We hear many people ask, “Why does my RV fridge keep shutting off?”
While this appliance is not a major component of your camper, it is definitely important. This is why if you encounter this problem, it helps to get it fixed.
But the question is, why does this even happen?
When you need a place to keep your beverages cool or prevent cooked food from spoiling, you need your RV fridge to be working perfectly fine.
So, if you are one of those people who worry about a fridge not working, you have come to the right place. Let us explore the possible reasons why this essential appliance does this and how to get it fixed.
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RV Fridge Shutting Off – Common Reasons
It is always a distressing concern when your refrigerator is not working.
You have your frozen meals, your cooked dishes, and perhaps cans and cans of juice and other drinks.
Now, if your refrigerator is not working, you are left with such a big problem. How will you be able to preserve these foods and make sure they don’t spoil in minutes?
Surely, being able to fix your fridge yourself is a better option. And yes, it is much cheaper than having to hire someone to solve this issue.
So first, let us take a look at the common reasons why an RV fridge just stops working.
1. Poor positioning of the refrigerator.
Perhaps your refrigerator is not quite level. It needs to be level on the floor, so it will function correctly. You see, this type of appliance is gravity-fed. So, if your vehicle is parked on an incline for a while, this can cause serious issues to your fridge.
When parked in such a condition for over 15 minutes, the fridge’s coolant liquid can form in various spots in its pipes. This causes the coolant’s circulation to be inefficient. Thus, the cooling power becomes not as powerful as when the fridge is level.
It is also possible that you will see in your fridge a check light switched on when it is not level. But once you bring it to the right level, this light should disappear right away.
This concern is not exactly due to a driving issue. After all, there is no way to have the ground level and stable all the time. The road can be very unpredictable.
But when you park your vehicle, you must make sure that the fridge is level. Otherwise, the problem starts to set in.
2. There is an issue with the electrical and inner components.
You need to check certain things if you continuously encounter an issue with your fridge shutting off.
Is the 120-volt AC plugged in?
Also, what is the source of power that your RV fridge uses? Is it propane or electricity?
If it is on electricity, you need to check if the heating element is working well.
But if it is propane, the burner must be operational.
So, you have to check the power source, as well as the internal parts to make sure the problem is not linked with those.
3. There is ammonia sediment formation.
Another thing to keep in mind is the possibility of ammonia sediment building up.
This may be linked with how old your refrigerator is while in other cases, it is the inactivity level.
But another concern is the positioning of the refrigerator.
As discussed in number 1, you need to keep it level. Not only will the coolant become efficient but deposits in the interior component can also harm your refrigerator.
This is why you need to be sure it is perfectly level.
So the question is, how can you find the right level? What should you need to do to make it happen to prevent your fridge from having these kinds of problems?
Make it a point to measure the angle using a measuring tape or a ruler. The angle of your RV should be level and stable. Otherwise, this issue with the ammonia sediment will persist.
Read More: Can You Live In A Camper On Your Own Land
Additional Tips to Keep in Mind – Why Does My RV Fridge Keep Shutting Off
An RV fridge is a very important appliance that can help preserve the freshness of your food and beverage. You need it to be running in good condition to avoid any conveniences.
This is why you need to make it a point to prevent damages to it. Practice great care in using your fridge and refrain from moving it around too much.
Choose a suitable location for this appliance that will be free from obstructions. Sometimes, accidentally banging the door several times can also lead to problems.
This is why you need to keep it free from foot traffic. It should be in a good spot that is stable and easy to access, yet not prone to being knocked over.
Here is a video that might come in handy when it comes to troubleshooting an RV fridge that keeps shutting off.
Final Words on How to Keep RV Fridge From Shutting Off
There are a few reasons why an RV fridge may shut off. But you need to be aware of the possible issues for you to come up with a viable solution for these concerns.
After learning more about the potential causes of an RV shutting off and what you can do, we hope we were able to help you out.
No one wants a faulty RV fridge, and it makes perfect sense to be on top of things when it starts to show signs of malfunctioning.
So go ahead and apply these tips, and let us know if you have further questions that we may help you with. Happy travels and stay safe on the road!
