Planning your next trip across the UK or Europe means thinking about how to keep food fresh and drinks cold on the road. Picking the right fridge for your campervan or RV, understanding its power needs, and knowing what to do when things go wrong all make your travels smoother. Here, you’ll find clear answers to the big fridge questions, plus advice to help you stay stocked for every adventure.
Choosing the Right Fridge: 12V vs 240V
The two main types of fridges for campervans and RVs are those that run on 12V DC power or 240V AC mains electricity. Which is best for you? That depends on how you use your van.
12V Fridges
A 12V fridge is usually the top pick if you regularly camp off-grid or want maximum flexibility. These fridges connect to your leisure battery and are designed for efficient, continuous running while you drive or are parked up without electric hook-up. Modern compressor-style 12V fridges cool quickly, use power efficiently, and fit easily in most van layouts.
240V Fridges
A 240V fridge is the better choice if you almost always use sites with mains hook-up. These fridges often come from the domestic market, meaning they might be more familiar in size and function. However, they demand a steady connection to mains electricity and are typically less efficient when running from inverters and batteries alone.
How Long Will a Camper Fridge Run on a 12 Volt Battery?
This is a question every vanlifer asks before heading off-grid. The answer depends on the fridge’s efficiency, the capacity of your leisure battery, and the ambient temperature.
As a rough guideline, a 50-litre compressor 12V fridge might use roughly 30–45Ah per day, depending on weather and use. With a standard 100Ah leisure battery, expect around 2 days of use before you’re running low — assuming you don’t power anything else. If you mix in driving (which recharges the battery) or solar charging, you can extend this considerably.
Tip: Efficient campervan fridges will always outperform regular household models in this environment.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of 12V Fridges
Advantages
- Flexible and ideal for off-grid use.
- Efficient power consumption designed for vehicle systems.
- Compact and purpose-built for camper layouts.
Disadvantages
- Higher upfront cost than basic 240V models.
- Dependent on your battery setup — limited by available capacity.
- Requires correct installation to prevent voltage drops and performance loss.
Can a 100W Solar Panel Run a 12V Fridge?
Many vanlifers add solar panels to help power a 12V fridge. A single 100W panel in perfect sunlight can generate between 25–35Ah per day, which is close to the daily requirement for a small compressor fridge. This could keep your fridge running for most or all of the day during sunny weather.
But the UK climate is far from perfect. Cloudy days, low winter sun, or parking in the shade can quickly reduce output. For longer trips or heavier use, consider adding more solar capacity and improving your battery storage.
Can You Use a Household Fridge in a Campervan?
It’s tempting to try a standard fridge from home in your build. While technically possible, this approach rarely works well unless you’re permanently connected to 240V hook-up.
Household fridges use more power and won’t handle the bumps, tilts, or temperature swings of van life. For serious travel and reliable food safety, purpose-built campervan or caravan fridges are the way to go.
The Best Fridge for a Campervan or RV
When it comes to choosing the best fridge, popular brands like Dometic and Thetford are favourites, thanks to their reliability and support network. Look for well-insulated compressor fridges or efficient absorption models, keeping in mind your typical camping style.
Size matters: A 40–60 litre unit usually strikes a good balance between storage space and energy use. Slide-out drawer fridges are perfect for tight layouts, while upright models make a seamless fit in conversions and coachbuilts.
Why Doesn’t My Caravan Fridge Get Cold?
If your fridge struggles to keep cool, several culprits could be at play:
- Power supply: Check for flat batteries, disconnected cables, or faulty fuses.
- Blocked vents: Airflow is critical, especially for absorption-type fridges. Ensure vents and cooling fins are clear.
- Incorrect settings: Fridges must be level for absorption cooling to work properly; check controls and the thermostat.
- Failed components: Elements, pumps, or relays can fail with age. For trusted spare parts, check brands such as Dometic and Thetford, who both offer reliable solutions.
Final Thoughts
Reliable refrigeration is one of the joys of comfortable van life. By selecting the right fridge, understanding its energy needs, and knowing what to do if problems arise, you’ll keep your food and drinks spot on, wherever the road takes you.
For the latest fridges, compatible solar panels, spares, and all your next-trip essentials, explore UK RV Parts’ extensive range of caravan accessories.
Safe travels and happy eating!