fridge

Post by **ROBS T25** » 22 Feb 2006, 19:50

hi all i have a fridge in my van that as i can see runs on gas and 12v.
Now my problem is wen i got the van was told to plug this lead in which is in cupboard under sink to cool down the fridge but only while drivin as it will drain battery but never seems to work

works fine of the gas so is there anything i can check or do without pullin out the fridge as all the gas pipes are there and dont want to disturb them or risk snapping them any thoughts would be greatly appreciated cheers ROB!!

Post by **Ivorblueun** » 22 Feb 2006, 22:07

seems some one previous has used this method instead of a relay which would switch 12v automaticaly when the engine is running. I assume you are switching the fridge to 12v as well as plugging it in, in which case the first step would be to check for 12v at the socket you are plugging the lead into if its not there then you are going to have to chase the wiring back should be fused somewhere. if it is there you may be able to gain access to the back of the fridge by removing the lower external vent and check for 12v on the element if its there then the element has probably given up the ghost and can be replaced if not you will have to check wiring back to plug and switch on fridge etc. if you don't have external vent then its an out fridge job. hope this helps

Post by **ROBS T25** » 23 Feb 2006, 06:15

cheers for that if for some reason i cant sort it could i rewire to a switch myself? or does i have to have a relay? obviously only use it wen drivin but would be nice to sort it for those long halls

Post by **redstar** » 23 Feb 2006, 10:51

when 'cooling' the fridge, it will take far longer on 12v than on gas..
does the cover on the outside of the bus get warm when on gas..? does it on electric?? (bear in mind that when you drive the wind will be cooling the area down also)

Post by **ROBS T25** » 23 Feb 2006, 11:02

yes wen on gas its warm but doesnt work of 240v no hook up had to do this myself was told it only works on gas and 12v can i just snip wires and rewire myself to a switch??

Post by **ROBS T25** » 23 Feb 2006, 11:04

sorry just read back wot i wrote :: rewire myself to a switch!!! that would be cool switch myself off for a while

Post by **Horza** » 23 Feb 2006, 11:48

You can obviously do what ever you want to get 12v to the fridge, the relay is there so you don't forget and drain the battery when you stop for a cuppa at the services or whatever. A 12v fridge draws a lot of power. If you have one you could wire the fridge to the lesure battery as while running this will be the same as the vehicle and when stopped will prevent any nasty flat battery cant go anywhere incidents.

As someone said, you also have to switch from gas to electric when it's plugged in.

Post by **redstar** » 23 Feb 2006, 11:51

its def a 3 way fridge then?? electrolux??
if so the pair of blak wires are 12v and the 3 core is obv 230v.

i put mine on a swith from the leisure bat, just really for piece of mind...
(when its off its off thing) they do work better on 230v though.

Post by **ROBS T25** » 23 Feb 2006, 19:36

right a big DOH!!! for me

seen steve shaw today and he has had a quick look and my fridge is GAS only so thanks for all your answers first van this is and was goin of what the previous owners told me thanks anyway!!!