Fridge replacement

[firetrader]

Hi , my T25 fridge has packed in and I have removed it, so I am embarking upon a research period, trying to ascertain the best way/product to buy, Just Kampers have a range of 12 v fridges that are described as only using 0.7 amp per hour, (JKR 50)has anyone any experience of these or for that matter any other alternative recommendations, my problem is buying one that fits right as behind the fridge there is a raft of things , some can be moved , but others are'nt easily movable , so a 500mm fridge deep means it sits proud for about 25-30 mm and not quite sure about it, any advice welcomed!

[colinthefox]

There are heater elements behind the fridge that do 240V and/or 12V as applicable to your model. They are cheap enough and easy to replace. Any caravan repair place should have them.
If your fridge has not been used for a while, the refrigerant may have gone thick and won't circulate. If that is the case, then taking the fridge out and leaving it upside down overnight may get it going again, in which case running it occasionally should keep it working OK.
Both these problems have occured with my fridge but it's still working fine after repairs as above.
If it still works on gas suspect the elements. If it doesn't work at all suspect thick refrigerant. Always worth a try.

[firetrader]

Thanks Colin , no I am afraid the fridge is a hazard , it was spraying a yellow egg yoke substance all over the fridge, it was well past its best, took the safest route and removed as am using it this weekend, but thanks for the info.
Just a thought, whilst everything is out and laid bare, it is an ideal opportunity to tidy up the wiring and perhaps fit a solar panel as a charger, I don't know how effective a solar panel charger is in terms of supplying enough leisure battery recharge is other than the odd comment form friends, I think I know the answer, but its worth asking , is it worth delaying the fridge and having a solar panel installed? Does anyone know a reputable expert in electrics, solar panel installs in the Bolton area?

[hotpod]

I have a dometic waeco 12v compressor fridge in my westy now, It is an excellent fit in the original fridge space but it is deeper because it doesn't need all the gas gubbins at the back. plus it doesn't need any vents to the outside and I am running it 24/7 on my leisure battery powered by a 100w solar panel on the roof.
The battery doesn't break a sweat. It is a 75ah agm under my passenger seat with all the solar charge stuff installed.
I did a post on the solar install in the syncro forum.
Well worth it if you have the funds I would say. Plus it has a removable freezer compartment.
 

[firetrader]

Thanks , all very good and the mention of a fridge where the compressor is near the top is helpful and I have an array of gubbins at floor level which means a flat backed fridge would be 25 mm protruding at the front unless i go to a lot of trouble to move pipework.The 25 mm protrusion is'nt an issue though for me , but the screwing in to secure the fridge would need to screw into the surround and I am hoping that would still be possible as the door itself must be about 25 mm meaning securing screws should just about be able to be fixed, my max measurements would be 610 H x 485 W x 510 D but as I explained there is about 25 mm deep pipework at the back. I really have appreciated the info , and thinking of whether or not to go for a solar panel, as I nearly always get electric hook ups and a 240v/12v option would give me versatility even without a solar panel, even a spare 100 aph leisure battery would probably give an extra   back up ( have room or one) on the rare off chance no hook up for a few days. So at the moment not too sure of a solar panel ( also don't like idea of any roof drilling) any info appreciated.

[silverbullet]

Solar panels mounted on roof bars? Bring the power in via a rear vent and make sure to make a drip loop to stop the rain tracking into the van.

[Oren Kipnis]

There are compressor fridges of various makes in the market. Just google according to the dimensions you mention.

you can stick a flexible solar panel without drilling, connect it to an MPPT controller and use a leisure battery.

Don't forget the split charge relay.

Upon using the fridge, lighting and USB charging, you will rarely need a hookup.

It is well worth the effort.

[firetrader]

Many thanks for this , great tips , reviewing the situation today,all the best .

[firetrader]

On the verge of ordering the Just Kampers JKR50,at 0.7 amps per hour draw, however, just some last minutes thoughts, in a perfect world I would have chosen the 240v/12 v fridges advertised elsewhere purely for the versatility, however, enquiries seem to indicate a 2.5 v per hour draw with these, does any on know of a competitively priced one that is comparable for drawing the 0.7 v that the JKR50 advertised - have looked around but can't seem to find one?(my thought were to get the 12v one and when i get hook ups trickle charge the leisure battery with my existing battery charger whilst I await the solar panel research/fitting ?

[hotpod]

I don't think you will regret getting a 12v compressor fridge. You could always use a transformer when you are on hookup. I replaced the Buzzing Black Box from my westy with a 20a german 240v dual battery smart charger with a 20a 12v power supply. It was about £140 if I remember correctly and In my Airbnb westy it is running on mains 24/7 all summer and looks after both batteries perfectly and runs all the lights etc.
And then get solar when you are ready. Which you also wont regret. because everything runs from sunshine, which is epic!

[firetrader]

Thanks - yes I think its highly likely I get the JKR50 from just Kampers, I am having a bit of trouble getting a competitively priced solar panel installation because I really like the idea of using the luggage rails on the roof and that is kind of restrictive in terms of space and panel size as well. So , because I want a fridge quite quickly I may just fit one and may even get a spare leisure battery ( £109 at BQ for 100 amp), that way a battery charge up before a trip should see me through a few days, finding it hard to get a good installer who will get back to me in good time. The way I see it , (with a total of 175 amp reserve ) for two batteries , (just swapping the connectors over when one becomes flat) should give me at least 175 hours ? Or is it bad logic?( 175 divided by 0.7 =250 = 10.41 days)- though I know that's a bit text book (not practical as other factors may reduce) , I nearly always get hook ups in colder months anyway so can charge batteries up? If I did that can always deliberate over the  solar panels until I get exactly what I want? Is that impractical?

[firetrader]

B&Q leisure battery 130 amps for £109 thought that looked quite good that would do 185 hours (over 7 days)?

[firetrader]

Does anyone know of or have roof rail panels that give a decent wattage, apparently the restricted size mans less wattage and may only reach 95 w?

[firetrader]

I have a dometic waeco 12v compressor fridge in my westy now, It is an excellent fit in the original fridge space but it is deeper because it doesn't need all the gas gubbins at the back. plus it doesn't need any vents to the outside and I am running it 24/7 on my leisure battery powered by a 100w solar panel on the roof.
The battery doesn't break a sweat. It is a 75ah agm under my passenger seat with all the solar charge stuff installed.
I did a post on the solar install in the syncro forum.
Well worth it if you have the funds I would say. Plus it has a removable freezer compartment.Is there a way you could show me where your post on fitting was,could find it, because I am focused on using my roof bars I cant seem to get a panel that does over 90 w, my dimensions would be a max of 500mm x 880mm, so still hoping to find a 100w watt one

 

[hotpod]

I think a 90w rigid panel willl be more efficient than my 100w flexi panel which is bonded to the roof. I would also argue that some is better than none. and if you have 175A of battery capacity I honestly think you will be fine. The fridge doesn't run all the time ( unless you leave the door open) and your batteries will be charging all the time there is daylight. My little 75ah battery with the fridge on all the time is showing 12.8v minimum whenever I check it at the moment and during the day showing 13.1v is which is trickle charge which means it is fully charged and happy.
Anyway, the thread is here: 
solar install