RV Fridges vs Residential Fridges - The Pros And Cons

[@Wanderingsomewhere145]

Just yanked an 8 cu ft Norcold out after it leaked ammonia gas. Replacement cost was $5,000, not including labor. This kind of unit has a propensity for causing fires. New GE 18 cu ft reefer was $2,000, not including labor. Took some cabinet work, but it fit fine. Did put it on a cushy mat to reduce vibrational energy from the road. The compressor is definitely more noisy, but acceptable. Less than half the cost, over twice the storage and safer. Easy choice.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for sharing your decision making process on your fridge replacement. A lot of RV owners are making the switch to a residential fridge these days.

[@contentofcharacter]

Seems like it would’ve been prudent to discuss 12 V RV refrigerators as they eliminate a lot of the cons of both of the other types of refrigerators. Also, they are very commonly installed in RVs nowadays.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That will be for a future video. Stay tuned.

[@biggeejackharley77]

We have a 40ft 5th wheel that we don’t “pull” any more, although it’s surely able to. When our Dometic dual fridge died we opted for an electric only. We bought a Magic Chef from Lowe’s for just over $300, it fit perfectly with no major cosmetic changes. Actually slid the old dometic out and slid the new Magic Chef in. The Dometic fridge would have cost us over $1750, the only benefit would be the ability to use propane which we will never use.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That's a perfect solution for your needs Jack. Thanks for sharing it with us!

[@LayloNewt]

Very good advice for newbies. I will say if you have 50amp you have several batteries and you can dry camp for a short periods of time then switch to generator so batteries can recharge. We just came home from a conference and we dry camped in Church parking lot for 5 days no problems. Thanks for all your knowledge and great tips. Keep those videos coming

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching and leaving a nice thoughtful comment about refrigerators and dry camping!

[@jeanwonnacott2718]

Thank you!! I am just learning all I can, first. Before I rent my first RV!! Good grief, so much to learn!! I will buy one day, when I have to sell my house.....I am 60, almost time to retire, can I afford my lot fee for manufactured home, taxes, insurance if I can even find it by then???? California. Already lost fire and earthquake for any price.....

[@user-lx3mk4bl4v]

Best video I have seen comparing Propane to residential fridges. Thanks! 😁

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

So glad it was helpful. Thanks for the positive feedback!

[@NOName-co2qh]

I agree with your video but I did something in between....I just converted my Dometic 1350SL to an Amish 12V dual compressor and attest to it cooling quicker and better. I added another group 27 lead acid battery and ran a 10-2 from the batteries to the fridge.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That's another way to go for RV refrigeration, and it works very well. Thanks for mentioning it!

[@ronmcdaniel1583]

Plug me Scotty! Duane we will order our coach with a residential refrigerator when we are able to purchase. Great pros and cons on both products! SAFE TRAVELS!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Sounds great Ron. Residential refrigerators work well for those of us who don't spend a lot of time boondocking. And if you buy the RV new, there will be plenty of space for it already built into the rig and usually the battery bank and inverter will be upgraded to match the fridge too. That means that your ice cream will always be hard! :-)

[@bingobandit]

Thanks for the tips. We have been heading towards motorhome and away from fifth wheel and in doing so have been checking many motorhomes out and wouldn't you know the best deal on a sweet one has a residential fridge. I have been working on my RV's for years, I have installed Solar in several along with a big boat we had. I have a good understanding of the changes necessary for us to boondock with the residential fridge which is all we do normally. Your pro and cons gave me some ideas. Bottomline for us rather than buy and install a new RV fridge, I will have to build a solar system, the cost is similar, maybe less for solar. The inverter is one big cost on the solar route, batteries are not cheap either. But at least I know how to install it all myself, saving a lot on labor.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm glad to hear that the video was helpful in what you're trying to do. I wish you the best in designing and building the solar system you mentioned. And I hope it works well for you. Have safe and happy travels!

[@dougc78]

This was an excellent video. I’ve been debating the two options and this was very helpful.thanks for sharing.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad you enjoyed it Doug. This is something that a lot of RVers consider at some point, including us. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@bobhauber2425]

Another great video! I just had to replace the cooling unit in my big Dometic gas absorption fridge. It was quite a chore getting the fridge out, replace the unit and getting it back in. But it can be done if you have the handyman skills. Like you said i think the build the coach around the fridge!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Wow! That's a big job even for an RV tech Bob. I salute your handyman skills! :-)

[@jimwells7778]

I love my gas absorption dometic fridge. I’ve been full time for 5 years and no problems. I boondocking and hook up.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for sharing your experience with gas absorption fridges with us Jim. They work especially well for boondocking. Safe and happy travels to you!

