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The most important thing is to have a good time, enjoy new experiences and, above all, eat well. If you have wondered where you will keep food, whether there is a fridge and how it all works, this is the perfect guide for anyone yet to discover the joys of travelling by motorhome.

What to Expect in an Indie Campers Vehicle 

A RV fridge works like the one most people have at home, only smaller, which means a little planning goes a long way. Think through the meals you want to prepare, pack what fits comfortably and expect to restock along the way. With Indie Campers, every motorhome includes a way to keep food cold that can be connected to electricity for better cooling. Find all of our models on our website here.

Built In Campervan Fridge: Power Sources

A motorhome fridge can work with three different energy sources:

  1. Mains voltage (230V / external power supply)
  2. High voltage direct current (12V DC / backup battery)
  3. Gas (Propane / Butane Liquid Gas). Only in our Comfort Standard models.

Select the power source desired at that time simply by turning the power source switch. On 12 V mode, the temperature cannot be regulated. So, use 12 V while you are driving, and 230 V when you are parked with a cable at a campsite. Do not leave the fridge on 12 V with the engine off for long, or the battery can run flat in a few hours.

Gas Supply in Comfort Standard Models: How It Works


Using the gas supply keeps the campervan fridge running while parked and not connected to an external power source. But, how does it work?

Open the gas bottle valve and the shut off valve on the valve block. Turn the power switch to Gas (the flame icon). Then, twist the temperature dial clockwise and keep it held, then press and hold the ignition/battery button; the fridge will light itself. Watch the needle: when it moves into the green, the flame is on. Make sure to keep the button pressed for about 15 seconds before releasing.

Safety note: never use gas while driving or at a petrol station.

Using Electricity: Driving vs. Parked

Electrical operation comes down to two simple considerations. To keep cooling during a drive, turn the dial to the 12 V mode (with the battery icon), and make sure the engine is running. To cool while parked on a pitch with a mains cable connected, select the 230 V mode (with the electrical plug icon) and set your preferred temperature. This gives you steady, efficient cooling without drawing on the vehicle battery.

Active Bunk Model Campervan Fridge 

The Active Bunk model uses a slightly different control, but it is just as intuitive. Inside the freezer compartment you will find a wheel to command it. So, switch it off when you’re parked without a 230 V cable to preserve the temperature you reached earlier.

Then, set it to the Min option while driving and choose any position from Min to Max according to the temperature you want when you are parked and plugged into the mains at a campsite. Think of Min as a gentle maintain cold setting and Max as your quickest route to a deep chill once you have connected to shore power.

Cool Box in Smaller Models


Now you know how a campervan fridge works, you may be wondering if there is a fridge in smaller campervan models. Well, good news, all our smaller motorhome comes equipped with a cool box, which can be plugged in to improve electrical refrigeration.

The insulated box fits about 15L. Plug it into the 12V supply while on the move, which can be found in the kitchen area. An integrated fan cools the interior up to 4 ºC, which is plenty to keep food safe between supermarket stops.

Smart Habits to Save Energy

Finally, here are some simple tips to keep everything cold during your road trip.

  1. Always choose a well ventilated area that is protected from direct light.
  2. Try to cool hot food a bit before putting it in the fridge.
  3. Open the door only when you need to and close it promptly.
  4. When ice does form, defrost rather than forcing the temperature lower.
  5. Aim for “cold enough” instead of unnecessarily low settings that waste power without making food last longer.

Final Thoughts

That is all you need to travel without worrying about refrigeration. Whether you are cooking simple road trip meals or planning a few special dinners along the way, your campervan’s fridge will keep ingredients fresh so you can have fun, eat well and make new memories on the road!