Considerations for Moving to an RV Residential Refrigerator

There are many things to consider when deciding to switch to an RV residential refrigerator in your RV. In this video, we break it all down for you.

Before Switching to an RV Residential Refrigerator

The first thing to think about is the fact that regular residential refrigerators run off of electricity only, unlike an RV refrigerator that can run off of either electricity or LP gas. Residential units can be run by the house batteries with the use of a larger inverter that provides 120-volt power but does require a larger battery bank and has a limited run time.In the past, some residential units could not withstand the temperature changes and vibrations when traveling. However, with today’s heavier chassis and suspension designs, residential units can last just as long as a standard RV refrigerator.

The next thing to consider when installing an RV residential refrigerator is the size. You will need to determine if it will fit in the space designated for the refrigerator. Measure the space, including height, width and depth. Most residential refrigerators are at least 30 inches deep so many RV’s do not offer enough space to accommodate that size of a unit. Also, residential units are hinged differently than standard RV refrigerators. The way the doors swing out may require additional space. Make sure there will be enough clearance when the doors swing open.

If selecting a smaller RV residential refrigerator than the previous unit, it may be necessary to find a way to mount it and fill in any gaps left behind. If choosing a larger refrigerator, look at the surrounding space and see if there is a cabinet that can be removed or if the floor plan can be adjusted.

Take into consideration the pros and cons of switching to an RV residential refrigerator, chose your decision wisely and enjoy your next vacation!