Categories

 Loading... Please wait...

Tech Blog

What type of RV refrigerator is BEST??? DC compressor or gas absorption?

Posted on

A lot has changed in the world of RV refrigeration over the past few years. Most notably, the shift from gas absorption refrigerators to models powered by DC compressors. While there are still a few Norcold and Dometic models that offer the option to run on propane, even these brands have moved heavily toward DC compressors. Furrion and InVision are strictly DC compressor cooled.

Why the change?

One of the biggest headaches in the RV industry has been the gas absorption refrigerators. While not exactly rocket science, these units require a fair amount of education to run safely and efficiently. The main issues with gas absorption fridges are:

  • Leveling Requirement: These fridges need to be almost perfectly level—within 3 degrees to be exact. This can be impractical, and sometimes even impossible.
  • Risk of Damage or Fire: Running the fridge off-level can damage the cooling unit or, in the worst case, cause a fire.

So why did RVs use gas absorption refrigerators in the first place?

  • Power Efficiency: Gas absorption refrigerators use far less power than DC compressors, which made them a popular choice for off-grid camping.

But what about DC compressors—won’t they drain my batteries?

This is a valid concern, but it’s not as scary as it sounds. With the right setup, you can keep your fridge running without worrying about battery drain:

  • Battery Sizing: Properly sizing your battery bank can easily accommodate a DC compressor fridge.
  • Solar Panels: Adding a solar panel or two helps keep your power topped up while camping off-grid.
  • Improved Efficiency: DC compressors are becoming increasingly energy-efficient, so you can enjoy the off-grid lifestyle without sacrificing food storage.

Why DC Compressors are the Future

At Seek Adventure, we believe the future is in DC compressors. Here’s why:

  • Fewer Parts That Can Fail: DC compressors have fewer components that can break down, making them more reliable.
  • Lower Long-Term Costs: Keeping your food cold will likely cost you less over time compared to older gas absorption models.
  • Less Hassle: With fewer maintenance issues, you'll have a smoother experience during your travels.

The Only Downside?

  • Additional Batteries: You might need to add a battery or two to your setup to fully enjoy boondocking and camp off the grid whenever and wherever you please.


By embracing DC compressors, you'll enjoy a more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solution for RV refrigeration. The future of RV fridges is here—less hassle, fewer headaches, and more savings for your adventures!

View Comments


A DIY Guide to Replacing Your Norcold RV Refrigerator and Keeping Cool on the Road

A DIY Guide to Replacing Your Norcold RV Refrigerator and Keeping Cool on the RoadIntroduction: The refrigerator is a crucial component of any RV, providing the convenience of keeping your food fresh while you're on the road. If you're considering replacing your Norcold RV refrigerator, this step-by-step guide will help you navigate the process and ensure [...]

Read More »


​Excessive Frost Buildup in Freezer: Understanding the Issue and Troubleshooting Tips

Excessive Frost Buildup in Freezer: Understanding the Issue and Troubleshooting TipsExperiencing excessive frost buildup in the freezer of your Norcold Refrigerator can be a frustrating issue that affects its performance. Here's an in-depth exploration of the problem and practical troubleshooting tips to help resolve it:Issue: Rapid Accumulation of Frost in the FreezerPossible Causes:Poor Door Seal:A [...]

Read More »


Norcold N611 or N811 Blinking/ Flashing 4 Times! Quick Fix!

Is your Norcold N611 or N811 blinking 4 times, pausing, then blinking again?This is a fairly common issue typically from bad power being applied to the refrigerator power board. It's a controls failure and it means you need to replace your power board in the back of the refrigerator. If your refrigerator's serial number is [...]

Read More »


All Special Orders Have An Estimated Lead Time of 3-5 Weeks Due to Covid-19 Shut Downs!

Norcold Special Order Lead TImes Have Been Extended:We are still processing special orders for non-stock items like normal but the estimated lead times for each and every special order has been extended to 3-5 weeks. This is due to several factors. Unfortunately, Thetford/ Norcold had to shut down for over a month due to Covid-19 [...]

Read More »


Norcold N7/ N8/ N10 showing "no dt" fault code (troubleshooting help!)

Is your Norcold Polar N7, N8, or N10 showing "no dt"?This fault seems to have plagued many of these new Norcold models and unfortunately it often times comes down to replacing either the front optical board or the rear power board. The reason for the fault is an issue with communication between both boards and [...]

Read More »


Covid - 19 (Coronavirus) Here at Seek Adventure

We want our customers to know that you are our priority especially at a time like this. Many RVers are trying to get their coach up and running as quickly as possible and we're here to assist you with that. Norcold, Inc. has temporarily closed until April 13th and due to that, all non-stock items [...]

Read More »


My Norcold RV Refrigerator Power Board Won't Reset!

Is your RV refrigerator board locked out and not resetting? You are NOT alone...To be clear, a board in "lockout mode" can be showing any of the following codes (depending your model number):flashing 5 timesdisplaying an "n" codedisplaying an "no co" codeThe reset procedure can be found at the link below:Norcold Board Reset Procedure - [...]

Read More »