What Temperature Should My RV Fridge/Freezer Be?

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Updated May 6, 2024

The temperature of your RV fridge/freezer is a common challenge faced by avid travelers on the road. But on average, your RV fridge temp should range between 34 and 40 degrees, and your freezer temp should be zero or lower.

Maintaining the right RV fridge temperature is of utmost importance. 

It directly impacts the quality, freshness, and safety of the food we store, ensuring our meals remain delicious and our beverages stay refreshingly cool.

So, what magic number will keep your food fresh and your taste buds happy?

In this blog post, we delve into RV fridge temperatures, debunk common misconceptions, and equip you with practical tips and tricks to master chilling on the go.

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure where your meals will be as satisfying as the miles you travel. 

Are you ready to unlock the secret to a perfectly chilled RV fridge? Keep reading!

Are RV Fridges The Same As Residential Fridges?

For the most part, RV fridges are different. The main reason is that RV fridges are designed so they can operate while underway and when you don’t have access to electricity,

This is where the propane and 12-volt options come from on most RV fridges. If you only had an AC plug like on your home fridge you would only have power at campgrounds or when running a generator.

Now can you put a residential fridge in an RV? Sure, however, as mentioned you will be limited to shore power to operate the fridge.

What Temperature Should My RV Fridge And Freezer Be Set At?

The temperature your RV fridge and freezer should be set is crucial to ensure your food stays fresh while on the road. 

The recommended temperature settings for an RV fridge and freezer may vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer. 

However, as a general guideline, it’s recommended to maintain your RV fridge temperature between 34°F and 40°F (1.11°C and 4.44°C) to keep perishable food fresh and safe to consume. 

The recommended temperature for your RV freezer is 0°F (-17.78°C) or below. 

You will preserve frozen food well at this temperature and prevent harmful bacteria growth. 

Check the temperature regularly with a fridge/freezer thermometer, as fluctuations in outside temperature and frequent door openings can affect the internal temperature. 

Adjust the settings to maintain the ideal temperature for food safety and quality.

How Can I Improve My RV Refrigerator Cooling?

Improving your RV refrigerator cooling is a crucial part of any RV trip. Unfortunately, RV refrigerators often encounter cooling issues, especially in hot weather.

Here are ten tips to help you improve your RV refrigerator cooling and ensure your food stays fresh and delicious.

1. Proper Ventilation

The refrigerator requires proper ventilation to dissipate heat effectively. 

Check the exterior vents of the refrigerator to ensure they are clear of any obstructions, like leaves, debris, or insects. 

Clean the vents regularly and provide sufficient space around them for air to flow freely.

2. Insulation

Insulating your refrigerator can help maintain a consistent temperature inside. 

You can use additional insulation foam boards or reflective insulation to cover the refrigerator’s outer sides, top, and back. 

RVs normally have insulation around the refrigerator to help keep the temperature stable inside of them.

If the temperature of the RV fridge does not remain stable, adding additional insulation may help.

3. Make Sure Your RV Is Level

Ensure you park your RV on a level surface when using the refrigerator. 

If you have an evaporator refrigerator instead of the condenser version, your RV must be as level as possible for the cooling system to work.

The refrigerator’s cooling system relies on the gaseous form of the cooling liquid to flow through the pipes behind the refrigerator. If your RV is not level, it can affect the circulation of the refrigerant and lead to inadequate cooling.

4. Pre-Cool Food

Before placing items in your RV refrigerator, ensure they are cool, such as food from the oven or microwave. 

By only storing cool food, you will reduce the workload on your RV fridge and help maintain its cooling efficiency.

5. Organize The Food In The Fridge

Do not overload the fridge with excessive items. Instead, leave some space inside to allow for proper air circulation. 

Overloading can restrict airflow and hinder cooling performance.

6. Perform Regular Preventive Maintenance On Your RV Fridge

Clean the refrigerator’s coils and burner assembly regularly to ensure optimal performance. 

Check for any signs of wear or damage and replace parts as necessary.

Add these and other RV fridge upkeep tasks to your RV maintenance checklist.

7. Check The RV Fridge Door Seals

Inspect door seals for any damage or gaps that may allow warm air to enter the refrigerator. 

If you notice any issues, replace the seals to ensure a tight seal when the door is closed.

