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RV Refrigerator Size Calculator

An RV fridge that works off-grid.

Pick an RV fridge sized for your rig type, traveler count, and trip length — and pick the right power architecture (3-way absorption, 2-way compressor, or 12V DC). Sized for boondocking, shore power, or both.

⏱ ~30 secSizing for class A/C, trailer, fifth-wheel, vanSize & Capacity
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3
Power modes
12V / AC / LP
1.5
Lb LP / day
Absorption
10–16
Cu ft Class A
Typical
3–5
Cu ft camper van
Typical
STEP 01

Rig type, travelers,
trip length, power.

Sized from typical RV fridge spec ranges by class. Power source determines compressor vs absorption.

Determines compressor vs absorption architecture.
Updates live as you type
Recommended size
Updated live
13.5cu ft avg
Range: 11.0 – 16.0 cu ft
Absorption (3-way) refrigerator
Power options
12V DC (while driving)
120V AC (shore power)
Propane (off-grid)
Under the hood

Sized from RV class, then trip-adjusted.

Base ranges reflect typical RV fridge spec sheets by class. Trip-length multipliers reflect bulk-storage needs for extended and full-time travel.

  1. 01

    Class baseline

    Class A/C: 8 + 1.5/traveler. Travel trailer: 6 + 1.2/traveler. Fifth-wheel: 10 + 1.5/traveler. Camper van: 3 + 0.8/traveler.

  2. 02

    Trip-length multiplier

    Weekend ×1.0. Extended (1–3 weeks) ×1.3. Full-time ×1.5.

  3. 03

    Power architecture

    Propane / both → 3-way absorption. Electric → 2-way compressor. 12V DC only → DC-native compressor unit (typical for camper vans on solar).

Questions

Frequently asked

A 2-way (compressor) fridge runs on 12V DC and 120V AC. A 3-way (absorption) fridge adds propane, letting you stay cold off-grid without batteries. Compressor fridges are more efficient on shore power; absorption fridges are better for long boondocking trips.
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Next step

Find a counter-depth or compact fridge for your build.

Browse counter-depth and top-freezer refrigerators — useful starting points if you're spec'ing a residential-style fridge for an RV conversion.

Browse counter-depth fridges