Caravan Fridge Buying Guide: Compare SJRV Sizes & Freezer Space

Choosing a caravan fridge involves more than finding enough litres. The fridge needs to fit your cabinetry, provide the right balance of fresh and frozen storage, and suit your battery and charging system.

VanDIY’s SJRV range includes four upright compressor fridge-freezers: the compact BC50L, BC85L, slim RCN150L and larger-freezer RCE170L. All four operate on 12V or 24V DC.

This guide compares their specified capacities, dimensions and storage layouts to help you choose.

Compare SJRV Caravan Fridge Sizes

The model names describe the product range. The specified internal capacities are shown below.

Model	Specified total capacity	Refrigerator space	Freezer space	Storage layout
BC50L — commonly called 50L	44L	37L	7L	Compact upright with freezer compartment
BC85L — commonly called 85L	83L	68.5L	14.5L	Larger compact upright with freezer compartment
RCN150L — commonly called 150L	148L	122L	26L	Tall, slim fridge-freezer
RCE170L — commonly called 170L	171L	113L	58L	Upright fridge-freezer with larger frozen storage

The RCE170L has the greatest total capacity and freezer space. The RCN150L provides more refrigerator space: 122L compared with the RCE170L’s 113L.

That makes the fresh-food/freezer split just as useful as the total capacity when comparing these two models.

Which Capacity Suits Your Travels?

Think about what you carry and how often you shop.

For short trips with frequent grocery stops, a compact fridge may provide enough storage. Longer trips can require more room for ingredients, drinks, leftovers and frozen meals.

Consider:

• The amount of fresh food you normally carry.
• How many drinks you want chilled at once.
• Whether you prepare meals ahead and freeze them.
• How many days you travel between grocery stops.
• The space available in your caravan kitchen.

Avoid choosing on traveller numbers alone. Two people carrying a week of groceries may need more storage than a family stopping at shops daily.

BC50L: Compact Caravan and Campervan Refrigeration

The SJRV BC50L provides 44L of specified storage, divided into a 37L refrigerator and 7L freezer compartment.

Its compact upright format suits smaller cabinetry and installations where space is limited. Features include a variable-speed Huayi compressor, electronic temperature controls and interior lighting.

View the SJRV BC50L caravan fridge-freezer.

BC85L: More Storage in a Compact Upright

The SJRV BC85L increases storage to 83L, with a 68.5L refrigerator and 14.5L freezer compartment.

It offers more room for groceries and frozen supplies than the BC50L while retaining a compact upright layout. Features include a variable-speed Huayi compressor, electronic controls, interior lighting and organised door storage.

View the SJRV BC85L caravan fridge-freezer.

RCN150L: Slim Cabinet with More Fresh-Food Space

The SJRV RCN150L has a tall, narrow cabinet measuring 418mm wide. Its specified 148L capacity comprises a 122L refrigerator and 26L freezer.

It is worth considering when cabinet width is restricted or fresh-food storage takes priority. Adjustable shelving, door storage, a salad bin and night mode support everyday touring use.

View the SJRV RCN150L slim caravan fridge-freezer.

RCE170L: Larger Freezer for Frozen Meals and Supplies

The SJRV RCE170L provides 171L of specified capacity, comprising a 113L refrigerator and 58L freezer.

Its larger freezer suits travellers carrying frozen meals and supplies. Features include a variable-speed compressor, Eco, Auto, Turbo and Silent modes, adjustable storage and reversible door hinges.

View the SJRV RCE170L caravan fridge-freezer.

Compare Cabinet Dimensions

These are the overall fridge dimensions, not the required installation openings.

Model	Width	Height	Depth
BC50L	380mm	535mm	500mm
BC85L	475mm	635mm	555mm
RCN150L	418mm	1498mm	560mm
RCE170L	520mm	1465mm	495mm

For installation, allow the clearances specified for the model. Door movement, ventilation and access to electrical connections also affect fitment.

When replacing a fridge, record the existing cavity’s width, height and depth, along with the doorway and access route through which the new fridge must pass.

Similar capacity does not establish that two fridges share the same installation dimensions.

12V and 24V Compressor Fridges

All four SJRV models in this comparison operate on 12V or 24V DC.

They use electric compressors rather than LPG absorption cooling. They do not connect directly to a 240V mains socket.

At a powered campsite, a correctly configured caravan battery and charging system can continue supplying the fridge. A suitable regulated AC-to-DC power supply is another option where appropriate.

Planning Battery and Solar Capacity

Daily energy use depends on ambient temperature, ventilation, thermostat settings, door openings and how much warm food is loaded.

A wattage figure describes power at a particular operating condition. It does not establish how much energy the fridge will use over a whole day because the compressor cycles and may change speed.

For battery planning, use model-specific daily consumption measured under stated conditions where available. Allow for other electrical loads, charging losses, hot weather and periods of poor solar production.

Ventilation and Door Access

A compressor fridge releases heat while cooling its contents. A suitable airflow path around the installation helps that heat escape.

Follow the selected fridge’s installation requirements for ventilation and clearance. Plan the door opening so shelves, drawers and nearby cabinetry remain accessible.

BC50L, BC85L and RCN150L listings offer left- or right-side door-opening selections. The RCE170L lists reversible hinges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can all four models run on 12V or 24V?

Yes. The SJRV models compared here operate on either 12V or 24V DC.

Do all four include freezer storage?

Yes. Their specified freezer capacities range from 7L in the BC50L to 58L in the RCE170L.

Can I choose a narrow upright fridge?

Yes. The RCN150L measures 418mm wide and provides 148L of specified storage.

Does the RCE170L have the largest freezer in this range?

Yes. Its 58L freezer is the largest of the four models compared here.

Can I choose a model with more fresh-food space than the RCE170L?

Yes. The RCN150L provides a 122L refrigerator compartment, compared with 113L in the RCE170L.

Do these compressor fridges run on LPG?

No. They use 12V or 24V DC electricity.

Can I connect them directly to a 240V socket?

No. They require a suitable DC supply, provided through an appropriate electrical setup.

Does the advertised model size always equal its specified internal capacity?

No. For example, the BC50L has a specified total volume of 44L. Use the capacity comparison above when planning storage.

Shop SJRV Caravan Fridges

Browse our 12V and 24V caravan fridge-freezers, or select a model:

• SJRV BC50L compact fridge-freezer.
• SJRV BC85L fridge-freezer.
• SJRV RCN150L slim fridge-freezer.
• SJRV RCE170L fridge-freezer with 58L freezer.