Used RV Fridge Inspection

When buying a used RV, it’s essential to thoroughly inspect each appliance to ensure it’s in proper working order. This is especially true of the RV fridge, which is a component of your journey that you might depend on quite a lot. In this quick tutorial, RV maintenance expert Dave Solberg and RVIA Certified Technician Steve Albright walk you through a step-by-step inspection of an RV fridge on a 2002 Winnebago. They explain the things you need to check for, the most important pieces to inspect, and what you should do if you find something isn’t up to snuff.

RV Fridge Maintenance Tips

To help you get a better sense of what all RV owners should inspect on their used RV fridge, Dave and Steve pull off the exterior door on their demo vehicle. First and foremost, Steve recommends that you make sure the cooling unit is intact and absent of leaks. If you notice a yellow stain on the bottom of the tubing or smell ammonia, then there’s nothing you can do for that refrigerator. Simply put, it’s kaput.

If the cooling unit is all kosher, you should then light and inspect the flame, which ought to be solid blue, smooth burning and free of popping or clicking. Next you should guarantee your used refrigerator is up-to-date on any recalls available. These might include recalls for thermal switches, tubes, and other components.

Take a quick peek at the floor plan, which shouldn’t have signs of water buildup or wood rot, and the evaporator tube, which shouldn’t be plugged in any way. Once you’ve closely inspect these components, go ahead and start up your RV fridge, and use a thermistor or temperature gauge to check its cooling capabilities at the highest and lowest temperatures. Pre-purchase is the optimal time to do this, not once you’re in the midst of a 100-degree day. While you’re measuring temperatures, be sure to check that the fridge and freezer doors seal tightly. Lastly, hop up on the roof to inspect inside, outside and around the vents. Mark all of this off your list, and you’re good to go!