Another fridge question
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Another fridge question
The recent warm weather has produced fridge cooling problems, need to rectify in preparation for next summers heatwave!!
What are peoples views on installing upper and lower fridge vents on the outside of their vans, is it an easy prospect? Also the price of these plastic vents seems to range from £15 to £30-£40. Are the cheap ones worth using?
What are peoples views on installing upper and lower fridge vents on the outside of their vans, is it an easy prospect? Also the price of these plastic vents seems to range from £15 to £30-£40. Are the cheap ones worth using?
TO THE CLASS OF 99
Just a miserable old git
Just a miserable old git
- Mocki
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Re: Another fridge question
Before the barrage of " get a compressor fridge " replies come thick and fast , I’ll just say my fridge is a dometic three way ( 4421) and I don’t have any vents on the outside of the van other than the exhaust flu and mine maintains its temperature, when it was 32°c ambient the fridge was still 0°c on gas .
You can improove it more by adding a 120mm silent 12v fan behind the fridge blowing across the cooling fins to move the air , ideally switched by a thermo switch, but a manual switch works fine if you switch it on in the morning and off at night .
Regular maintenance of the fridge is essential in my experience, both the gas system and the mains and 12v wiring to ensure good connections and low voltage loss
You can improove it more by adding a 120mm silent 12v fan behind the fridge blowing across the cooling fins to move the air , ideally switched by a thermo switch, but a manual switch works fine if you switch it on in the morning and off at night .
Regular maintenance of the fridge is essential in my experience, both the gas system and the mains and 12v wiring to ensure good connections and low voltage loss
Steve
tel / txt O7947-137911
________________
1989 2.1LpgWBX HiTop Leisuredrive Camper
1988 2.1 Caravelle TS TinTop Camper
tel / txt O7947-137911
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1989 2.1LpgWBX HiTop Leisuredrive Camper
1988 2.1 Caravelle TS TinTop Camper
Re: Another fridge question
I only had the flue vent on mine when i had my three way, never had any cooling problems.
Oh by the way, buy a compressor fridge
Oh by the way, buy a compressor fridge
2.1 LPG/Petrol Auto Caravelle
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits"
"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits"
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Re: Another fridge question
What would regular maintenance entail?
My fridge has not been used on gas by the previous van owner for years so I guess it needs some!
when I tried it the neon switch lights up and I hear the ignition clicking but no flame?
Can you get them serviced?
Oh and I am considering a compressor fridge!
My fridge has not been used on gas by the previous van owner for years so I guess it needs some!
when I tried it the neon switch lights up and I hear the ignition clicking but no flame?
Can you get them serviced?
Oh and I am considering a compressor fridge!
1988 Autohomes Kameo 1.9DG - Vera Wyn
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Re: Another fridge question
Thanks for those replies, very useful and maybe saved me making 2 unnecessary holes in the van.
I have purchased a fan which was originally going to extract warm air to the exterior, however the suggestion to blow air over the cooling fins seems feasible. Where is the best location for the fan, on top of fridge or bottom.
Many thanks
I have purchased a fan which was originally going to extract warm air to the exterior, however the suggestion to blow air over the cooling fins seems feasible. Where is the best location for the fan, on top of fridge or bottom.
Many thanks
TO THE CLASS OF 99
Just a miserable old git
Just a miserable old git
Re: Another fridge question
Apart from my recent post in electrical. My 3 way fridge is now working well. Am going to get a thermometer so that I can see how effective the cooling. Impressed when on gas. Trying to gauge how much gas it uses. Currently 37 degrees here and on electric- beers still cold although they are in the ice compartment (holds two tinnies).I took the unit off mine. Shot blasted and repainted and wire brushed around the burner and electric spark. You need to hold the knob in till it stops sparking and check through the eye hole in bottom of fridge for a flame.
The fan seems a good idea as my cupboards get hot. Also at moment the outside panel is in full sun and very hot so will rig up some shade.
PS I too will look at a compressor fridge. [SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES] But running on gas when off grid is very useful for wild camping.
Sent from my SM-A500FU using Tapatalk
The fan seems a good idea as my cupboards get hot. Also at moment the outside panel is in full sun and very hot so will rig up some shade.
PS I too will look at a compressor fridge. [SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES] But running on gas when off grid is very useful for wild camping.
