Caravan Fridge Buying Guide
Caravan Fridge Buying Guide
The camp fridge: the ultimate luxury or an absolute essential, from any perspective, it is undebatable that having fresh cold food and drinks while you are away, is a modern convenience few can live without. When you are away for a few days, even the best eskies, can leave your produce soggy and undesirable, hence why having a fridge is always the preferred option.
There is a wide variety of fridges available for your 4×4 vehicle, caravan and or RV, from a small compact fridge to a large capacity fridge freezer. With such a variety of refrigeration solutions, the best way to choose a suitable fridge is to narrow down your personal list of requirements by consider the following.
Your personal needs
Consider how many people will need to be feed while you are away. Single, couple or family; the size of the fridge needed will vary depending on how many people will be in your company. The larger the number of people, the larger the capacity of fridge you will require. But the fridge buying decision is not as straight forward as that.
Intended travel
If your itinerary is long and you intend to be away for a length of time, factor in how often you plan to restock your supplies. Grocery shopping is a chore, so the less you must do it, the more time you have for site seeing. In which case, a larger refrigerator will be preferred. However, for the foodies among us, it can be a treat to pick up fresh produce and culinary delights from local destinations along the way. So a smaller fridge may suffice with more frequent food purchases.
Going off grid
For those that are well equipped to get off road and off grid, i.e., you have a 4×4 vehicle and an off-road specific caravan, you may be far removed from the local supermarkets and convenience stores for an extended time. In which case, it is recommended you create a meal plan for your time away and shop accordingly. This also means that you will need a larger refrigerator to store more items all at once.
Frozen food
When planning an extended trip or time off-grid, factor in how much food you may be able to purchase and store in the RV fridge. Consider a unit that also includes a freezer, meaning you can store items that can be frozen, thawed and consumed later in your holiday. That way the RV fridge compartment can house the perishable dairy, fruit, vegetables, and condiments, while the freezer section is used to keep the meats, fish, and other meals to be consumed later.
Space
Next, measure the dimensions of the actual fridge cavity in your caravan, RV or camper. The amount of available space will dictate the size of the refrigerator you can buy. Follow the manufacturers specifications and ensure the new RV fridge is installed properly by a qualified caravan service agent and is ventilated.
Noise
All appliances in your caravan will generate a level of noise, including the RV fridge. Be prepared to tolerate a degree of noise created by a compressor fridge fan. Unfortunately, because caravans are a compact space you really cannot escape this white noise easily. However, you do have the option of an absorption fridge, which is widely accepted as a quieter alternative.
RV Fridge Types
As beforementioned, the two most common RV fridge’s are either a compressor fridge or an absorption fridge.
Compressor fridges work the same as the fridge in your home however instead of 240V mains they use 12-volt power from your RV battery. The benefit of compressor fridges is that they cool down quickly and consume less battery power when on 12V than the absorption type.
Alternatively, there is the original caravan fridge variety that has stood the test of time – the absorption 3-way caravan fridge and they are still available for purchase. Absorption fridges are silent, avoid the use of moving parts, highly resistant to wear and tear, and are easy to maintain. A 3-way caravan fridge enables you to choose between the power source of 12/24Volt, 240Volt, or LPG gas. Keep in mind, absorption fridges do take longer to cool down and consume greater battery power compared to a compressor fridge when running on 12V. Absorption fridges are sensitive, only operating at optimal efficiency when level.
Most major caravan RV brands manufacture a caravan fridge including Dometic, Thetford, Vitrifrigo, and Bushman. Caravan RV fridges range in capacity from compact 30 litres (L) to large 230L (Litres) or small, medium, large and compact.
Shop By Compressor Fridge Size
RV Compressor Fridges Small
Dometic CoolMatic CRX 50 – Compressor Fridge Freezer 47L
A versatile compressor fridge with a uniquely removable freezer compartment, the Dometic CoolMatic CRX50 is perfect for use in marine, campervans, caravans, and motorhomes with the added benefits of having a low consumption of energy.
The CRX50 2 Way Compressor Fridge has an ample 47L refrigerator capacity which can also maintain between 5 – 7 degrees. The CRX50 Compressor Fridge can be used as a conventional fridge/freezer, full fridge, or full freezer.
