Poor Fridge performance

[Rich Tea]

Ok, this weekend was hot, so perhaps not the best time to try the fridge in my new van, but you have to try to keep your beer cool.

The fridge is a RM212 three way. Most of the time it didn't work at all but it did show some signs of life getting down to 2°C overnight on mains hook up.

I'm not convinced that the 12V was working. Not sure how it's wired in. I've an smart relay split charger but also have a relay mounted behind the fridge as well.

The gas lights, and seemed to cool the fridge a bit, now and again.

The installation of the fridge is interesting. It is mounted in home made cabinets (not by me). There's about 1" clearance above it (via which hot air wafts into the cabin) and no gap below it. The van has a top vent only cut into the side. This made me think that maybe there's not enough air flow around the back. On removing the fridge I noted that there is a large hole in the floor of the van. I assume that this is the gas drop out hole, but is much bigger than necessary (approx 3"x8"). Would this be suffcient to ensure decent air flow?

I was thinking about raising the fridge in order to give approx 1.5" clearance underneath it, for improved air flow. This would also block the hot air path into the cabin (in the hope that the hot air heads out of the vent in the side of the van.

Is this likely to improve the performance of the fridge? Does anyone have any other ideas on the subject?

Thanks for you help.

Rich

[T'Onion]

Take it out and turn it upside down for a day or two , that will get the coolant mixture mix up ,standing unused for long periods can cause air locks , then refit and test
while its out give the fins at the rear a good brush out , same for the flue etc

[samk]

yeah, turning upside down worked for me. Mine wouldnt even cool on as originally when i got the van. turned upside down and now works fine. does take quite a while to cool though but it's ok when it gets there!

[horns]

Don't expect much from the 12v setting - its just there to keep the fridge cool as you drive along, and will only work with the engine running. It won't really cool it down from warm like the 240v or gas settings will.

[1664]

Don't expect much from the 12v setting - its just there to keep the fridge cool as you drive along, and will only work with the engine running. It won't really cool it down from warm like the 240v or gas settings will.

Mine does just as well on 12v as gas and mains. Does depend how long you're driving though...pointless on short trips unless the reaction has already been going on gas or mains before you set off.

[T'Onion]

yup my westy one is brill on all three settings , I have had mine out and clean it all up mind you ,
Like 1664 says 12v isn't very good on short hops about.

[horns]

Mine's been out, cleaned, had both elements replaced, and is still a bit puny on 12v. I think the good lord made them that way...

[jamesc76]

Mine will freeze up on 12v

[T'Onion]

Mine's been out, cleaned, had both elements replaced, and is still a bit puny on 12v. I think the good lord made them that way...

Did you have it upside down for a day or two while you serviced it ? it does make a big difference , also did you clean up where the 12v heat element attaches to the exchanger ?

[horns]

Yes, and yes. Maybe its different models of fridge - I'm sure I've read in a Westy manual or somewhere that the 12v isn't meant to work as well as the other two.

[Rich Tea]

Thanks for the advice, I'll turn it upside down tonight and refit it tomorrow. I think I'll try to raise it up also so there's, some airflow below it.

I'll let you know how it goes.
Thanks again.

[kevtherev]

I think I'll try to raise it up also so there's, some airflow below it.

.

No need if you have an 8 X 3 hole in the floor.. that's how Autosleepers fit Rm 212's

[T'Onion]

Yes, and yes. Maybe its different models of fridge - I'm sure I've read in a Westy manual or somewhere that the 12v isn't meant to work as well as the other two.

What model is it ? My westy fridge works very well on 12v , Robs (lhd) westy one again is good (but don't tell him cos he hasn't had it out this year) YET !!

[horns]

I can't remember off the top of my head - I'll have a look next time I'm in the van.

[T'Onion]

Should be on the sticker inside the fridge