How RV Refrigerators Work

There are a lot of misconceptions about how RV refrigerators work.  For example, an RV fridge does not have a compressor or refrigerant like a household unit.  RV fridges have a coil system that boils ammonia and when it reaches the condenser, it cools.  There are three methods of boiling the ammonia: a 110 heating element, propane flame, and a 12 volt heating element. This type of refrigerator is referred to as a three way fridge.  Most units today are two way electric and propane.  Using a 12 volt heating element to cool a fridge is very difficult because the RV's house battery will discharge rapidly if you don't have another method of recharging it.  You can tell your RV fridge is working well if it cools right down in 2 or 3 hours.  Your fridge has a problem with the cooling unit if you get a strong smell of ammonia, the freezer is cooling but the fridge isn't, or if it becomes warm inside.  If you smell ammonia, the cooling unit needs to be changed as it is leaking.  If the fridge is warm inside or the freezer cold but not the fridge, your cooling unit probably has a blockage.  In most cases you would change the cooling unit.  About 10% of the time you can temporarily unblock a cooling unit by turning the fridge upside down.  Some people have tried driving over rough roads with their fridge in the back of their pick-up truck to loosen the blockage.  Changing a cooling unit is an expensive operation, even a rebuilt unit can range in cost from $600 to $900.  It takes approximately 2-3 hours to remove and replace the fridge and the cooling unit.  When a cooling unit needs to be changed, we will always recommend a complete fridge.  For a few hundred dollars extra, you will get not only an updated model, you will get new electronic modules as well.  Nothing is worse than installing a new cooling unit and having the ignition module or power supply fail, costing an additional $250.  Replacement refrigerators are available for most existing Dometic and Norcold models.  The cost to replace your fridge starts at about $900 for a small camper fridge to $2000 for the deluxe larger models.  Some of the four door models with ice makers reach $5000 and more.  The only way to extend the life of your fridge is to ensure that you keep the fridge level when in operation.

How Truck Campers are Built

Truck Campers are popular for allot of reasons. You can utilize your existing pick up truck and this will save additional insurance and maintenance costs. People who like to camp in the back country like having four wheel drive, more ground clearance and a unit that is shorter in length. Towing a boat, race car, horse trailer or utility trailer is an option with a truck and camper.Campers today have all the conveniences of a motor home or trailer like hot water, shower, toilet and some even have a slide out. There are three main construction techniques utilized by camper manufacturers. The stick and tin method has been around since RV's started to be manufactured. These campers are built with a wood frame, are insulated with fiberglass and have profiled aluminum siding. The second type of construction is referred to as bonded wall or laminated. This method utilizes foam insulation and Filon fiberglass siding. The sidewalls are built in one piece by bonding foam between the interior and exterior panels. The third is the moulded fiberglass shell. The manufacturer moulds the top and bottom of the unit and seams it in the middle. All types of construction have advantages and drawbacks.
Here is a couple links to more Truck Camper information:

What is the deal with truck camper weights?

Truck Camper tie downs

Check out our in stock Campers

Stick and Tin

Bonded Wall

Moulded

Truck Camper Tie downs

Camper tie downs have come a long way since the Belly Bar. Belly Bars are still available but the vehicle specific side mount tie downs are stronger and provide more ground clearance. Side mount or split mount tie downs are mounted to the side of the pick up's frame and usually requires no drilling. There are two manufacturers making side mount tie downs, Billis and Torque Lift. Billis tie downs are less expensive than Torque Lift but will not always work with trucks with running boards or side steps. We have found the Torque Lift tie down will work in just about any situation. Both of these companies can provide rear tie downs that mount to O.E.M. truck receivers.The only other type of tie down available is called a stake pocket tie down. They mount in the stake pocket on the top of the truck box. They are typically used for lighter duty applications. Check out Billis' fit list and Torque Lift.

Belly Bar

Side Mount / Split Mount / Frame Mount

Post Pocket Tie down