Bushman Fridge – DC50-X 50L 12V/24V DC Compressor Fridge / Freezer
This super compact upright fridge is exceptionally high quality, low on power and easy to use. Designed specifically for built in installation into caravans, camper trailers, RV’s and tiny houses. These fridges are beautifully designed with a matt black finish.
Bushman compressor fridges feature a unique deep and narrow freezer design that gives more room to stand up larger bottles. All the shelves are height adjustable and the large door balconies have in-built stainless-steel rails to prevent items moving during transit. Bushman fridges come with a supplied mounting kit or can be installed flush mounted to your cabinet work.
Bushman Fridge – DC65-X 65L 12V/24V DC Compressor Fridge / Freezer
The Bushman DC65-X fridge is exceptionally high quality, low on power and easy to use. Designed specifically for built in installation into caravans, camper trailers, RV’s and tiny houses, these fridges are beautifully designed with a matt black finish.
A unique deep and narrow freezer design gives more room to stand up larger bottles. All the shelves are height adjustable and the large door balconies have in-built stainless-steel rails to prevent items moving during transit. You can install the DC65-X flush mounted to your cabinet work, or with the supplied mounting kit.
Dometic CoolMatic CRX 65 – Compressor Fridge Freezer 60L
A versatile compressor fridge with a removable freezer compartment with added benefits of low energy consumption, this means that it can easily run using solar panels. The CRX 65 has a 57 Litre capacity with a layer of polyurethane insulation to maintain the cool temperatures inside.
Use the Dometic CRX65 compressor fridge as a conventional fridge/freezer, a full fridge or even a full freezer in your motorhome or caravan. One key point to mention is that the Dometic CoolMatic CRX fridges are sold without a frame. Which means you will have to contact a Caravan Repair Agent for a mounting and installation quote.
RV Compressor Fridges MEDIUM
Dometic CoolMatic CRX 80 – Compressor Fridge Freezer 81L
The well-proven Dometic CoolMatic refrigerator series provide outstanding energy efficient refrigeration for built-in mobile applications. Their operation is reliable even in tilted positions and high ambient temperatures. They work economically, quietly and are ideal to run with solar panels. The desired temperature is set on the soft touch control panel which is mounted flush in the inner wall and elegantly integrates the LED light.
There’s smart electronics behind it: the system regulates the compressor speed therefore achieving energy savings of up to 25 %. This smart refrigerator has a stainless-steel effect front, offers 78 L of cool storage and an optional 7.5 L of freezer space. It is also superbly efficient and generates minimal noise.
Bushman Fridge DC85-X - Compressor Fridge Freezer 85L
The Bushman DC-X range of fridges are exceptionally high quality, low on power and easy to use. Designed specifically for built in installation into caravans, camper trailers, RV’s and tiny houses. These fridges are beautifully designed with a matt black finish. A unique deep and narrow freezer design gives more room to stand up larger bottles.
All the shelves are height adjustable and the large door balconies have in-built stainless-steel rails to prevent items moving during transit. You can install the DC85X flush mounted to your cabinet work, or with the supplied mounting kit.
Thetford DE105 Compressor Fridge 105L
Thetford’s compressor fridges offer enormously powerful, but efficient cooling on 12V. The unique venting system enhances the cooling performance thanks to the separation of hot and cold Air. The ventilation is integrated which means that external vents are not required.
It also means there is no dust getting into your van. All Thetford compressor fridges come with a Day and Night mode, making them a powerful, quiet and energy efficient option for every RV.
The DE105 model compressor fridge is perfect for under bench fitment, designed to be compact whilst maximising fridge storage.
Bushman Fridge – DC130-X 130L Compressor Fridge Freezer
The Bushman Fridge DC130-X 130L Compressor Fridge / Freezer is a top seller for caravans, RV’s, tiny houses, and smaller off grid applications. An outstanding amount of space and value for money for a fridge of this size. As mentioned earlier, the Bushman Fridge range offer a unique deep and narrow freezer design that gives more room to stand up larger bottles.
All the shelves are height adjustable and the large door balconies have in-built stainless-steel rails to prevent items moving during transit. You can install the DC130X flush mounted to your cabinet work, or with the supplied mounting kit.
