Why you should think twice before making changes to your caravan’s interior
Having a well-functioning fridge can be a true lifesaver of any caravan adventure, as it sits there, quietly keeping your food fresh, your drinks chilled and even perhaps your ice cream frozen. Whether you’re parked up by the sea or tucked away in a forest, your caravan fridge will always need a little care and attention to stay in good condition. Here’s how to look after it, so it keeps working efficiently for you, trip after trip…
Level things up
Caravan fridges - especially absorption models that operate using gas, electricity or both - need to be level to operate efficiently. If your caravan is on a slope, the coolant inside the fridge won’t circulate properly, leading to poor cooling performance or even long-term damage. Check you are on a level setting when parking up, and adjust your caravan's position as needed.
Give it a good clean
Wipe down the interior of your fridge before and after every trip. Use a mild cleaning product or a solution of bicarbonate of soda and warm water to keep it clean and odour-free. Avoid any harsh chemicals that could damage the surfaces - both inside and out - and don’t forget to clean the door seals too, as any dirt settling here can compromise the seal and let warm air in.
Talking of bicarb - leaving a little tray or plate of bicarb at the bottom of the fridge helps to absorb any pongy smells over time. If you haven’t tried this before, either on the road or at home, it does work! Remember to replace it every few months to help it do its job effectively.
Ventilation is really important
Fridges need good airflow to stay cool, especially in warmer weather, so regularly check the external vents on the side of your caravan to make sure they’re not blocked by any debris or insects. For caravanning in hot climates, a fridge fan can help improve the air circulation and boost efficiency. Your fridge needs good airflow around the cooling fins and through the external vents to work efficiently. Try to park your caravan with the fridge side out of direct sunlight if you can, too.
Defrost it when necessary
Over time, ice can build up on the cooling fins inside the fridge, especially if you’ve been on the road for a while. This reduces efficiency and also takes up valuable space. Defrost it regularly by switching the fridge off, leaving the door open, and placing a towel underneath to catch any water. If you find that food is freezing when it shouldn’t be, this might mean that the thermostat is faulty or set too high - this is particularly common in compressor fridges.
Leave the door open when not in use
When the fridge isn’t in use, especially over winter, leave the door slightly open to prevent stale smells and mould from forming. Many caravan fridges come with a built-in latch or catch to hold the door ajar safely. For longer-term storage, do consider running the fridge every few weeks on electric, just to keep it in good working order and to prevent the seals from drying out.
Check the power source
Three-way fridges can run on 12V, mains or gas, but these sources are not all equal. 12V is typically for use while towing, whereas mains or gas are better for when you’re pitched up. Check your fridge is using the appropriate power source for the situation, and that the connections (especially gas lines) are in good working order. In addition to routine cleaning and ventilation checks, it’s important to monitor your fridge’s power source. If you’re switching between power modes and notice a drop in cooling efficiency, it’s worth having the system checked by a competent person.
Get it serviced
Just like the rest of your caravan, the fridge benefits from having an annual service carried out as part of your caravan’s regular maintenance check. Over time, components like the burner, flue, or cooling unit can degrade or become blocked so you’ll want to spot this before any issues start occurring.
Don’t fill it up too much!
Cramming the fridge full of food and drinks may be tempting, but remember the air needs to circulate for it to be able to cool the items evenly. Leave some space around the items, especially near the cooling fins or vent, so that your fridge can breathe and operate efficiently. It’s often helpful to pre-chill the food and drinks before you go, and turn the fridge on the night before you travel - some fridges can struggle in hot weather so any help you can give it will go a long way.
With a little regular care, your caravan fridge will serve you well, season after season, so that regardless of whether you’re stocking up for a weekend at the beach or a month-long journey, you can count on it to keep your food cool and your drinks even cooler… cheers!
