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Have you run your van fridge lately?
Posted: 20 Feb 2015, 14:43
by Ralf85
My annual reminder to those new to campers. Fridges are designed for permanent running. Ours don't. So if left too long, the gas inside the system becomes 'semi-solid'. So when you go to run the fridge in Spring and later, it won't work. The usual way of dealing with this, is to then take the fridge out of the van, turn it upside down and give it a gently shake, to get the gas moving around.
That's a faff. So if you don't use your van fridge, between October and March, you need to run it every couple of months for a couple of hours. Then it will be working properly when you need it!
Re: Have you run your van fridge lately?
Posted: 20 Feb 2015, 15:03
by greasemonkey
Cheers for the heads up.
I'm a relatively new owner and haven't used it over winter so will get it running to keep things moving
Re: Have you run your van fridge lately?
Posted: 20 Feb 2015, 17:09
by Ralf85
Just tested mine on gas. Always a pain getting the spark to click after a couple of months. Anyway, the metal element inside cooled down nicely. I should be camping again in March, so won't need to check it again before then!
Re: Have you run your van fridge lately?
Posted: 20 Feb 2015, 17:27
by ColG
Thanks for the heads up
Re: Have you run your van fridge lately?
Posted: 20 Feb 2015, 17:34
by itchyfeet
Yep 2 weeks ago, it was almost zero outside so I put the heater on to make it work
I also found the door shut which it shouldn't be, its locked ajar now to stop it going smelly.
Re: Have you run your van fridge lately?
Posted: 21 Apr 2015, 09:35
by VWMAK
Have no clue how the fridge operates. Relatively new T25 owner.
Should it just cool whenever the engine is on? Or the van hooked up to Electric? Or are there switches that need to be flicked.
Previous owner suggested it worked! Not so sure on my tests so far.
Re: Have you run your van fridge lately?
Posted: 21 Apr 2015, 16:02
by AdrianC
VWMAK wrote:Have no clue how the fridge operates. Relatively new T25 owner.
Should it just cool whenever the engine is on? Or the van hooked up to Electric? Or are there switches that need to be flicked.
Previous owner suggested it worked! Not so sure on my tests so far.
It depends entirely on the fridge.
Most have a 12v mode, which may or may not work only when the engine's on, depending on how it's been wired and what type it is.
Most will have a 240v mode, which will work when it's on hookup.
Some will have a gas mode, which needs the gas to be turned on and lit.
Post a pic - here or in a new thread - and people can give some clues.
Re: Have you run your van fridge lately?
Posted: 21 Apr 2015, 20:23
by MattBW
Or drive it down a very bumpy road...
Re: Have you run your van fridge lately?
Posted: 26 Apr 2015, 22:55
by Ant-t
Yes a good tip, I ran mine for a couple of hours as I want be sure that it's ready for my next trip