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Re: 3 way fridge vents size! Huge!!!

Posted: 12 Mar 2010, 21:00
by jiffies
Ok basically the instructions with the fridge have clearly been translated & are not that clear.
There is a separate flue kit that came with the fridge, I then bought the recommended top & bottom vents separately.

The instructions have the usual disclaimer saying you MUST use top & bottom vents for Dometic fridge

The instructions also state that the separate flue kit is not required If you use a top vent as the gases are dispersed through this vent

So in summary the most efficient system would be top & bottom external vents (Simple as that) Its just goes back to the whole size of vent thing again!!
If I dont want to use the top external vent then I would definately need to use the separate flue kit for carbon monoxide & to remove warm air I have the option of the internal top vent like windy surfer or possibly venting to the louvre van vents via a pipe

Oh & I do have hardboard panels on the inside of the van to help with condensation. I was also going to seal off the floor below fridge to prevent seals rusting

Decisions! Decisions!

Re: 3 way fridge vents size! Huge!!!

Posted: 13 Mar 2010, 09:10
by kevtherev
cut the hole in the floor..
your fridge replaces my RM 212 and Auto sleeper had the drop hole widened to allow a good flow of air and help condensation drip straight out of the van
this hole is covered by an aluminium drip tray that stops ingress of water

the top vent could either be into the van or on the side, venting into the van means free heat in the winter ...but not as welcome in the summer

the more airflow there is the better these things work

Re: 3 way fridge vents size! Huge!!!

Posted: 13 Mar 2010, 18:58
by jiffies
Kev
I like the sound of the drop hole with an aluminium drip tray to allow a good flow of air and help condensation drip straight out of the van
Anyone got any photos & dimensions of this?
Cheers

Re: 3 way fridge vents size! Huge!!!

Posted: 13 Mar 2010, 22:28
by boatdog
i thought the vents were for heat to escape? as i understand it the burnt gas goes out of the flue so no carbon monoxide ever enters the cabin, and the external top and bottom vent is just to create a good air flow to aid the cooling of the rear of the fridge. the floor should have drop outs in it anyway if it had a fridge fitted anyway. i have 2 vents top and bottom but i use winter covers on them and fridge works ok with them on but on a hot summers day it will need the covers off. again as i understand it if the vents are blocked or not fitted it will just make the fridge performance worse, eg because it cant cool the heat exchangers at the back it wont work as well it only needs to cool the refrigerant to liquefy it so it can be evaporated again so if it cant cool it will just stop working! so if you put drop outs in below the fridge for escaping gas, and a properly fitted exhaust, it will be safe to use like that.

Re: 3 way fridge vents size! Huge!!!

Posted: 14 Mar 2010, 08:06
by Mocki
it dont need both huge vents, not in this country.
mine had both, fitted by some muppet before i owned the van, the bottom one is not needed.
you need a 40mm hole in the floor for gas escape, the flu and the top vent.
i have my lower one covered all year round, its not needed.

Re: 3 way fridge vents size! Huge!!!

Posted: 15 Mar 2010, 20:23
by dugwiththevwbug
Gas safe legal requirements state you need floor vents to allow unburnt gas to escape to be situated under any appliances and under the gas bottle. As gas is heavier than air it will find its own way out.

secondly the reason for a high level and low level circulation vent is to enable the fridge to disperse the heat from the top of the unit this will make it more efficient.

thirdly exhausting: the through air flow given by two level vents will aid the expelling of the exhaust gases
these will kill you if not vented correctly 100% gauranteed if you survive you will be severely brain damaged.
be safe be aware people

your insurance company could get slippery if they worked out the fridge had been fitted recently and not to gas safe standards as the above are requirments for all retrofits and new camper conversion/constructions

regards doug

Re: 3 way fridge vents size! Huge!!!

Posted: 15 Mar 2010, 22:27
by Ian Hulley
In all that you didn't ONCE mention a working CO alarm ... and I mean alarm NOT an indicator disc.

Re: 3 way fridge vents size! Huge!!!

Posted: 16 Mar 2010, 12:50
by jiffies
Bought the alarm before I even bought the fridge! Safety first!

Re: 3 way fridge vents size! Huge!!!

Posted: 16 Mar 2010, 14:54
by eatcustard
Be safe

Use electric hook up

No gas problem then

Re: 3 way fridge vents size! Huge!!!

Posted: 26 Mar 2011, 00:05
by obrien camping
Hi,

If you fridge is still with in the warantry i would suggest always fit to manufacture spec - see our fitting a fridge in camper van article at http://www.obrienscamping.co.uk/article ... nstall.htm

Regards

obriens camping

Re: 3 way fridge vents size! Huge!!!

Posted: 26 Mar 2011, 00:46
by horns
Does anyone know where I can find an online article about fitting a fridge in a campervan?

Re: 3 way fridge vents size! Huge!!!

Posted: 26 Mar 2011, 01:03
by Oldiebut goodie
He's spamming all over the forum.
Let's stuff his fridges somewhere!

Re: 3 way fridge vents size! Huge!!!

Posted: 26 Mar 2011, 16:05
by obrien camping
Sorry you feel like that about obriens camping, Yes i admit obriens camping is a trader and sell fridges but i am also a vw enthusiast and owned several vw campervans.

Of course i am going to use forums to offer advice, and hopefully some could lead to a sell.

I have been selling Dometic Electrolux fridges for many years and have many happy customers and probably an 0dd few unhappy ones like any businuess.

We always aim to sell the correct fridge and advice on a certain level of fitting, and very cautious when gas is involved. We have actually refused sells where we think a customer could be doing something dangerous.

We trade every year at vanfest, and offer hundreds of people lots of advice.

Hopefully one day we can help your self out with some advice, with out selling you anything, and you may have a different opion of us.

Have a good day

Regards

Obriens Camping

Re: 3 way fridge vents size! Huge!!!

Posted: 27 Mar 2011, 09:50
by kevtherev
Then just offer advice without posting your links all over the post you can clearly type so type out the advice... this isn't an advertising space.....

Re: 3 way fridge vents size! Huge!!!

Posted: 27 Mar 2011, 11:03
by Oldiebut goodie
He's offering a 50% price reduction on his goods going by the amount of his spam!