A Comprehensive Guide to Easily Run a Camping Fridge
As a father of three kids and a frequent camper, I understand the importance of accessing items that make camping easier. Keeping your food and drinks cool is one of the key elements of camping, and can be achieved by having a camping fridge. Running a camping fridge can be confusing and intimidating, so in this article, I will break this process down for you into eight simple steps. I will also provide useful tips, based on my experience and expertise in the field, that will help you to safely and effectively run a camping fridge.
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1. Choosing the Right Fridge
Before you purchase a fridge for camping, it is important to understand what kind of camping fridge best suits your needs. There are two main types of camping fridges: the compressor fridge and the absorption fridge. Compressor fridges are powered by a compressor and use electricity, while absorption fridges are powered by gas and provide better temperature control. Furthermore, absorption fridges are quieter so they are better suited for camping trips.
2. Cart Around the Fridge Easily
The fridge can be heavy, so it is important to choose a camping fridge that is light and easy to carry. Many camping fridges come with handles and wheels nearby, allowing for easy movement and navigating even through rough terrain. If you don’t want to lug the fridge around, there are dedicated fridge trailers available for rent or for purchase.
3. Observe Precautions
Before plugging in or connecting the camping fridge, it is important to ensure that the power supply is the correct voltage and wattage. To save money on power, you can test the power usage of the fridge by using a power meter. Additionally, unplug the fridge when it is not in use and when you are sleeping. This will help with energy conservation and avoid any potential faults with the fridge.
4. Store in the Right Place
To ensure that your food and drinks stay cool and safe, place the camping fridge in a cool, shaded area and away from direct sunlight. The ambient temperature during the day can drastically affect the temperature of the fridge, so it is important to have adequate ventilation so that the cold air circulates inside the fridge. Additionally, do not place anything near the vents of the fridge, as this will prevent air from entering the fridge.
5. Install Extra Cooling Accessories
To increase the efficiency of your camping fridge, you can install extra cooling accessories, such as a fan or a water jacket. A fan helps to circulate the air inside the fridge, while water jackets can be used to cool the water that circulates around the compressor. Keep in mind that these accessories require power, so it is important to plan and account for the additional power usage.
6. Load Wisely
To ensure that your camping fridge is running efficiently, it is important to load it the right way. Place items that need to stay cool in the bottom shelves, which are colder as they are closest to the compressor. Additionally, try to keep the weight distribution of the fridge even by storing heavier items on the bottom shelves. Finally, try to avoid putting too many items in the fridge, since it would lead to the fridge having to work harder to keep them all cool.
7. Don’t Overwork the fridge
If the camping fridge is overworked, it can lead to excessive power consumption and damage the compressor. To avoid this, it is important to keep the door closed and make sure that you do not open the door too often. Try to keep the temperature inside the fridge consistent, and only use the temperature controls when absolutely necessary.
8. Maintain Cleanliness of the Fridge
To ensure that your camping fridge is running efficiently and safely, it is important to keep it clean and free from dust, debris, and particles. Keeping the inside of the fridge clean and free of mould is also important, since this could contaminate the food and beverages stored inside the fridge. Every few weeks, wipe down the outside of the fridge with a damp cloth and clean the inside of the fridge with soapy water.
Conclusion
Running a camping fridge can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By following the steps and tips outlined in this article, you are sure to successfully keep your food and drinks cool and safe. I hope that this article helps you to learn and understand more about running a camping fridge.