Yes, in a camper van conversion or any other small refrigerator setup, it is normal for the freezer compartment to be colder than the fridge compartment. This temperature difference is a common design characteristic in many compact refrigerators, including those used in camper van conversions and RVs.
The reason for this temperature difference lies in the way the cooling system is designed and the positioning of the evaporator coils. In these small refrigerators, the evaporator coils responsible for cooling are usually located in the freezer compartment. The cold air produced by the evaporator circulates into the fridge compartment to keep it cool.
The freezer compartment requires a lower temperature to maintain frozen foods, typically around 0 to -18 degrees Celsius (32 to 0 degrees Fahrenheit). To achieve this, the refrigeration system runs more frequently and for longer durations to keep the freezer cold. As a result, the freezer compartment tends to be colder than the fridge compartment, which usually operates at temperatures between 2 to 5 degrees Celsius (36 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit).
In larger household refrigerators, a separate cooling system and thermostat control for the freezer and fridge compartments allow for more precise temperature settings and better temperature uniformity between the two sections. However, in small camper van conversions or RV refrigerators, achieving such precision and even temperature distribution is more challenging due to space and efficiency constraints.
To optimize the use of the fridge and freezer in a camper van conversion, it's a good idea to place items that require freezing in the freezer compartment and items that only need cooling in the fridge compartment. Be mindful not to overload the fridge and freezer, as this can affect their cooling performance and lead to uneven temperatures. Additionally, keep an eye on the temperature settings and make adjustments as needed to ensure that the fridge and freezer are operating efficiently and meeting your specific needs.