RV Refrigerator

Absorption refrigeration principal has been used since early 1800's
Commercial production in early 1900s but were expensive $350-$600 OUCH!




Make sure they are level when operated stationary. OK to operate while in transit.
Use ammonia, hydrogen, water and sodium chromate mixture as coolant. Newer versions have replaced hydrogen with helium
Takes 8-12 hrs. on initial start-up to properly cool down.
Freezer gets cold first then food section can cool down
Freezer can be cold and food section not get cold due to blaockage
Don't place hot foods in fridge...best to pre-cool items first
Can have difficulty keeping cool when outside temps are above 100*F and if below 32*F
Can be operated on 110V AC power, 12V DC power or Propane
Come in many different sizes/styles from basic to all the bells and whistles
Can be care free/reliable or junk
Most have been recalled
Some have caused fires


RV Absorption Refrigerator Homework

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Fire Info Link


When you get thru reading the provided links you should be able to write a good summary. Don't forget 'credits/acknowledgements'

What does this have to do, with the RV experience?

Absorption refrigerators are efficient users of electrical power, which powers the control unit, and propane (for cooling), but are slow to cool down from startup. Adding fans, both inside and outside, will improve efficiency and uniform cooling. Since RVs are frequently used where electricity is limited to batteries, household type (using a compressor and Freon) refrigerators are impractical. If an owner has a large enough coach with a large (six or eight 6 volt batteries), and is willing to recharge this battery bank frequently, then a residential type is preferred.

We have to use a fan in it to get the air to move (why don't they build them with fans???). I get tired of food that shouldn't freeze being pushed back against the coils and freezing. I had to toss carrots today....VERY irritating!

The absorption fridge in our previous Class A worked fine for 19 years, and still works well as far as I know. The 13 year old absorption fridge in our current Class A also works well. Both of them benefited from aftermarket internal and external modifications to optimize air circulation.

You might find some helpful info here.

Pulled it out and put in a residential. Less Sodium Chromate means the cooling units are lasting a shorter time so why bother with then anymore.