If you’re a full-timer in your RV, you’ll be running your refrigerator constantly just as you would in a sticks-and-bricks home. Like any appliance, it requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. In this guide, I’ll discuss how to defrost an RV refrigerator with a tip to do the job fast.

Most RVs have refrigerators that run on propane or electricity, and the defrosting process is not unlike refrigerators found in homes. Many residential refrigerators, including those installed in larger RVs, will have automatic defrosting feature, but most standard RV refrigerators don’t. Mine, for instance, is a 12 cubic foot Dometic: pretty standard for RVs.

Why Should I Defrost my RV Refrigerator?

If there’s a bunch of ice built up in the fridge, wouldn’t that help keep it colder? Actually, no. The cooling fins are responsible for transferring heat from inside the refrigerator to the surrounding environment, allowing the interior to stay cold. When frost accumulates on these fins, several problems arise that can reduce the refrigerator’s efficiency.

The frost acts as an insulating barrier between the cooling fins and the interior of the refrigerator. This barrier reduces the efficiency of heat transfer, making it harder for the refrigerator to maintain its temperature. As a result, the refrigerator has to work harder and longer to cool its contents, consuming more energy in the process.

Frost buildup can obstruct the airflow inside the refrigerator, restricting the circulation of cold air. This restriction can lead to uneven cooling and temperature fluctuations affecting the freshness and longevity of stored food items. Sometimes running a small fan inside your fridge helps keep it cold, especially in the summer months. So, it’s important to keep frost off the fins so air can circulate.

Another issue that can arise is overworking the compressor. As the refrigerator struggles to maintain the set temperature due to frost buildup, the compressor, which is responsible for circulating refrigerant through the system, may have to work overtime. This continuous operation can lead to increased wear and tear on the compressor, potentially shortening its lifespan and increasing the risk of mechanical failure.

Steps to Defrosting an RV Refrigerator

To make sure it performs well, especially in the summer, it’s important to defrost it regularly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to defrosting your RV refrigerator:

1. Turn Off the Refrigerator: This first step is pretty obvious but I’ll include it anyway.
2. Remove Food and Shelves: Take out all the food items from the refrigerator and remove the shelves and drawers. If you have an ice chest you can store your food there, especially food from the freezer. But, I usually can get the job done quickly enough that my food doesn’t defrost or get too warm.
3. Place towels or a shallow pan inside the refrigerator and freezer to catch the melting ice and prevent water from spilling onto the floor.
4. Allow the Ice to Melt: There are two ways to do this. You can leave the refrigerator door open and allow the built-up ice to melt naturally, which will take several hours, or you can speed up the process with this little trick. Use a hair dryer to speed up the melting process. This can speed up the process considerably. One drawback is that you do have to stand there and hold it for 10 or 15 minutes, but it’s worth it, at least to me, to get the job done fast.

CAUTION: If you use the hair dryer method, DO NOT set the hair dryer down inside the refrigerator or freezer while plugged in! Water and electricity are a dangerous mixture.

Once the ice has melted completely, this is a great time to clean in interior. Use warm water and a mild cleaning solution and give it a good wipe down, then dry it completely.

The last step is to turn the refrigerator back on. If you didn’t use the speedy hair dryer method and you let the ice melt naturally, it’s a good idea to let the refrigerator cool down to the desired temperature before putting the shelves and food back in. While you’re putting the shelves and all your food back in, this is a great time to get rid of old or expired condiments. Space in an RV refrigerator is a commodity, so if you don’t use it, get rid of it.

Maintenance and Inspection

While you spend all this time cleaning and defrosting your refrigerator, it’s a great time to inspect the system for leaks to prevent any potential issues. Here are some tips for inspecting for leaks:

1. Check the Seals: Clean and inspect the door seals of the refrigerator for any signs of wear or damage. Damaged seals can lead to air leaks, which can affect the cooling efficiency of the refrigerator.
2. Look for Refrigerant Leaks: Go outside and remove the cover to access the back of your refrigerator. Check for any signs of refrigerant leaks around the refrigerator unit. Look for oily residue or unusual smells, which can indicate a leak in the refrigerant system.
3. Inspect the Propane System: If your RV refrigerator runs on propane, use a propane gas detector to inspect the propane system for leaks. Check the connections, hoses, and fittings for any signs of damage or leaks.
4. Inspect the condensation drip tube: Your RV refrigerator should have a drain hose that allows water to drain outside the RV instead of dripping under your refrigerator which can cause water damage. Make sure this hose is intact and not clogged up.

General Tips

While we’re here, let’s go over some general maintenance tips to keep your RV refrigerator running smoothly.

1. Keep it Level: This means level up your RV. Keeping it level is important because the refrigerator relies on gravity to circulate the refrigerant. If it’s not level, the refrigerant may not flow correctly, which can lead to inefficient cooling. If it’s too far off-level, it can cause the cooling unit to overheat, leading to potential safety hazards.
2. Ventilation: Ensure that the ventilation system of your RV refrigerator is clear of any obstructions. Inspect the outside cover to make sure nothing is preventing airflow to the back of the fridge.
3. Regular Cleaning: Clean the exterior of the refrigerator regularly to prevent dirt and debris from affecting its performance. Use a mild detergent and water to clean the exterior surfaces.
4. Monitor the Temperature: Keep an eye on the temperature inside the refrigerator and make adjustments as needed. A temperature gauge can help you monitor the refrigerator’s performance. While some newer or more expensive RV refrigerators come with a built-in temperature gauge, some don’t. But, you can find them on Amazon the they’re pretty inexpensive.

Conclusion

In summary, defrosting and maintaining your RV refrigerator is pretty simple and not too time-consuming, It will keep it running smoothly during your travels and keep your refrigerator lasting longer.