Mini Fridge

[mike9009]

Hi

I am wanting to replace the original (knackered) RM122 Fridge in my camper. It has never worked, the gas won't light, it doesn't cool on 12V, the seals are cracked and I am nervous about playing with the gas and everything. (Please do not try to convince me otherwise.) It is basically a glorified cupboard.

So I am considering buying a simple 240V mini fridge ... potentially similar to this

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004ISUSCA/r ... TXM5JEQT7F" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Obviously I won't be able to run it whilst moving, which is not a concern. But are there any other safety concerns with this solution? Anyone done something similar?


Mike

[Porkscratching]

Hi Mike, what are your plans for your old fridge / cupboard?

[mike9009]

Hi

I am hoping to fit the new fridge in the old fridges aperture. (The width is the same and the depth/height are slightly smaller) I just need to check about any vents/ cooling which maybe blocked? Old Fridge will probably join a growing pile of old car/ van bits in the garage, unless someone wants to buy it (and collect!)!

Any other reasons why not to fit this thing?

[ghost123uk]

Any other reasons why not to fit this thing?

I take it you only ever camp where there is mains hook up then ?

[Porkscratching]

Hi Mike, any clues as to the whereabouts of this growing pile of bits? You can see my location, am I within 50 miles?
Waist not want not, convert to happy tokens!

Post or sms 079306 54706.

[mike9009]

Hi

I am based on the Isle of Wight, so usually not convenient for most people to collect bits! (Cost of ferry is usually prohibitive for the value of the goods ) I have a pair of old Solex carbs plus airbox, brand new Bosch coil, plus potentially an old RM122 fridge, set of old curtains, heater motor, unwanted drive-away awning. (plus some old MX5 bits, wheel trims, 50% of a Trek 930, dining room chairs, cot, a kids bike etc. etc. ). That's the stuff I remember and don't really want. I really must sort it out and flog locally!!

We usually go camping locally on the island for a weekend - so I would plan to run the fridge the night before and then if there is no hook-up, hopefully for one night it will keep cool through insulation and thermal mass.

Then, when we go on the mainland (two trips planned this year so far) we always get hook-up anyway.

In the past we have used a cool-box with replaceable ice packs - just fancy getting a fridge in the van working.... The alternative is the JK one (12V and 240V) for £250.... Still cannot go off electric with that, as it will flatten the battery. Then its jumping to £360ish for a Dometic two way gas fridge....


Mike

[mike9009]

A bit of an update!! (and change of heart )

So I finally got my old fridge out of the van. Then I decided to try and fix it and have had some relative success.

The fridge will now light on gas. Whilst out of the van, I cleaned the gas jet and left the fridge upside down for at least 24 hours.

So, I have now reinstalled the fridge and lit the gas. After an hour running on the gas, the fridge felt slightly warm inside. What is the primary cause of this? What would I need to replace?

Thanks in advance!!

Mike

[ghost123uk]

You need to wait 4+ hours. That is how long the initial cooling on gas takes. Then, if yours is anything like mine, it gets cold enough to freeze my milk (and beer) if I leave it of full power !!

[mike9009]

You need to wait 4+ hours. That is how long the initial cooling on gas takes. Then, if yours is anything like mine, it gets cold enough to freeze my milk (and beer) if I leave it of full power !!

Now I feel embarrassed - it did not say anything about that in the manual.

Switched on for about two hours now and it is getting lovely and cool! Thanks for your simple tip! My patience has been tested again and failed!



Mike

[SamsBus2012]

If you are a bit worried about the gas, get a carbon monoxide detector. Loads of cheap battery ones about - gives bit of peace of mind. To be honest, with the kids in the van, we run it until lights out then switch off until morning where it is still pretty cool inside. As a note on the 12v, its really just to keep the fridge topped up when allready cold and travelling. It wont cool down on 12v

[mike9009]

Thanks Tom (aka Matt)!! I have a CO detector in the van already , so should be okay.

I went for a short (about 40 minute) drive today. When I got back home I found the 12V seems to be running the fridge pretty well too. (Cube tray was nice and cool). Then attempted an oil change which seems to have made everything very quiet compared to what I was currently used to. At last I seem to be getting everything working!!

Next to install is the new curtains my wife is currently making!

I am also tempted to get some front seat covers and been looking at the ones supplied by http://www.motorhomeseatcovers.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. The fella who runs it is quite abrupt, but seems he would make some custom covers to fit my T25 seats for around £150. Anyone used them before?

Maybe I should start another thread about the seats??

Mike