RV refrigerators have large cooling units attached to the back. The size and shape of these units leaves less room for the actual refrigerator box. Most RV owners find that a higher capacity electric refrigerator fits into the same opening. If you live full-time in your RV, the extra storage capacity can save money by allowing you to buy larger quantities of essential items.
Boondocking, or dry camping, is part of the fun for many RV owners. An electric refrigerator draws a great deal of power, which can drain generators and solar power storage batteries quickly. An RV refrigerator operating on gas power continues to run until the propane tanks are depleted. Electric refrigerator owners sometimes use ice, dry ice, or frozen gel packs to keep groceries cool when they are not plugged in.
Many RV owners move their RVs frequently, sometimes covering great distances. You don't have to turn off an RV refrigerator operating on gas power while you are traveling. As long as there is sufficient propane, groceries will still be cold at the next destination.
Electric refrigerators cannot operate during travel. According to the USDA, refrigerated food will remain safe for approximately four hours without electricity. A full freezer can maintain its temperature for 48 hours. On longer trips, dry ice or frozen gel packs extend the safety margin. Experiment with your refrigerator before your trip, as different units may have different results. Pack the refrigerator and freezer as full as possible before you leave. Alternately, empty the unit and buy new groceries at your destination.
In 2006, recalls were issued for certain RV refrigerators installed by Norcold and Dometic, the two most popular manufacturers. The scope of the recall was expanded many times and, as of September 2009, continues to increase. The issue is a possible leak in the cooling unit. In some refrigerators, the ammonia-fueled cooling unit develops a fatigue crack, causing ammonia to leak into the refrigerator or even into the RV. The leaking fluid includes flammable hydrogen which, particularly when the refrigerator is operating on gas power, can cause a fire.
The recall repair involves the installation of a secondary housing around the cooling unit which is supposed to contain the leak and prevent a fire from breaking out. This does not always work, as some RVs have burned to the ground after having the repair performed. It also does not stop the leak from occurring, which can cause dangerous fumes in the RV as well as rendering the refrigerator useless. Only specific refrigerators are under recall, and most RV owners never experience a problem. Nonetheless, electric refrigerators bypass the issue altogether.
