Surveys suggest that RV sales in the USA have spiked over the past few years, and for good reasons. Traveling in an RV is far cheaper than typical trips with expensive hotel stays and car rentals.
It lets you keep many electric appliances, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, etc, giving you the comforts of your home while traveling.
A refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in your motorhome as it keeps your meals fresh and edible. However, like every other piece of machinery, it is also susceptible to a number of faults.
Many users have reported that it keeps turning off for no apparent reason. When the fridge stops working, the food stored inside will be infected by microorganisms and spoiled in no time.
This roundup offers a look at some reasons why your refrigerator may keep shutting off, along with their easy solutions. Let’s dig out!
Why Does My RV Fridge Keep Shutting Off?
Some reasons for this problem are mentioned in the section below.
1. Electrical Problems
As obvious as it may sound, electric problems are the most common reason why your RV fridge may keep shutting off sometimes. Of course, the fridge requires electricity to run and will not function properly if there is an interruption or failure in the power supply system.
If the fridge keeps turning off, check the power cord of your refrigerator first. The power cord is the electric cable that provides power to the RV fridge via a power outlet or an extension cord. It plays a key role in the proper working of the fridge.
Check to see whether the power cord is really plugged into the power outlet. In many cases, this problem occurred when the users did not plug in the power cord properly.
Moreover, it can also slip out from the power outlet. So, ensure that it is properly plugged in. If it’s not, ensure the power cord is in good health.
The power cord can short out or get damaged over time, and when it does, the fridge will simply get no power. A visual inspection can tell you a lot about the power cord’s condition.
So, examine it for any signs of damage. In case it feels damaged or feels warmer than usual, it is most likely the culprit. In addition to that, examine its prongs as well.
Make sure to unplug the power cable from the power outlet before repairing or inspecting it. In case it is plugged in, the current will flow through it. And yes, handle it carefully if there are any exposed areas.
2. Power Outlet
If the issue is not with the power cord, there could be something wrong with the power outlet of the fridge. Therefore, you will need to test it as well in order to identify the problem. There are many tools that can come in handy when it comes to testing a power outlet.
Nowadays, outlet testers are available in the market that can accurately test a power outlet. These testers have lights that illuminate to indicate that the power outlet is working fine. You can purchase one from your nearby hardware store.
If it’s unavailable, you can also use a voltmeter for this purpose. It is also a good idea to plug in some other appliances in the outlet. This will help you decide whether the problem is with the outlet or the fridge.
If the power outlet has gone bad, it must be replaced. For this purpose, consider calling in an expert. You can also try your hand at the replacement if you are handy.
3. Dead Batteries
Batteries and generators are the main sources of electricity in motorhomes. So, if there is some problem with them, the electricity supply will be disrupted, and all electrical appliances, including the fridge, will keep shutting off.
Just like your smartphone battery, the RV battery also depletes as you use it. And when it does, you will need to recharge it to resolve the issue. Luckily, recharging a battery is a fairly straightforward process.
4. Monitoring Battery Level
It is recommended to keep a check on the battery level to ensure it does not die on your trip. Most RVs come with a monitor panel that tells you about the current battery level.
If you are to check the battery on this panel, ensure that your RV is not plugged into shore power, or else it will give an incorrect fully charged reading. It would be better to turn on a few lights to put some load on the battery.
Using a voltmeter is another way to check the battery level. Before starting the procedure, do not forget to set the voltmeter to DC voltage.
You will need to connect the red wire to the positive terminal and the black wire to the negative terminal. It will show a reading, which you can compare with the recommended readings of the battery.
The battery is usually kept in a special compartment in the RVs near its rear tires. However, its location may vary depending on your RV’s model. If you are recharging the battery for the first time and are unsure about the location, it would be good to read your RV’s user manual.
Having said that, it is important to note that if the battery is the culprit, no electric appliance will work. So, if the air conditioner or microwave oven is working fine, but the RV fridge is not, the battery is not the culprit.
5. Battery Maintenance
When properly maintained, a good RV battery can last up to 6 years. Sulfation, overcharging, and lack of maintenance can cause it to fail sooner than its expected life span.
For those who don’t know, sulfation is the formation of lead sulfate crystals on the battery and usually happens when you deprive your RV battery of full charge. So, keep your battery adequately charged at all times.
Also, make sure to clean the battery and the terminals if they are dirty. If the electrolyte level is low, consider adding more to keep the battery functioning. And yes, make sure to wear your safety gear while adding electrolyte, as it is a solution of acid and water.
6. Faulty Fuse
A blown-out fuse can also cause the fridge to stop working. It is an electrical safety component that protects the unit if excessive current flows through the circuit.
If you face this problem, consider taking the fuse out of the unit and inspecting it. If it has blown out, you will have to replace it to bring your unit back to its normal functionality.
The Bottom Line
RV fridges are a worthwhile investment as they protect your food from bacteria and keep it fresh. However, many users have stated that the fridge keeps turning off after running for a few seconds. It can happen due to a defective power cord or outlet, dead battery, or blown-out fuse.