You’ll quickly discover that there is a lot to learn about owning and operating an RV. It’s not just a matter of hooking up the RV and driving away. There are many considerations to take into account when choosing an RV, purchasing accessories, setting up your home away from home, and even operating it day-to-day. One of the most popular questions among newbies to this lifestyle is: does an RV fridge need a battery to run on propane? This article will answer that question and provide further insight into operating your refrigerator in your RV. Read on to learn more!
Does RV Fridge Need Battery to Run on Propane?
Yes, the refrigerator requires a battery to run on propane. The battery provides power to the refrigerator while the propane is being refilled. The battery used is 12 volts and can be bought separately from the rest of the trailer.
Why Does An Rv Fridge Need A Battery To Run On Propane?
1. you can save money on your batteries
When you buy an RV, you will have to decide if you want to install solar power or a battery as an energy source. Batteries are cheaper than solar panels, but they require you to maintain them properly with regular cleaning and replacement. If you choose batteries, you will have to replace them once in 5 years. You can save on batteries by installing an RV fridge that can run on propane. Propane is a fuel source that doesn’t require batteries. You will only need to buy a propane tank and connect it to your RV’s electrical system. Overall, you will save money on batteries and maintenance. You can also use a generator to power the fridge if there is no electricity.
2. RV fridges operate more efficiently on propane
Generally, an RV fridge will consume more energy than a household fridge, but it won’t cost you much to operate it. However, there are certain types of fridges that operate more efficiently on propane, and you should consider buying one if you want to run your RV fridge on this type of fuel. The most significant difference between using electricity and using propane is that an RV fridge powered by propane will have a larger holding capacity. This means that an average-sized refrigerator will be able to hold up to 3 times more food than a similarly sized fridge that uses electricity.
3. installing a propane tank is easy and inexpensive
Before buying an RV fridge that operates on propane, you will have to connect it to the propane supply. So, you need to get a propane tank that is approved for RV use. Then, you will have to install this tank in your vehicle. You may need a professional to help you with the installation, but it will be quick and inexpensive. You can also get a tankless system for your RV, which is a more expensive option but more convenient because you don’t have to worry about refills.
4. propane tanks are easy to refill
If you choose to use propane as a fuel source, you have to refill your tank regularly. However, you don’t have to worry about this because it is a quick and simple task. All you have to do is hire a professional to connect your tank to a truck with a hose that connects to the tank. You can also do this yourself if you have the necessary skills and equipment. Generally, it is much easier to refill a tank than a battery, so you don’t have to worry about running out of fuel during your trip.
5. no need to worry about battery care and maintenance
You will have to maintain your batteries if you decide to use them as a power source for your RV fridge. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about this if you decide to use propane to run your RV fridge. This is because batteries require regular care and maintenance, and you may have to replace them once in 5 years. Propane tanks, on the other hand, don’t require any care or maintenance. Once you install a propane tank and connect it to your RV’s system, you will never have to worry about maintenance again.
Is It Possible To Run An Rv Fridge Without A Battery?
- This would only be possible if you have a fridge that runs on solar power. Solar-powered RV appliances have been around for a while now. They are actually very practical and efficient appliances.
- The benefit of these appliances is that they don’t draw any power from the 12-volt battery, so you don’t have to worry about over-working your battery.
- The only drawback is that you need to be generating solar power to run your solar-powered appliances.
- If you are boondocking (no hookups), or you don’t have solar panels, then you would need to have a battery-powered appliance like a standard household fridge.
How To Power Your Rv Fridge With Propane?
1. install a propane tank
If you’re looking for a simple way to power your RV fridge with propane, your first instinct may be to install a propane tank. The good news is that most RV manufacturers are amenable to this installation. The bad news is that a propane tank comes with its own set of challenges. First, you’ll need to find a location for the tank. Many RV owners mount the tank on the outside of their rig so they don’t have to sacrifice precious interior space. Next, you’ll need to deal with the extra weight of the tank. Remember, full propane tanks are heavy. You’ll either have to account for the weight in your rig’s design or purchase a frame that can accommodate the added weight.
2. run a propane generator while camping
Propane generators are a popular option for powering appliances in RV parks that don’t accept electric connections. The same concept holds true for powering your fridge with propane. You’ll need to purchase a generator that produces enough power to run your fridge. In addition, you’ll need to make sure that your generator is compatible with your RV’s propane system. You may need to install a special attachment to your tank or install a special regulator to manage the pressure of the generator’s propane supply. Once you’ve got everything hooked up, simply flip the switch and let the generator do the rest of the work!
3. turn your RV into a proving ground for your fridge
Your RV is the perfect proving ground for both appliances and your fridge. After all, you’re going to be living in the RV while you hit the road. If you can survive a few months of powered-by-propane while you’re living in the RV, you can survive a lifetime of powered-by-propane when you’re living out of the RV full-time. There are a few ways to test out your fridge in an RV setting. You can rent an RV and try powering your fridge with propane for a few weeks. You can test out your rig by spending a few days at a campground. Alternatively, you can try out your rig at a local KOA. Just remember, the propane-powered RV test doesn’t have to be a long-term affair. You’re simply trying to test out your fridge and its power consumption. As long as you’ve got your fridge running at full power, you should be able to get a good idea of how much propane you’ll use to keep your fridge running.
4. add a battery to your RV’s propane system
Adding a battery to your rig’s propane system provides a nice middle ground between a generator and a propane tank. The battery will only kick in when your generator is off or when your fridge needs a little extra oomph. You can either purchase a propane-specific battery or find a battery with a built-in regulator. If you decide to go with the latter option, make sure that the regulator is set to the correct pressure for your RV’s system. After you’ve installed the battery, make sure to charge it fully. You don’t want your battery running on empty when you need it most! If you’re worried about long-term storage, you can learn how to charge a car battery without a charger.
5. utilize and incorporate an inverter with your fridge
If you’re looking for a way to power your RV fridge with propane while also minimizing the amount of propane you consume, you can do it with an inverter. An inverter allows you to draw power from your batteries while your generator is running and store it in batteries while your generator is off. This kind of setup is great if you’re constantly hitting the road. If you have a standard fridge with an internal fan and no compressor, you can easily add an inverter to your propane system. But if you have a fridge with a compressor or a fridge that doesn’t have a built-in fan, you might want to opt for a different option. Inverters don’t always play nice with compressors and fans. In addition, if you try to run an inverter and a generator at the same time, you risk damaging your rig’s system.
Conclusion
An RV fridge runs on a 12-volt power source. While it is possible to find a fridge that runs on AC power, most household-sized fridges don’t. Because of this, you need a battery to power your fridge. It is possible to run a fridge without a battery, but it’s not recommended. If you are interested in owning and operating an RV, it’s important to understand the appliances that run inside of them and how they work so that you can be proactive in making sure they are maintained properly and efficiently. Does an RV fridge need a battery to run on propane? Yes, and there are plenty of ways to make sure your fridge runs at its best!
