The refrigerator in your Airstream is an important piece of equipment that keeps you and your travel buddies fueled and ready for the adventures that come your way. Whether your fridge is stocked with healthy food, decadent desserts, your favorite beverages, or all three, it’s important to keep your refrigerator operating at top efficiency.
My Airstream has a propane refrigerator. How do I keep it in optimal condition?
Some older model Airstreams are equipped from the factory with propane refrigerators, or dual-use propane and electric fridges. Consult your owner's manual for instructions specific to your propane fridge model, but in general here are a few ways to ensure your propane refrigerator is always operating smoothly:
- Ensure your travel trailer is leveled properly, as propane needs to flow in the right direction to operate correctly. If the travel trailer is not leveled, the propane may not be able to flow correctly, resulting in a refrigerator that isn’t operating properly.
- Never leave your propane tank running while you are traveling, as propane is flammable and presents a fire hazard in the event of an accident.
What setting is best for my Airstream’s electric refrigerator?
The panel on an electric refrigerator has a 1-5 setting. The higher the number, the colder the setting. Experiment with different settings to see what level is best for what you are storing. Your Airstream’s electric refrigerator is designed for efficiency, so you may not need it to be set at the highest setting. Setting the refrigerator to the lowest setting that keeps the content cold will help you conserve battery power. You may find that a 2 or 3 setting is perfectly fine for what you store, helping you to run your Airstream efficiently.
Can I run my electric fridge while traveling?
Yes! One of the most convenient functions of an electric refrigerator is that you can run them while in motion, as they don’t pose the same safety issues as propane refrigerators. Just be sure to monitor your battery power while traveling to ensure there is sufficient power for the fridge. Roof-mounted solar panels can help to keep batteries charged while driving in full sun even while the fridge is running.
Do I need to turn on my refrigerator before I leave for my next trip?
If you have an electric refrigerator, turn it on at least several hours before you depart to ensure it gets cold enough to keep your contents from spoiling. Many owners turn on their electric fridges a day in advance of departure.
If your Airstream has a propane refrigerator, you can turn it on ahead of time to cool it down, but for safety you should never leave it turned on while driving. Depending on the travel time for your road trip, it may be best to stock the refrigerator after you arrive to avoid food spoilage.
What’s the best, most efficient way to pack my Airstream electric refrigerator?
To help your refrigerator cool down faster, consider adding a few frozen items that you are planning to thaw out anyway.
Your refrigerator temperature will stay more evenly regulated the fuller it is. While you don’t need to pack it tight, consider adding some freezer packs or water bottles to take up space if you don’t have much to store.