Replacement 3 Way Fridge Advice - Vanagon Westy

[PJack1969]

Hi everybody,

I've recently taken out my onboard rm182b (yes, that one.....) fridge as it simply did nothing on 12 or 240v. I had had it going on LPG for 3 days at Busfest and it worked ok on that. On closer inspection round the back on the mains the heating elements were hot as expected but still no life at all, even after several hours. Having talked to a few "knowledgeable" people on the phone i've been told its probably a blockage somewhere and the reason it goes on gas but not the electrical side is due to the fridges gas operation being at a higher pressure but it's days on this are probably numbered also. It's basically kaput. However i can't find anybody to actually take a look at it and officially condemn it. I've left it turned upside down etc - no joy. I guess i inherited the fridge like this as the van was only bought last summer so i've never had the chance to service or maintain it. I don't know it's history.
Basically i'd like a 3 way fridge that does what it says on the tin so to speak, so i looked at a possible direct replacement and there's NO direct vent Dometic replacement for this model. Has anybody else had this problem with a westy conversion and if so did they put a new fridge in and re-vent/flue (RM123 looks the closest fit for the space) or try and get another rm182b (which i can imagine is so NOT easy to do - i expect any that work properly these days are no doubt on other vehicles). The venting and flue are the obvious issues here.
One other option is to go with a Waeco compressor fridge onboard which doesn't require a flue and can be vented ok. Seems a shame to switch tho with a big underslung lpg tank there, which would be perfect for cooling a 3 way on a 4/5 day "wild" camping trip, unlike running a waeco on 12v for the same length of time which would no doubt kill the leisure battery without a solar panel to help it out.
Can anybody identify with this problem and more importantly can they give me any decent advice into tackling it without making holes where i really don't want to!!
Thanks for reading...........a bit long winded i know!!

Paul

[Ralf85]

If it's working on gas then it's not the fridge itself that's a problem but the electrical side. More advice will follow from others. Don't ditch it yet.

[ninja.turtle007]

I've had a few fridges that don't get cold on gas, every time it has just needed the jet cleaning.

I never use 240v so I can't help there.

We get around 21 days use from a full LPG tank when used for the fridge and cooking.

[AdrianC]

Having talked to a few "knowledgeable" people on the phone i've been told its probably a blockage somewhere and the reason it goes on gas but not the electrical side is due to the fridges gas operation being at a higher pressure

OK, I'm baffled here...

My understanding is that the three heater elements all heat the refrigerant circuit in pretty much the same way. The gas exhaust goes up one side, the 12v is 120deg round, then the 240v makes a triangle.

Given that the refrigerant side is working (it's cold on gas), then if all three really are heating up, I can't see how it's working on one but not the other two - unless the electric elements aren't properly attached.

Ours lights and stays alight on gas, but doesn't get cold. It's cold on both 12v and 240v (new elements in both). The jet's been out and cleaned. Any suggestions on that welcome... (I think it's only sitting on "small flame", and not firing up to "high flame", but really haven't got a clue).

Oh, and if you do ditch it, can I get in there first with a request for the door shelf front plastics? Ours are about 50% superglue...

[California Dreamin]

In terms of a direct replacement for the RM 182 there isn't one. There could well be something that fits in the space but nothing that retains the door and original 'look'.
Someone! is going to have to take the bull by the horns and try to modify a NEW fridge to fit......and I will be first in line to read their experiences.

Things that I've discovered looking into this.
Nearly all the possible candidates require extra external venting/cool air circulation to the outside.
Controls would be in a different place....baring in mind the present requirement for a lower circulation vent.
The orientation of the fridge exhaust..many are on the opposite side of the fridge.
To keep a sufficient angle on the exhaust vent.
Vanagons use a 50mbar regulator..again a replacement would be 28 or 37mbar UK.

Like I say....lots of owners would like to see a NEW and effective replacement for the RM 182 that keeps the Westy look.

Martin