Why You Should Carry Backup Refrigerator Parts in Your RV

The biggest benefit of RV life is it gives you the freedom to travel while enjoying the comfort of being at home. Nevertheless, that freedom comes with a sense of responsibility for maintaining your home on wheels.

A refrigerator keeps food fresh and drinks cold. Like all appliances, your RV fridge may endure some malfunctions that are tough to fix on the road. Accent My Ride is here to help and explain why you should carry backup refrigerator parts in your RV. Learn the parts you need to maintain a functioning refrigerator, so you can access fresh food at all times..

The Importance of a Functioning RV Refrigerator

RV refrigerators may seem like they serve the same function as a standard household refrigerator, but there’s more to it than that. They have to perform under a wide range of conditions like changes in temperature, altitude, and even bumpy roads.

While many RV fridge manufacturers account for these conditions, there’s still an increased likelihood of issues or breakdowns that could cause spoiled food, wasted money, and a ruined weekend getaway. This alone highlights the necessity of being prepared for unforeseen problems.

Functional fridges allow you to store perishable goods for extended trips so you can maintain a balanced diet and avoid having to travel back to a grocery store. Uninterrupted operations are an important factor, so naturally, having some backup parts on hand becomes a valuable contingency.

Common Refrigerator Issues in RVs

One of the most common refrigerator issues stems from the impact of road vibrations. Continuous movement can loosen tight connections, damage internal parts, and disrupt components like the compressor or evaporator..

Another frequent issue is temperature inconsistency; this can happen if you’re driving through extreme climates or different altitudes. Refrigerators may struggle to maintain the internal temperature, potentially causing food spoilage.

You may also experience electrical surges or power fluctuations. This is more likely if you run your refrigerator on alternating power sources like propane or the RV’s battery.

The refrigerator may experience compressor or coolant leaks as you travel. You can try to prevent these with routine maintenance—from checking seals to cleaning the coils—but even a well-maintained refrigerator may malfunction out of the blue.

Why Carrying Backup Parts Is Beneficial

The worst time to realize you need replacement parts is when you’re camping in a remote spot miles away from any shop. Having a few backup parts on hand makes sure you’re not stranded with a broken fridge and no more food.

Having a few extra parts on hand can also help extend the life of your RV’s refrigerator. Timely fixes can help prevent minor issues from escalating into larger, more costly repairs. The idea is that a few spare parts packed ahead of time can help reduce stress, keep things running, and not disrupt your travel plans.

The Backup Parts You Need To Have

Now that you know why you should carry backup refrigerator parts in your RV, it’s important to know which parts are good to keep on hand. If you carry too much, it can take up your valuable, limited storage space. If you carry too little, you may not have the appropriate part in the event of a refrigerator malfunction.

Thermocouples monitor and control the temperature inside a refrigerator. Replacement fans and motors keep the cooling system operational. A spare sensor or control board is handy to keep around as these are central parts in most RV refrigerator’s functionality.

Burner assemblies or orifice parts are necessary for RVs using propane-powered refrigerators. If these components fail, your refrigerator may stop working on propane even when electrical power is unavailable.

One part that’s easy to overlook is a spare door seal. Damaged seals can make your refrigerator struggle to maintain temperatures. This can greatly impact the fridge’s cooling efficiency and, in return, burn out the motor.

Keep in mind that the specific type of parts you need will depend on your refrigerator’s model. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines before purchasing spare items, so you can conduct successful repairs.

Make Repairs Without Professional Help

While having the right parts is important, it’s only part of the preparation process. It’s a good idea to learn some basic repair knowledge for your fridge and other important RV systems so that you can deal with problems as the need arises. Learning how to repair your own appliances can save you a lot of time and effort. Thanks to online tutorials and product manuals offering repair instructions directly from the manufacturer, it’s easier than ever to fix a wide range of refrigerator issues yourself.

Keep a few repair resources handy in addition to the replacement parts. Physical print-outs are extremely helpful in case you’re in an area that doesn’t have stable cellular service. Familiarizing yourself with your refrigerator’s components beforehand allows you to act swiftly during a breakdown. While more complex repairs may require professional intervention, there’s a lot that you can learn to handle on your own.

Extend the Life of Your RV Refrigerator

Like any appliance, regular maintenance can help keep your refrigerator running smoothly. Carrying backups supports this objective because timely fixes prevent the strain that unresolved issues can place on other components. For example, failing to replace a faulty thermocouple can result in uneven cooling, which puts more stress on the unit and can lead to faster breakdowns.

Consistent upkeep can also save you money since you won’t need to prematurely repair or replace the fridge because of avoidable malfunctions. The financial benefits of long-term use will outweigh the initial costs of purchasing additional parts.

Take the Next Step To Prepare Your RV for Anything

Investing in a few backup parts and storing them in your RV helps you prepare for a worst case scenario. A little bit of knowledge and organizational skills can go a long way in saving you time, money, and unnecessary hassle. Consider performing a little prep work and enjoy the freedom of RV travel with the knowledge that a malfunctioning refrigerator doesn’t have to mark the end to a trip.

For high-quality camper refrigerator parts and other essential accessories, visit Accent My Ride today. Enjoy stress-free travels by stocking up on reliable parts to keep your RV in peak condition.