[@michaelprue9024]

I respect your opinion, thank you very much for that information. But please allow me to add to your assessment. JC Refrigeration has a new option for gas absorption type refrigerators. They now offer a 12volt compressor style cooling unit as a replacement for your old gas absorption fridge. That’s right, a 12 volt compressor. Meaning you can just tap into your 12 volt circuit to run your fridge, no more propane, no more FIRES. Plus, if you wanted to, you could add a decent solar panel and battery set up for boondocking. So there’s that option to consider as well. And I just want to add this, I am not nor have I ever been affiliated with JC Refrigeration, nor have I ever been a customer (yet). Right now as it stands, we are running an older model gas absorption refrigerator, because it still works very well. I maintain it all year long. But, I have been researching all of our options because I know this 18 yo fridge isn’t going to last forever. Happy camping everyone ! And God Bless

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That's a nice add to this video's information Michael. I haven't had any experience with this product, but it sounds like a great idea. Thanks for leaving a thoughtful and useful comment here!

[@Brigand231]

Very informative, thanks! Could you do a video comparing residential to 12 volt, please?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That's a great idea. I'll put it on the list for a future video!

[@matsulli2086]

Great detailed info. My motorhome is 11 years old, so I'm researching what replacement looks like so im ready when it dies. Would love to see info on a 12v replacement.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That's a great idea to do your research now and be prepared when your fridge replacement is needed. Thanks for watching!

[@Blakehx]

I’m currently looking to upgrade from our crappy 2 way RV refrigerator to a 12v compressor fridge (maybe like the Dometic or RecPro and no inverter needed)! In hot west Texas, our fridge is a health and safety hazard… it can barely maintain a “safe” temp as long as the door is never opened but with any use and if ever loaded with remotely warm groceries it just can’t cut it!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That's another great way to improve your fridge situation. I know what you mean about the heat in west Texas and the 12 volt compressor fridge may be a good solution for you. Thanks for watching!

[@roydavis2242]

That is why most people replace with the same type. The upgrade for going from a RV fridge to a residential is a lot of work because of needing more batteries and a inverter if your RV isn't set up for this. I did it one time and said never again. On the other hand, if you have a residential fridge and you switch to a RV one, then you're going to have to run a propane line and a 12 v power source.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

So true Roy. In an RV, making the switch is not as simple as just taking one kind of fridge out and putting another kind in. Thanks for sharing your experience with having made that switch in the past!

[@johnkauffman1191]

What about the new RV 12 V fridge Spending but not as much as a gas exemption

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That could be a good choice too. I plan on having a video on that subject soon. So stay tuned!

[@robertroth287]

Informative and balanced. Well done.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad you liked it Robert. Thanks for watching!

[@brianvandy4002]

Where are you getting 'heavier' for your residential con? I went from a 12 cu ft Norcold 4-door that weighs in at about 244 pounds to a 15.6 cf ft residential that was 4" shorter and narrower that only weighs 161 pounds. Over 80 pounds saved. I know I'm not making up that weight in extra food.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm glad your replacement worked in your favor weight-wise. But lots of RVers commonly install much bigger residential refrigerators that weight a lot more.

[@1buzzard67]

I have a dometic rv fridge for five years. No problems.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That's awesome. Let's hope it stays that way.

[@garyausher]

I've read there are 4,000 RV fires a year attributed to absorption fridges. Plus travelling and refuelling with an open flame. I can't wait to take the demo saw to my Norcold and get it out of my life. Especially travelling with pets, safety first!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Actually Gary, I think the correct figure is a total 4200 RV fires on average each year. But the number of refrigerator fires is only a fraction of that amount, around 7.7% originating in the cooking area. And even fewer would be traceable to the refrigerator as the cause. You can read the government report for yourself here - www.usfa.fema.gov/statistics/reports/where-fires-occur/snapshot-rv-fires.html

[@briancurrie5150]

Thank you for this comparison. I heard an RV tech say that residential fridges are not meant for cold camping weather. If the RV is four season rated, I cannot see an issue with this and it does not make sense. Have you heard anything along these lines.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Brian. I haven't heard anything about that before. I know that many people use residential fridges in their garage or other outside building to store food and other items in addition to their kitchen fridge/freezer. And in a garage, they are subjected to temperatures extremes in both directions. As far as I know, it does not cause major problems when used that way.

