Dometic RUA, RUC and RU Core Fridges - A Simple Buyers Guide

Dometic's RUA, RUC and RU Core fridges may look similar, but they suit different ways of travelling. The simplest way to choose is to think about how you want to power the fridge, how much storage you need and which convenience features matter to you.

Start With How You Travel

Choose RUA if LPG flexibility matters

RUA is Dometic's three-way absorption range. It can use LPG, 12V DC or 230–240V AC, making it a natural choice for travellers who want to camp away from mains power and use gas to keep the fridge cold.

• Use LPG when camping away from mains power.
• Use 230–240V when connected to a powered site.
• Use 12V to help maintain cooling while travelling with the vehicle charging system operating.

RUA’s 12V mode is designed for travel rather than running from the caravan battery while camped. A good routine is to pre-cool the fridge on LPG or mains power, load it with cold food and then use 12V on the road.

Choose full RUC for compressor cooling and added convenience

RUC is the premium compressor range. It runs from 12V or 24V DC and can also connect directly to 100–240V AC. When mains power is available, the fridge automatically changes to AC operation.

Full RUC models also have a colour TFT rotary control and doors that can be opened from either side. They suit buyers who want compressor cooling with the most flexible everyday operation.

Choose RU Core for compressor cooling and value

RU Core keeps the essential compressor-fridge experience in a simpler, value-focused package. The 180 litre and 216 litre Core models run from 12V or 24V DC, use straightforward LED controls and have doors that can be set to open from the left or right during installation.

Core does not connect directly to 240V, but that does not mean it stops working on a powered site. In a suitably equipped caravan, the power-management system converts incoming mains power to DC, supports the fridge and maintains the house battery. A compatible external AC-to-DC power supply is another option.

Power Use

How long could an RUA run on a 9kg gas bottle?

These figures help show why LPG is useful for longer stays away from mains power. They assume a nominal 9kg bottle is supplying only the fridge; cooking, hot water and heating will also use gas.

Why isn’t RUA 12V used while camped?

RUA absorption cooling uses much more battery power on 12V than a compressor fridge. As a simple comparison, Dometic’s published figures suggest that a fully available 120Ah battery could power the fridge alone for approximately:

• 10 hours with RUA5308X
• 5.3 hours with RUA6508X
• 5.6 hours with RUA8508X

Real usable time would normally be shorter, particularly with an AGM battery or other appliances running. The key idea is simple: RUA uses LPG or mains power while camped, and 12V while travelling.

What does RU Core need?

RU Core simply needs a suitable 12V or 24V DC supply. In a modern caravan, this will often come from the house battery and power-management system. When the van is connected to 240V, the charger supports the 12V system and keeps the battery topped up while the fridge continues to run on DC.

A compatible external AC-to-DC power supply is another option, particularly if you already have one. It converts 240V mains power into the DC supply the fridge needs. Just check that its voltage and power rating are suitable for the fridge.

Dometic lists an average draw of 2.14Ah per hour for the RU Core models, or roughly 51Ah over a day. This is a useful starting point when thinking about battery capacity, solar and charging from the tow vehicle.

Choose Your Capacity

Once you have chosen the style of fridge that suits your travels, the next step is deciding how much storage you need.

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Dual-Opening Or Reversible Doors?

Full RUA and RUC doors can be opened from either side during everyday use. This can make access easier in a narrow caravan kitchen.

RU Core doors are reversible instead. The installer selects left or right opening access to suit the kitchen layout.

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Before Making Your Final Choice

• Measure the available cabinet space.
• Decide whether LPG operation is important to the way you camp.
• If choosing a compressor fridge, consider how the house battery will be recharged.
• Check which door arrangement works best in the kitchen.
• Confirm the required ventilation and installation with the product manual or installer.

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The Simple Version

• Choose RUA for three-way operation and the option to cool with LPG while camping.
• Choose full RUC for premium compressor cooling, built-in AC operation and doors that open from either side.
• Choose RU Core for a simpler, value-focused 12/24V compressor fridge.
• Then choose 146L, 180L or 216L according to your storage needs and available space.