Choosing a Refrigerator for your Camper Van

The world of camper van refrigeration options for mobile living is a complex one, we’re here to help.

Compressor vs. Absorption

We’re only going to be talking about compressor refrigerators for this guide, since absorption cooling is a little more specialty by nature. The headline is this: compressor-based cooling is what most people are used to in their homes, and uses electricity to exchange heat in the cooler with the outside world. Absorption refrigerators are typically more flexible. Not only can they usually run off of electricity, but they can also use propane gas (LP) as a means for cooling. Absorption coolers have some definite benefits if you need them (very efficient cooling when you don’t have access to surplus electricity), and some definite downsides as well (your vehicle must be perfectly level for them to function, they are sensitive to elevation changes).

DC vs. AC Power

If you’re building a camper van, you’re more than likely already familiar with this decision process and the associated tradeoffs.

The biggest benefit of AC powered refrigerators: Lots and lots of options. Everything from ultra low cost “dorm fridges” to sophisticated RV-specific models.

The advantage of DC powered refrigerators: Incredibly energy efficient for situations where electrical capacity is a consideration.

There are also models that support both AC and DC, but the tradeoffs there are: increased cost and less efficient use of space to accommodate both power systems.

Budget Options

Probably not the most convenient, or the most well made, if you’re on a tight budget here are a few options to get you going for a few hundred dollars.