[@billchesney8949]

12 volt compressor fridges are becoming more and more popular with larger sizes

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Yes, they are gaining a little ground now. We'll see if they really catch on or not. Thanks for watching!

[@johnkauffman1191]

And if you got a good battery bank. With solar system. That will help for a good 12 to 14 hours of the day

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Yes, if you plan on taking a residential fridge boondocking you will need a good solar system , batteries and inverter to handle it.

[@daralen4232]

Thank you

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching!

[@MoutainGuyAdventures]

I notice Jayco is charging extra for the gas/absorption frig vs a 12V that bigger. So difficult to decide if it’s worth adding that gas/absorption option. I do mostly boon-docking. Dry camping in National Parks. Thoughts? Is it worth $600 more for a 6 cubic foot gas refrig vs a 8 cubic foot 12 V.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I would say that it's up to you to decide that. Both kinds of fridges perform well. But I like an article that the RV Geeks wrote comparing gas absorption, residential and 12 volt fridges. I think it might help you in making your decision. You can find it here - www.thervgeeks.com/best-rv-refrigerator/

[@stancass1063]

Can the RV dealers service centers do repairs on residential fridges as they now can perform on the 2 way RV fridges???

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

If it was added as an aftermarket upgrade, I doubt they will do much to repair it Stan. But more and more newer RVs are coming with residential fridges installed. So in that case, they will most likely repair those as needed. Of course, it all depends on what each RV service center decides it is willing to work on or not.

[@1buzzard67]

Pro for rv fridge is lots of rv techs work on it. Con for residential is lots of techs do not.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That is a good point too. Thanks for contributing that thought!

[@metoyouto4450]

which company builds the best electric,propane frigerator

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Sorry but I personally don't get into discussions about which RV components, like refrigerators, water heaters, furnaces, etc. are better than others. That may be a question that is better asked of experienced RV service techs who don't have any obvious biases toward one company or another. But my take on RV parts and components suppliers is that none of them are really all that great these days. And the best you can do is to try to maintain them properly to help make them last as long as possible.

[@1knightinbangkok946]

Check out new domestic inverter fridges...

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for the suggestion. And thanks for watching!

[@billchesney8949]

Con for absorption fridge is they can be a fire hazard on propane

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That's true Bill. But interestingly residential fridges aren't immune from fires either. There's a lot of information online about how to prevent fires in them too.

[@larryreno8293]

RV absorption refrigerator is heavier than a equal size residential refrigerator.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for making that contribution.

[@clysack07]

For a Hisense residential fridge, is there a drain that needs to be considered?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

There are a lot of challenges with installing a residential fridge in an RV. And I am not that well versed in them myself. So it's probably best to ask that question of an RV repair person who is familiar with installing residential fridges.

[@bcrawford9072]

Can you make a video on how to change the fans. I have a dometic double door and the fans are out. I don't want to pull the refrigerator out and the wood goes to high for my fat arm. So I'm asking for some tricks of the trade. Thanks for any help.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'll see what I can do about making a video like that. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@bcrawford9072]

@@RVInspectionAndCare if your close to louisana ill let mine be your guest to video. Lol

[@charlestait5303]

How can we make the risk of refrigerator fires less?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Here is an article about a product that may help - www.rvtravel.com/stop-rv-refrigerator-fires-before-they-start/

[@charlestait5303]

@@RVInspectionAndCare thank you sir! I didn’t want to buy a c-class until I heard from you on this matter. I have seen several RVs burn up in the LTVA at Quartzsite! Scary to say the least! Safe travel to you. Charles Tait

[@charlestait5303]

@@RVInspectionAndCare That company has a great idea! Well worth the price!

[@jeanwonnacott2718]

I think a residential fridge is way, way down the line....

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for watching Jean.

[@stevelong6213]

kinda forgot to mention the rv refrigerator fire hazard.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Well, you are right that some have had issues with RV fridges that caught fire. But most of those problems were on older units and the manufacturers have issued a number of recalls to help solve that problem. So it's not as much of a problem these days. But it is another thing to consider when using an RV fridge.

[@stevelong6213]

@@RVInspectionAndCare It's exactly why my propane is shut off when we travel and our fridge is off during travel. I don't trust them.