Mobile Cooling Systems | 3 Refrigeration Maintenance Considerations For Your RV

A standard mobile refrigeration unit in most RVs comes with a small capacity door freezer and fridge – just enough cooling to keep your food fresh while you're in transit. The unit has a small freezer section that holds a little more than an ice tray. To perform optimally, regular maintenance must be carried out, as refrigeration parts are subject to ageing and may be damaged by constant vibration in the vehicle. Thermo King products are especially popular in RV's, designing and building ecologically reliable mobile refrigeration units for trailers, trucks and ocean containers. Here are some mobile refrigeration maintenance considerations for your RV.

Regular Defrosting

Always defrost your fridge when the frost layer starts getting too thick – thick icy layers reduce cooling efficiency and increase power consumption. To defrost the refrigeration unit, turn the thermostat to "stop." Don't use anything sharp to scrape off the ice, as it will pierce through the refrigeration plate and may cause irreversible damage. Once the unit is defrosted, empty the residual water from the drip tray and turn the thermostat back to the cooling setting you desire.  

Run The Refrigerator Before A Long Trip

Before you depart on a holiday or road trip, make sure that you turn on your RV refrigeration unit at home, while hooked to the main power. This gives the refrigeration unit enough time to reach a constant cool temperature without putting pressure on your RV engine. Keep in mind that no RV fridge will cool a carton of milk or chill beer in a few hours. By pre-cooling your food and drinks in your home refrigerator before placing them in your RV refrigerator, you'll reduce the load on the RV engine, enabling it to run smoothly.

Protect The Refrigeration Unit

Always remember to keep the air vents in the refrigeration unit clear of any obstructions – if the vents are blocked, cool air will not pass through and the unit will get damaged in time. When stationary, use a canvas covering or shade cloth to protect the exterior of the RV where the fridge is located. While obvious, try and avoid exposing the fridge to direct sunlight. Make sure the fridge is kept full when it's on—keeping the fridge full prevents cold air from escaping when it's opened. If you don't have much, fill your refrigerator's empty spaces with jugs of water.

Whether your RV is fitted with a Thermo King refrigeration unit or something else, keep these regular maintenance tips in mind for running your RV cooling system as optimally as possible. For more information, contact a company like Iceman Transport Refrigeration Repairs Pty Ltd.

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