Thetford expands

Thetford expands its 12V compressor refrigerator portfolio to lead the RV market’s transition

The leisure vehicle market is experiencing a clear shift from gas absorption refrigerators to 12V compressor refrigeration. Driven by changing vehicle designs, increasing demand for energy efficiency and consistently high cooling performance, OEMs and end-users are increasingly adopting compressor technology across a growing number of vehicle segments. As the leading supplier of refrigeration solutions for the RV industry, Thetford is responding to this market evolution by further expanding its 12V compressor refrigerator portfolio.

Supporting the transition to 12V compressor refrigeration

Thetford expands-As the market continues to evolve, manufacturers are looking for refrigeration solutions that combine installation flexibility, energy efficiency and reliable cooling performance. Whether developing a compact camper van, designing a premium motorhome or replacing an existing gas absorption refrigerator, different vehicle concepts require different cooling solutions.
“We see a clear and accelerating shift towards 12V compressor refrigeration across the RV industry,” says Dirk Valder, Manager Product Management RV/OEM at Thetford. “Manufacturers are looking for greater design freedom, lower energy consumption and reliable cooling performance in every climate. By continuously expanding our 12V compressor refrigerator portfolio, we are able to support this transition with solutions for virtually every vehicle layout, from compact camper vans to premium motorhomes and retrofit applications.”
With the availability of the compact TR1050 and TR1065 models and the introduction of the new T1080 and T1088 tabletop refrigerators, Thetford now offers an even broader range of compressor solutions for motorhomes, caravans and campervans. This now enables customers to replace virtually any absorption refrigerator installation with a matching 12V compressor solution.

TR1050 and TR1065: compact outside, powerful inside

Available from autumn 2026, the TR1050 and TR1065 refrigerators are designed for compact motorhomes and camper vans, where every centimetre matters. Despite their compact dimensions, they offer generous storage capacity, with 53 L for the TR1050 and 67 L for the TR1065. Low 12V power consumption and reliable cooling performance across a wide climate range, from 10°C to 43°C ambient temperature, make them a practical choice for modern camper life.
The range is available in both swing door and drawer configurations, with either a brushed metal look or door panel finish, the range offers maximum installation flexibility. Top and side ventilation options make integrationpossible in a wide variety of vehicle layouts.

New T1080 and T1088: a natural upgrade for tabletop installations

Complementing the compact range, Thetford introduces the new T1080 and T1088 tabletop compressor refrigerators. Designed to fit above the wheel arch and beneath the worktop, they are a direct replacement for the popular N4080 and N4090 gas absorption refrigerators. While maintaining the same installation footprint, the new models provide a significantly deeper interior, creating more usable storage space. Internal ventilation removes the need for external vents, giving manufacturers greater design freedom and a cleaner vehicle exterior. Compressor technology also ensures reliable cooling performance across a wide climate range, from 10°C to 43°C ambient temperature, even when the vehicle is parked off level.

A growing compressor portfolio

With the launch of the TR1050 and TR1065 and the T1080 and T1088, Thetford continues to strengthen its 12V compressor refrigerator portfolio. Together, these models provide OEMs, converters, and consumers with greater flexibility to select the refrigeration solution that best suits their vehicle design and travel requirements.
As the demand for 12V compressor refrigeration continues to grow, Thetford remains committed to supporting the market with innovative cooling solutions that combine performance, efficiency and installation flexibility.