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Subject Topic: 3 Way Fridge Advice ? Post Reply Post New Topic
CruisingComet
11/7/2010 at 9:25pm
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Hello all...

Just wondering if someone could shed some light on a problem we are having regarding our 3 way fridge.

The fridge appears to work on 12v while we are travelling, but we try to get the fridge cold by plugging into the mains (with our hook up cable using a suitable 3 pin adaptor) a day or so before leaving to try and get the fridge cool before we set off, the hook up has been on all day but the fridge is still not cold, this happned last week too yet was working on the camp site after we had pitched & connected to the EHU point.

I've looked in our auto sleeper book and one of the reasons for fridge failing to work suggests "check refrigerator is level" our driveway does have a slight slope, could this be the cause? I wouldn't have thought a slight slope would cause this issue but really don't know, so any advice appreciated


PersonOpensauce
11/7/2010 at 11:54pm
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On older fridges particularly, even a slight slope can cause fridge not to work. Put levelling blocks under wheels & try again. If fridge completely fails to work on 240v but works on other modes, suspect failed 240v element.

Worth pointing out that if air temperature is up at 30deg as it has been in costa del Essex this week, absorbtion fridges will struggle & may not get very cold at all.


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CruisingComet
12/7/2010 at 8:05am
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Thanks, guess I will try with levellers, we know the fridge works as we have had working fine on sites, just on the drive but that was before we even knew anything about it being on a level site, downloaded a manual for our fridge and it confirms about the level so looks like that is def the prob


PersonCapt Lightning
12/7/2010 at 9:21am
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It's not always a prob unless the slope is excessive. Another thing to consider is the van orientation - is the sun shining on the van behind the fridge?

-------------
Two drifters off to see the world.

I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.


PersonSusie1997
12/7/2010 at 11:21am
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Agree with captain lightning, we were on a site last year in temps of 32deg and the fridge stopped working, we were told that as it didnt have a fan, the heat was too hot for it, do you believe that!!!! we were told that we could have a fan fitted but that would cost money!!! lots of money so we look for shady spots or at least park the van away from the sun nowadays, we have a windout awning now so we use that if need be,plus the level thing is right too, we were parked at loch ness last year and didnt realise van was not exactly level and fridge stopped again, ruined all our frozen food and even fitter at dealers didnt know why, he got in touch with thetford and they confirmed that van had to be within 3 degrees level so we are a bit paranoid now about the sun and levelling the van when parking up on site


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Personsilverwood
12/7/2010 at 11:23am
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well reading this suggests to me that if it works on site on 240mains but not at home, your home 240v 3 pin plug adapter is not working, have you checked the fuse in 3 pin plug?

mick


CruisingComet
12/7/2010 at 12:17pm
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Quote: Originally posted by silverwood on 12/7/2010
well reading this suggests to me that if it works on site on 240mains but not at home, your home 240v 3 pin plug adapter is not working, have you checked the fuse in 3 pin plug?

mick

Yes its all working, when pluged in to house mains the main socket inside camper is live, first thing we checked.

Been out and bought some fiamma levels this morning, but even with those under the front wheels a level shows the bubble of the centre lines, didnt realise our drive had such a slope but that is the problem without a doubt.


CruisingComet
12/7/2010 at 12:19pm
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Quote: Originally posted by trishandtez on 12/7/2010we look for shady spots or at least park the van away from the sun nowadays, we have a windout awning now so we use that if need be,plus the level thing is right too, we were parked at loch ness last year and didnt realise van was not exactly level and fridge stopped again, ruined all our frozen food and even fitter at dealers didnt know why, he got in touch with thetford and they confirmed that van had to be within 3 degrees level so we are a bit paranoid now about the sun and levelling the van when parking up on site

Thanks for the tips


PersonOpensauce
12/7/2010 at 3:21pm
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Absorbsion fridges only cool about 18-20deg C below ambient, So if weather is overcast & about 20deg then fridge will be nice & cold. If sun is hot & 30deg outside & van is in direct sunlight inside temp could climb to 40deg so obviously then fridge will not be cold at all.

As fridges get older the rubber seal around door does not seal so well & they get worse. It does help to get a fan that fixes on to vent grille to pump air thru.


PersonCapt Lightning
12/7/2010 at 6:11pm
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Some people have picked up a 12 Volt computer fan for a few pence and wired that in behind the fridge to keep an airflow going.

-------------
Two drifters off to see the world.

I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.


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Personsteveiem
12/7/2010 at 6:22pm
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i have a 3 way fridge in my motorhome, and also found out to my cost that you need to spend some time time getting your unit level for the fridge to work properly, also dont try as i did to use the 12 volt and gas to boost it as this apparently creates too much heat and yes your fridge becomes a slow cooker!!

-------------

There's a place for all gods creatures ,,

Right next to the potatoes and veg ,,,


CruisingComet
18/7/2010 at 10:32pm
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Just returned from a trip to the isle of white and fridge worked fine all week between 12v while driving and off mains when back on site, bought some levellers before we left and it does seem to have done the trick!



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