How To Remove A Refrigerator From An RV And Getting The Right Fit
Like all appliance that gets old, cranky and breaks over the years, RV refrigerator is no exception in all these problems. Chances are at least once you need to replace the fridge in your RV or motorhome. However, replacing an RV refrigerator would take a bit effort as it's not the same as a regular household fridge. Moving an RV fridge requires tools, planning, and maneuvering.
There'll be times with RVers that will want to upgrade and remove their RV refrigerator to a more efficient unit. Before completing the overhaul of your RV, the fridge must be removed first before bringing a newer one. And that's where the problem starts, which makes you think – how to remove a refrigerator from an RV.
In this article, we'll discuss the size and different types of RV refrigerators. I will also share with you some maintenance tips you can apply to prolong the service of your RV fridge.
What Is The Size Of An RV Refrigerator?
It's essential to keep in mind what size of fridge you are going to buy before replacing your RV refrigerator. We know that most household fridge measures around 18 to 21 cubic feet, but a regular RV refrigerator is only 4 to 12 cubic feet.
Not to mention the outside measurement of the fridge you purchased, you will need to consider the space of the compartment. You will also need to check if the new RV refrigerator will fit in the area that you reserved. Make sure that your measurements are accurate to have the best fit for your fridge.
How To Remove A Refrigerator From An RV
The first thing to do to remove a fridge is to turn off the appliance and then empty all the foods. You will also have to prepare the items you will need to move the unit.
Here are the tools you will need to remove a refrigerator from an RV
- An extra thick and heavy blanket
- Adjustable wrench
- Cordless drill
- Screwdriver bit
Here are the steps on how to remove a refrigerator from an RV:
- Measure the frame and the four sides of the area where your old refrigerator resides to ensure that your new fridge will fit in perfectly. You will also need to measure the entrance of the RV and see if the unit will fit through the door.
- You will have to remove the caps that cover the frame screws of the RV refrigerator before holding out the unit. Use a screwdriver to remove the frame screws.
- Unscrew the bits from the frame base, which you can find outside the access door of the RV refrigerator. You can find them at the bottom corners of the frame base.
- You will have to disconnect the wiring of the RV refrigerator to the LPG.
- Before disconnecting the wires, you will need to switch off the LPG first.
- You will find the switch of the LPG on the back of the fridge or inside the freezer.
- Make sure that the LPG is off by disconnecting the main two 12-volt wires on the back of the refrigerator.
- You may need to remove the silicone caulking of the refrigerator. You can file the caulking around the fridge to lose the grip of the frame from the refrigerator.
- Slide outside the refrigerator from the framing wall and lift it. Before you lift and remove the old fridge, you may need to ask for the help of another individual.
- Be careful to step outside the old refrigerator and watch out for trips as you move forward.
So, there you have the steps to remove an old refrigerator from an RV. In the next sections, we'll talk about the types of RV refrigerators and how to maintain them.
How Much LPG Does An RV Refrigerator Requires?
Most RVers who are boondocking and dry camping often scale the LP gas consumption of their RV refrigerator.
The answer for that depends on how long you use the refrigerator and the temperature it gets while it's in use. However, you can expect an average usage of 1.5lbs of propane per day when running your RV fridge at a moderate temperature. You can use a 20lbs LPG tank to keep your refrigerator working. That average volume of propane can last for a month.
However, if your propane starts to drain, you can use electricity to power your RV refrigerator.
Usage Tips For RV Refrigerator
Maintaining to keep your RV refrigerator on top shape requires some diligent work and sacrifices. The maintenance of an RV fridge is pretty easy and straightforward.
- Turn the unit early
- Load the fridge with cold items first
- Do not overload with foods your refrigerator
- You can install a small fan for your fridge
- Always keep the door shut
- Check loose and open seals
- Keep the temperature of the fridge at an average level
- Don't let your fridge stuck for a long time without running it.
- Check the front and back vents of the refrigerator
- Change the settings of the refrigerator when the weather is cold or hot.
Types Of RV Refrigerator
The next thing you need to understand is the different types of RV refrigerators. While most RVs come with a fridge, the two most common types of RV fridge are two-way or three-way refrigerator.
- The two-way refrigerator features the capability to run and operate in either AC power or LPG.
- The three-way RV fridge allows the user to run the refrigerator in AC power, propane gas tank, or DC power provided by the RV coach batteries.
Additionally, more companies are producing residential-type RV fridges that can operate in electricity are installed in most RVs. These types of refrigerators are often installed in the factory.
Conclusion
With all the steps on how to remove a refrigerator from an RV, you should have no trouble moving the old fridge. Replacing the old refrigerator with a new one may seem an appropriate time to do if you have a cranky unit. No matter the type of your fridge, it's best to keep your unit running and to work under various conditions. Additionally, keep your RV refrigerator in good condition by taking our maintenance tips.
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