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Topic: Caravan fridge on the blink

hawaiisteveo

via mobile 12/3/2022 at 12:46pm
Location: Northern Ireland
Outfit: Swift Corvette Diamond 93 94

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We have been running the caravan fridge in the caravan with electric hook up from caravan to the garage mains outlet the year round for the past few years. Using it as a beer fridge.

The fridge recently stopped working. (Not sure if it coincides with the garage fuse blowing but it was after the fuse blew in the garage we noticed it was out) We never use it with gas, only electric mains on site and at home.

Fuse replaced in garage. Mains power back in caravan. All signs indicate power to the fridge. (caravan switch light has power to indicate mains power). All fuses okay. Nothing tripping either.

Has the fridge had its day?
Any tips or tricks to bring it back to life?
Can the fridges gas be topped up?

I've disconnected the fridge and turned it upside down and will right tomorrow to try to mix up the gas - I've read this might work .

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Steve

hawaiisteveo

via mobile 12/3/2022 at 12:48pm
Location: Northern Ireland
Outfit: Swift Corvette Diamond 93 94

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Also, I thought the beer wasn't as cold as it usually is about a week before the fuse blew in the garage - not sure the two are related. When the fuse did go in the garage. Nothing tripped in the garage fuse box, caravan fuse box or house fuse box which has mains fuse to the garage

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Steve

hawaiisteveo

via mobile 12/3/2022 at 12:51pm
Location: Northern Ireland
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When I turned the fridge upside down I heard a lot of water movement and bubbles - I imagine this was the internal gas

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Steve

billy

via mobile 12/3/2022 at 1:30pm
Location: North Essex
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The garage fuse probably blew because the fridge element failed. If you have removed fridge then replacement is easy diy if you can do electrical repairs. Search online for replacement mains element for your fridge model probably £40 odd.

First though check there is no coolant leaking from under fridge. If it is then fridge is scrap.

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tango55

12/3/2022 at 4:21pm
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

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As you have been using the caravan fridge as a secondary appliance just to store beer 24/7 then you have most likely prematurely shortened the life span of the fridge due to the fact that a 3 way fridge doesn't function in the same way that a domestic fridge in the home does. However, it's most likely that the fridge element has malfunction which is the reason why it tripped the electrical circuit but the element can be replaced. Firstly you need to know the make and model of fridge then search for the corresponding fridge element online. Replacing the element is a job for an expert technician unless you have some DIY experience and knowledge in this field.

hawaiisteveo

via mobile 12/3/2022 at 7:11pm
Location: Northern Ireland
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Thanks, I'll check the coolant and source an element if needed

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Steve

hawaiisteveo

via mobile 13/3/2022 at 4:58pm
Location: Northern Ireland
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Update - turned it upside down and righted it today. Switched on about 2hrs ago. Doesn't feel like heat is coming through the vents and the fridge isn't getting cold. There was water that had drained into a small holder in the back. I don't think this was coolant but an overflow system whenever the fridge is switched off and defrosts. There was a small pipe leading to it. There was a little water (clear without a scent) under the fridge when I removed it but I think it was spillage from this drain.

Next step is to look up an element but I did see that the fridge was discontinued in 2011. I also looked up the replacement fridge which was a whooping £950-£1100.

I did find a slim line household fridge and thought this might be a good replacement, it only costs £112. Will only run on electric which suits me fine as I don't use gas and never travel too far from home. If I do go this route will this cause any issues in the caravan. It has cyclopentane gas.

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Steve

Monty15

13/3/2022 at 6:10pm
Location: London
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Steve, see my reply under your other post re fridge replacement.

navver

13/3/2022 at 7:22pm
Location: West country
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You can check the element with a multi-meter on resistance range. Measure the resistance by switching the meter to ohms range or it may have a little horse shoe symbol (actually an omega sign). Touch the meter leads to the ends of the element.

Resistance should be around 400 to 500 ohms.

If it's much higher it's open circuit. Much much lower and it's short circuit.

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