Dometic Coolmatic CRX110 Fridge Freezer
The Coolmatic CRX110 fridge freezer is one of the larger compressor refrigerators in the Dometic Coolmatic range. Dometic Coolmatic CRX110 Fridge Freezer features high standard interior and exterior qualities as expected with all the boat and caravan fridges.
This refrigerator has a total 109 litre capacity which includes a 9.0 litre freezer compartment.
Please note that this Dometic CoolMatic CRX fridge is sold without a frame. Which means you will have to contact your local Caravan Repair Agent for a mounting and installation quote.
Vitrifrigo New Airlock CL115 Fridge Freezer 118L
The Vitrifrigo Sea Classic Series offers a complete range of fridges, freezers, and dual configurations to meet most space and capacity requirements. Ergonomic, silent, reliable, and safe; these units are a popular choice for boats, RVs, and caravans.
The airlock closure system has been designed to allow an easier access for the users and integrate unique features to offer an innovative, extremely user-friendly fridge freezer.
Dometic CoolMatic CRX 140 – Compressor Fridge Freezer 136L
The CoolMatic CRX140 fridge freezer is the largest of the caravan motorhome CRX fridges. This fridge is the only one which has built in mains, so no extra adapters are required to run it off 240v, it also runs on 12v – 24v. With a luxurious interior and high-quality stainless-steel finish this makes the CRX140 ideal for all applications such as caravans, motorhomes, and yachts and especially for those customers not restricted by galley size.
This refrigerator has a large total capacity of 130 litres which also includes an 11 litre 3-star freezer unit situated at the top if the fridge. The door can be hinged on either side, this can be facilitated easily and quickly.
Thetford T2152 Compressor Fridge 141L
Thetford is an increasingly popular, trusted brand in the RV industry. They have made amazing progress on developing high quality products, designed for optimal performance in Australian conditions. Each product is tested extensively and backed with a 3-year warranty.
Thetford’s compressor fridges offer immensely powerful, but efficient cooling on 12V. The unique venting system enhances the cooling performance thanks to the separation of hot and cold Air. The ventilation is integrated which means that external vents are not required. It also means no dust getting into your van. All Thetford compressor fridges come with a Day and Night mode, making them a powerful, quiet and energy efficient option for every RV.
The T2152 model refrigerator is a unique slim fit design, only 418 mm wide compared to the standard 525 mm.
Dometic RUC 5208X Compressor Refrigerator Freezer 153L
The Dometic RUC 5208X model is a single door upright compressor refrigerator. This fridge also features a narrow cabinet design. Which allows for greater flexibility in the kitchen area of recreational vehicles without compromising on storage volume.
The narrow cabinet design comes with a slim footprint of 550mm (W) x 677mm (D) with a decent hight of 1191mm (H). This fridge unit comes with a reversible door to suit any layout with an internal freezer compartment door. The T-rated cooling system ensures excellent cooling performance in all conditions.
The Dometic RUC 5208X model has an easy-to-use control panel with colour TFT (thin-film-transistor) display with a unique rotary touch control. This fridge also features elegant LED lighting that illuminates the internal cavity.
With adjustable shelves and door bins that are perfect for storing bottles and cans plus a full-width crisper with humidity control the Dometic RUC 5208X Compressor Refrigerator Freezer 153L is a great medium sized option.
RV Compressor Fridges LARGE
Thetford T2175 Compressor Fridge 174L
Thetford T2175 Compressor Fridge is a large model with an improved design. Featuring a capacitive touch screen, flush door handle and the compressor located at the base of the fridge. The freezer compartment is a convenient drawer design, positioned at the bottom of the refrigerator for easy homelike comfort.
The Thetford T2175 Compressor Fridge has regulated frozen food compartments which means it is possible to turn off the compartment to save on energy usage, plus adjust the temperature to user preference. The new user friendly ‘capacitive’ touch screen allows you to slide or touch the icons to set your desired temperature. Or allow the automatic temperature control feature to select the best performance with the lowest energy use.
Dometic RUC 6408X – Compressor Fridge Freezer 188L
The Dometic RUC 6408X model is an upright compressor refrigerator that features a narrow cabinet design which allows for greater flexibility in the kitchen area of recreational vehicles without compromising on storage volume. The Dometic RUC 6408X refrigerator has undergone extensive research and development with the result being a very refined RV refrigerator.
