
Test your Dometic fridge before your journey to ensure its cooling properly. This can help identify any potential issues before you hit the road, avoiding an unpleasant surprise mid-trip.
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Follow these tips and your refrigerator will reward you with maximum efficiency and smooth operation throughout your travels. This will save you energy and extend the life of your Dometic fridge and keep your food fresh and your drinks cold wherever you go. Safe and happy travels!
Dometic offers a range of services to give you peace of mind on your next adventure. Contact us and mention this article to receive up to $250 trade-in on your fridge when upgrading, whether it’s working or not, or a 10% discount on your fridge service.
Contact Us: Dometic Service
1300 304 220
[email protected]
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