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1991 Auto Sleeper Trident High Top
Water Cooled 1.9 Petrol
Water Cooled 1.9 Petrol
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Re: Another fridge question
Hi Sunscreen, the fan on my Westy fridge is positioned at the bottom and draws air in from the bottom and blows it upwards and out the top.
For what it's worth, when I'm on the road (anything from a couple of days to a couple of months) l run my fridge permanently on gas. After a recent service it runs fine and has coped admirably with recent weather. After all, man (this one) cannot live with warm beer. AND, get yaself a compressor fridge.
Regards, Max.
For what it's worth, when I'm on the road (anything from a couple of days to a couple of months) l run my fridge permanently on gas. After a recent service it runs fine and has coped admirably with recent weather. After all, man (this one) cannot live with warm beer. AND, get yaself a compressor fridge.
Regards, Max.
1990 Westy HiTop 1.6 JX
Time is precious, waste it wisely folks.
Time is precious, waste it wisely folks.
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Re: Another fridge question
Hi Max, can I ask, does your van have top and bottom vents on the exterior?
Cant afford a compressor fridge
Cant afford a compressor fridge
TO THE CLASS OF 99
Just a miserable old git
Just a miserable old git
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Re: Another fridge question
In answer to Sunscreen's Q, no. Like Mocki, my fridge only has an exhaust flu for the gas flame as with all standard Westy's. The modern upgrade to a 12v computer fan has made a significant difference. I'm mindful to having a working catbon monoxide detector though.
Regards, Max
Regards, Max
1990 Westy HiTop 1.6 JX
Time is precious, waste it wisely folks.
Time is precious, waste it wisely folks.
Re: Another fridge question
If anyone is interested I have been using Electrolux three way fridges in my various vans over the years and in all cases have holes in the floor under them with mesh to keep mice and bugs out and one vent in the side of the van up near the top on the basis that hot air rises and is replaced by cool air from underneath. While there is only a limited space around the fridge installation It is not hermetic by any means. Being a bit OCD I prefer to get on hookup if at all possible. My current Liesuredrive had a clumsily Eletrolux fitted when I got it which I tidied up in the rebuild. Apart from an early failure in the early days I have never had one let me down.
I would be interested in fitting a compressor type if my current one and it's standby spare failed but that could take a time based on my experience. Plus it would have to look like a "proper" fridge to keep Her Ladyship on side as she wasn't impressed with the cool box style compressor our mate has in his narrow boat. Although I have to say I haven't really studied them. plus my one leisure battery would need upgrading.
I would be interested in fitting a compressor type if my current one and it's standby spare failed but that could take a time based on my experience. Plus it would have to look like a "proper" fridge to keep Her Ladyship on side as she wasn't impressed with the cool box style compressor our mate has in his narrow boat. Although I have to say I haven't really studied them. plus my one leisure battery would need upgrading.
Well-timed silence hath more eloquence than speech.
"A quiet shy boy who took little part in games or sport"
88 High top 2.1 WBX
"A quiet shy boy who took little part in games or sport"
88 High top 2.1 WBX
Re: Another fridge question
Mr Bean wrote:Plus it would have to look like a "proper" fridge to keep Her Ladyship on side as she wasn't impressed with the cool box style compressor our mate has in his narrow boat. Although I have to say I haven't really studied them. plus my one leisure battery would need upgrading.
My Waeco CR50, recently replaced by the CRX50 (probably the most popular compressor fridge in vans our size) looks exactly like a mini version of the fridge in my house! Was the one on the narrow boat a top loader? They do indeed look more like a coolbox but are actually a bit more efficient as the internal temperature stays lower through multiple door openings.
1986 1.9DG WBX LPG, 4 spd manual. Westy poptop. Renogy lithium leisure. 175W solar. CR50 fridge. Propex. RX8 seats.
- Ian Hulley
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Re: Another fridge question
Wear Sunscreen wrote: Hi Max, can I ask, does your van have top and bottom vents on the exterior ?
Mine had both, now only has the top one, no noticeable difference. I seal the vent in winter and have mozzie net on it in summer.
I think it's a great idea to buy a compressor fridge to replace your working 3 way ... just give me first dibs at buying it cheap eh Rob
The Hulley's Bus
1989 2.1DJ Trampspotter
LPG courtesy of Steve @ Gasure
1989 2.1DJ Trampspotter
LPG courtesy of Steve @ Gasure