8. Keep the Refridgerator Door Closed

Minimize the time you spend with the refrigerator door open. 

Opening the door often allows cold air to escape and warm air to enter, making the fridge work harder to maintain its temperature.

9. Adjust The Temperature RV Fridge Settings

As previously discussed, monitor the internal temperature of your refrigerator and adjust the thermostat accordingly. 

10. Keep The Fridge Side Shaded From The Sun

If possible, park your RV in shaded areas, keep your window shades down, and use RV window awnings, or reflective materials to reduce direct sunlight exposure to the refrigerator vents. 

To learn about RV window shades check out our article called RV Window Insulation Tips for Summer and Winter.

Lower temperatures can reduce the heat load on the refrigerator, improving its cooling performance. 

If you’ve followed these tips and your RV refrigerator is still not cooling correctly, it might be worth having it inspected by a professional RV technician to check for any underlying issues or repairs.

For lots of tips about how to keep your fridge colder check out our article called How To Keep Your RV Fridge Cold While Traveling.

5 Reasons Why Is My RV Fridge Not Getting Cold Enough?

There can be several reasons your RV fridge isn’t getting cold enough. 

As mentioned above, improper leveling, incorrect temperature settings, and insufficient ventilation are common problems. 

Here are other causes to consider when your fridge isn’t cooling correctly.

1. Power Source

Verify you correctly connected your RV to a reliable power source.  

For example, if you use the refrigerator on propane, ensure the propane supply is sufficient, and the burner works perfectly. 

Check that the power outlet is functioning or your generator is running smoothly for electric power. 

2. Insufficient Time 

RV refrigerators take longer to cool compared to residential refrigerators. 

Give the fridge time to cool down if you recently started using it or have turned it off for a while. 

The refrigerator can take several hours, or even a day, to reach the desired temperature.

3. Blocked Condenser Coils 

The condenser coils dissipate heat from the refrigerator.  

If these coils become dirty or blocked, they won’t release heat efficiently, decreasing cooling performance. 

Regularly clean and inspect the condenser coils to ensure they are functioning optimally.

4. Faulty Fans 

Some RV refrigerators have fans that help circulate cold air within the fridge. 

However, if the fan is faulty, it can lead to uneven cooling and low temperatures. 

Inspect the fan for any issues, and if needed, consult a professional technician for repair or replacement.

5. Cooling System Malfunctions

If none of the above factors is the problem, there may be an issue with the cooling system. 

For example, it could be a malfunctioning thermostat, a problem with the cooling unit, or other internal components. 

In such cases, we recommend consulting a professional RV technician who can diagnose and repair the issue.

Does an RV Have To Be Perfectly Level For The Refrigerator To Work?

No, an RV doesn’t have to be perfectly level for the refrigerator to work, but it should be reasonably close to level for optimal performance. 

Most RV refrigerators use an absorption cooling system, which relies on gravity and the natural flow of the refrigerant to function correctly. 

If your RV is significantly off-level, the cooling system may not work efficiently, leading to poor cooling or even damage to the refrigerator.

A general guideline is to keep your RV within 3 degrees side-to-side and 6 degrees front-to-back while parked. 

6 Steps On How To Adjust Your RV’s Fridge Temperature Settings

Understanding how to adjust your RV’s fridge temperature settings is essential for keeping food and beverages at the desired level of coolness.

Here’s a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Locate the Temperature Control Knobs

The temperature control knobs are usually on the front or inside of the unit. 

However, depending on your RV’s make and model, one or more knobs may control the temperature in different refrigerator compartments.

Step 2: Understand the Temperature Settings

Before making any changes, familiarize yourself with the fridge temperature settings. 

Most RV refrigerators display a numerical scale or temperature range on the control panel. 

Step 3: Adjust the Temperature Settings

Use the buttons or knobs on the control panel to adjust the temperature. 

For example, if your refrigerator has a numerical scale, turn the knob or press the button to increase or decrease the number until you reach your desired temperature. 

If it has a range, toggle the knob or button to select the appropriate level of coolness.

Step 4: Give the Refrigerator Time to Adjust

After adjusting, give the refrigerator time to adapt to the new temperature settings. 

The temperature may take a few hours to stabilize, especially if you’ve made significant changes. 

