Fitting A Domestic Fridge in Your Caravan or Campervan

It is essential for a domestic fridge to fit properly into your caravan or campervan to prevent flue problems and cold draughts, which can go to your living areas. Likewise, it will ensure efficient refrigeration, while preventing rain from entering through vents. Here are a few pointers to help ensure a properly fitted domestic fridge in your campervan or caravan:

• The recess – Make sure that the fridge is standing on its feet and that it is secured firmly in a durable housing. If it needs to be serviced, the fridge must come out seamlessly from its location. Make sure there is at least a10 to 20mm gap behind the domestic fridge, and that the door is easy to open to at least 105 degrees without any obstructions when you need to remove the interior fittings.

• Ventilation – This factor is essential for efficient performance. To allow the caravan fridge to run efficiently, provide at least 240 square centimetres of free effective area for every vent. A fridge with over 60L of capacity must have at least 300 square centimetres of free effective area. Keep the upper vent relative to the fridge’s rear to enable the vent’s top edge to be at least 55mm above the top of your fridge. You may have to use an additional ventilation system designed specifically for campervan and caravan refrigerators to prevent water from entering through the vents. 

• Remember to seal the cooling unit from the caravan’s interior at the back of the fridge for optimum performance and to avoid cold draughts. Make sure the fridge doors will not obstruct the cooling vents when fully opened.

• Ensure proper flue installation – Only use an approved flue kit for your gas fridge. The top must be properly screwed in place to prevent restriction. Allow around 5mm of clearance between combustible material in the wall of your caravan and flue pipe to lower the risk of fire. There should be a minimum of 10mm space between the flue top and the end of the flue pipe to prevent distorting the flue cover.

• Pointers for connecting the gas – Use a copper pipe to prevent gas leaks, and use an approved and high-quality union gas cock in the supply line, while making sure that it is still accessible to you. That way, the refrigerator can be isolated.