At the centre of the Dometic RUC 6408X’s design is its tall and narrow cabinet, which allows for greater flexibility in the kitchen area without compromising on storage volume. Due to the smaller footprint, the Dometic RUC 6408X refrigerator reduces the dominance of the refrigerator in the kitchen area. If you require a service, rather than removing windows to access the refrigerator, the RUC 6408X refrigerator can be easily removed through the caravan or RV entrance door if required.
Vitrifrigo DP2600i Black 2 Door Fridge Freezer 230L
These 2-door refrigerators have huge capacity and feature large separate freezer compartments for long term storage of frozen foods. The DP2600i, has a flush mount surround for ease of installation and has the Air Lock catch system as standard equipment. The cooling unit is mounted directly onto the refrigerator cabinet.
Ergonomic, silent, reliable, and safe; these units are a popular choice for boats, motorhomes, and caravans. This model has the new AirLock system. Designed by Vitrifrigo, this feature is one of a kind and exclusive only to Vitrifrigo fridge units. The Airlock closure system has been designed to allow an easier access for the end user and integrate unique features to offer an innovative, extremely user-friendly fridge.
RV Compressor Fridges Compact
Dometic CoolMatic Compact Drawer Fridge CD20DC 20L
The Dometic CD 20DC is one of the slickest, most compact units available in the market. Its flexible design allows it to fit into the small confines of a vehicle.
When travelling on the road, space is precious. You will often need to utilise every inch of storage that your vehicle offers, because sometimes you do not want to make compromises when deciding what to bring. Therefore, Dometic has released its CD 20DC – a compact drawer fridge that offers everything you would want in an effective cooling device.
Its temperature control with continuously variable thermostat improves efficiency while providing an unprecedented level of cooling for your food and drink. With a temperature range from +15 °C to 0 °C, the CD 20DC is a perfect companion when spending day after day on the road.
Dometic CoolMatic Compact Drawer Fridge CD30
The Dometic Compact Drawer Fridge CD30 is one of the slickest, most compact units available in the market. Its flexible design allows it to fit into the small confines of a vehicle. Compact design and smart solution: the compressor can be fitted to the side of the refrigerator (left or right) and up to 1.5 m away.
The unit is simple to use. It has easy-pull drawer runs on roller bearing slides to allow for convenient access, and its user-friendly design allows for the unit to be unlocked and opened in a single movement. The Dometic CD30 cooling unit can also be mounted remotely away from the cabinet, giving you the ultimate flexibility of installation.
Absorption Fridges
Dometic RUA 5208X Absorption refrigerator 153L
The Dometic RUA 5208X model is a single door upright absorption refrigerator that features a narrow cabinet design that allows for greater flexibility in the kitchen area of recreational vehicles without compromising on storage volume. The Dometic RUA 5208X Absorption fridge is a three-way caravan fridge that enables you to choose between the power source of 12/24Volt, 240Volt, or LPG gas.
The Dometic RUA 5208X model has an easy-to-use control panel with colour TFT (thin-film-transistor) display with a unique rotary touch control. This fridge also features elegant LED lighting that illuminates the internal cavity.
With adjustable shelves and door bins that are perfect for storing bottles and cans plus a full-width crisper with humidity control the Dometic RUA 5208X is a great medium sized absorption fridge option.
Dometic RUA 6408X – Absorption Fridge Freezer 188L
The Dometic RUA 6408X model is an upright absorption refrigerator that features a narrow cabinet design that allows for greater flexibility in the kitchen area of recreational vehicles without compromising on storage volume.
The Dometic RUA 6408X refrigerator range has undergone extensive research and development with the result being a refined RV refrigerator. The game changing element to the Dometic RUA 6408X’s design is its tall and narrow cabinet, which allows for greater flexibility in the kitchen area without compromising on storage volume.
The service process for the Dometic RUA 6408X refrigerator has also been streamlined by the narrow design. Rather than removing windows to access the fridge, the RUA 6408X refrigerator can be easily removed through the entrance door if required.
DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature, and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.