Step 5: Check the Temperature Regularly 

Once the refrigerator has time to adjust, it’s essential to check the temperature regularly to ensure it remains within the safe temperature range. 

If available, monitor the temperature using an internal thermometer or the built-in temperature display.

Step 6: Fine-Tune if Necessary

You can make further adjustments if the temperature is below the desired level. However, gradually increasing or decreasing the temperature is better than making drastic changes.

7 Steps On Defrosting The RV Fridge and Freezer

Defrosting the RV fridge and freezer is necessary to maintain efficiency and prevent ice buildup. 

Here’s a guide on how to defrost them.

Step 1: Turn Off the Power to the Fridge and Freezer

Before defrosting, turn off the power to the fridge and freezer to prevent any appliance damage during the defrosting process.

Step 2: Remove The Contents

Remove all food items, shelves, and drawers from the fridge and freezer. Having a portable freezer can come in very handy for this task.

Step 3: Open the Doors and Allow the Ice to Melt

Leave the doors of the fridge and freezer compartments open to allow the ice to melt. 

Place towels or absorbent mats at the base of the compartments to catch any melting ice or water.

Step 4: Speed Up the Process

To speed up defrosting, you can place bowls of hot water inside the compartments. 

Close the doors and allow the hot water to generate steam to help melt the ice faster. 

Alternatively, gently melt the ice with a hairdryer on a low heat setting. Hold the hair dryer a few inches from the ice and move it back and forth until it has melted.

Step 5: Remove Ice Buildup

Once the ice melts, you can carefully remove large chunks of ice using a plastic spatula or scraper. 

Avoid using sharp or metal tools that could damage the interior surfaces.

Step 6: Clean the Interior of the Fridge and Freezer

Once the ice has melted, use mild detergent and warm water to clean the interior surfaces of the fridge and freezer. 

Wipe down the shelves, drawers, and walls to remove any residue or dirt. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.

Step 7: Turn the Power Back On and Restock the Fridge and Freezer

After cleaning, turn the power back on to the fridge and freezer and reassemble the shelves, drawers, and food items in their respective compartments.

4 FAQs on Temperature Settings for RV Fridges and Freezers

1. What Is The Coldest Part Of An RV Fridge?

The coldest part of an RV fridge is the back wall, where the cooling element is located. 

The cooling element removes heat from the refrigerator’s interior to cool it down. As a result, the fridge’s back wall is the coldest part since it is in direct contact with the cooling element.

2. External Factors that Affect the Temperature of an RV Fridge

Several external factors cause the temperature of an RV fridge to fluctuate or even fail.

One of the most significant external factors is the outside temperature.

Hot weather can make the fridge work harder. The fridge’s insulation can only keep the interior cool to a certain extent.

Another external factor that can affect the temperature of an RV fridge is how often it’s opened. 

Each time someone opens the fridge door, warm air enters, and cold air escapes, which can cause the internal temperature to rise.

To help keep the fridge cool, try to minimize the number of times the door is opened and encourage everyone in the RV to close the door promptly after getting what they need.

3. Why Does My Freezer Get Cold, But My Fridge Doesn’t?

If your RV’s freezer is getting cold, but the fridge compartment isn’t, you may be experiencing blocked vents.

Another reason for uneven cooling is a damaged door gasket that can let warm air into the fridge, causing temperature disruption.

A faulty thermostat can also cause uneven cooling in an RV fridge. 

4. Signs You Need To Adjust Your RV Fridge’s Temperature

Food spoilage, frost build-up, and temperature variations show a need to adjust the RV fridge temperature.  

If you notice any of these issues, having a professional RV technician diagnose and fix the problem is best. 

You can find a certified RV technician through the RVTAA to fix the fridge.

Final Thoughts on RV Fridge and Freezer Settings 

Setting and maintaining the proper temperature in your RV fridge and freezer is vital for food safety, but it shouldn’t overshadow the enjoyment of your travels. 

By being aware of external factors that affect the fridge’s performance, monitoring the temperature regularly, and addressing any issues, you can help ensure your food stays fresh without detracting from your adventure on the road.

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Related Reading:

–What is a 3-Way RV Fridge and Should You Buy One?
–Can RV Refrigerator Fans Make Your Fridge Cooler?
–The Truth About Running Your RV Refrigerator on Solar Power
–How Long Will an RV Fridge Run on Propane?

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