Am considering getting one of these. Usually we have EHU but sometimes we cant get it so would need to use gas.
I have noticed several posts from people with problems when using them on gas. What are the problems? would you still buy one even though there are problems with gas or would you just buy a leccy one.
Advice and tips welcome. And if you still recommend- whats the cheapest and where?
Occasionally when using them on gas coolant settles in the bottom of the refridgeration system and they don't cool well. The thing will be lit but not cooling.
To put our experience in context, we had a Combicool for two years and had no problem with it at all. We passed our old one to my Dad and replaced it with one that is colder and better for France and we had to invert it for a few minutes for it to work for the first time on gas.
It's not a problem but it is a quirk with these gas friges, Dad used to have the same with the old caravan fridge that he had in his beach hut.
If you have the space for one (now you've got your trailer ) I would highly recommend one, especially if you camp in situations where you don't want to shop every couple of days.
One other thing, when running on gas you must make sure the fridge is level.
------------- Love a lot. Trust a few. But ALWAYS paddle your own canoe!!
Minds are like parachutes:- They only function when they are open!!!
Those who talk don't know.
Those who know don't talk.
Quote: Originally posted by mattlad on 26/5/2007
One other thing, when running on gas you must make sure the fridge is level.
Now you see I read this a lot yet we've never had any difficulty with ours and we've camped in plent of spots that haven't been level. First time out with the new one it wasn't level and (once we'd circulated the coolant) it worked absolutely fine.
What model fridge do you have mattlad and what does yours do (or not do!) if it's not level?
p.s i notice that the waeco is sold out but the royal 42 looks a good buy
------------- me girlfriend looks like peggy mount, what am i supposed to do? i'm up the creek and never mind the paddle boy, i haven't even got a canoe
We have the blue combicool, it's plugged in in the garage all the time with a stock of alcohol in it, this also means it's nice and cold when you take it camping.
We find it runs so cold on gas that we have to turn it right down of a nightime and watch out for items freezing up.
Takes a lot of room up in the car, however we take a seat out of the Picasso and replace it with the fridge.
Has been tricky getting it lit on the gas but once you have the knack, we keep a mirror handy to use to make sure the pilot light is still lit, easier than crawling around on your hands and knees.
------------- "Close your eyes and pretend it's all a dream, that's how I get by"
We use a combicool. Stick it on mains at home a couple of days before we go camping and get it loaded up with food and drink. Into the car and on 12 volt for the journey, then onto gas (or EHU) at the site. Brilliant
Because they don't use much gas, you need to hold down the valve for 20-30 seconds to clear the air from the pipe from the cylinder. Then press the igniter a few times and hold your hand over the vent in the top. If you feel heat it's lit so just hold the valve for another 30 seconds and let go. You may need to repeat once or twice but just be patient.
They do need to be reasonably level though (side to side more important than front to back) and will work very inefficiently on a slope.