Having recently purchased a Caprice Eclipse (2000 model), we took it for test run to the Rollingstone caravan park just north of Townsville. Wonderful park and enjoyed our stay although we had to cut short a day because of the weather.

I would think being ten years old from an onsite van would be the limit of these appliances, a fan in the middle of the van would help the cooler, the fridge I think may be a different story!

Graeme
A couple of things to check on the A/C, before getting it looked at, in case you are unaware.

There is a filter behind the facia for the evaporator. This gets blocked, and may need cleaning. Also, some people remove it all together, which is not good, as then the evaporator fins clog up. If this is the case, clean as best you can, but removal of the complete unit, is the only real way.

Secondly, the condensor (at the back) should be vented to outside, through a grill. Check that this is clear and if possible, remove it and clean condensor fins.

These two things are classic causes of low air flow and insufficent cooling

Gee its in a bad position, opposite the door and across the van

We bought a new conia reverse cycle split system [heat & cool] in Mackay in dec '06, went to Adelaide then Perth then back to Adelaide in oct '08 and had to have it regassed when we got back here. Ours was icing up and when we rang the guy they said it would need to be regassed and it has been fine eversince and we have it on most days. I guess you are from Townsville we spent about 25 years in Condon and spent every chance we got at Rollingstone, [campground] before the van park was there it was a top spot untill late '90s when it almost dried up. Hope this is of some help happy travelling.

The aircon is in the worst possible place for a van. I installed a split system on the back bumper and placed the inlet above where the range hood would be. I removed the range hood. I don't cook in the van and the aircon does that job to a certain degree. If you a reluctant to change aircons then you may have to do some big maintenance on the original one. It probably will be more efficient if everything is still working as it should. I also have a desk fan oscillating the cool air around the van. These 3 way fridges can be temperamental so you probably need to try all the recommendated ideas. Starting it on gas to get it down to the temp you want is a popular idea. An electrolux 3 way is in my 98 model Roma and no problems so far. Touch wood.

Check these links to threads on this forum as there may be some info there that's relevant to the 3 way fridge issue

http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?aBID=51933&p=3&topicID=33396673

http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?aBID=51933&p=3&topicID=33656694

Thanks all for your suggestions. I agree that the A/C is in a bad position. I am considering seriously of removing it and installing a roof unit in the mean time perhaps a fan will help. Are there any suggestions for the brand of A/C I should put in? The boss is keen as it will give her more cupboard space. With the fridge, I will try using lpg first. Graeme

We have a Heron AC in same position as yours. It does cool van down - has worked in 45+ temps. So before you abandon it, try the solutions previously suggested. Before you go for a roof mounted model, find out through forums, how many people are happy with these - I have come across some negative comments. Three way fridges are rather notorious for not working well in the tropics. Try regassing, but you might also consider a compressor fridge. Our compressor fridge has needed regassing twice in 12 years of fairly solid use. Our 3 way Chescold camp fridge has had at least 3 regasses over about 18 years. The compressor fridge didn't miss a beat when we lived for several months in temps 40-50.

Have you given any thought to a domestic split system ?

Mick themungrel wrote:

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Have you given any thought to a domestic split system ?

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Mick, I'm a bit out of my league here so I'm not challenging what you say but it does raise the question of whether domestic systems are robust enough to withstand the corrugations and generally harsh environment of travelling.

Jim

 

most folks we have passing through here have replaced the expensive van aircons with cheaper split systems, then mounted the outer compressor unit to either the draw bar or bumper on the back last check a 3/4 horsepower split system (more than able to do your van) reverse cycle came in at around $800 much better than the $2,500 to $3,500 for a dometic or heron van air con, easily installed yourself except for electrics the fridge without looking I cant help you on, may be as simple as an element!

There are now some domestic 1.5HP rev cycle split systems in reputable brands available a Bunnings for less than $500 . I paid $750 for the Mistral from Pt. Hedland K Mart. I depend on it to keep my coooooool. It's done most of its work in the tropics - Broome and Cairns. Most of the "neighbours" in the Broome van park with roof ac's were grizzling about theirs and some changed over to rev cycle. The roof units were noisy, motor and rattles, not easy to control, and were power hungry. We were on metered sites, so it was easy to compare. They are also more expensive to buy and install than the rev cycle. I'm very happy with the unit I have, and at the moment in Cairns the temp is in the high 20's, with 82% humidity. I have the a/c set on 27deg C, and it's very comfortable in my 20 footer. I chose 1.5 because of the tropical factor. Humidity makes them work harder, but the upside is you can drain it onto the garden or ground around you. Mind you, you'll be looking to drain water off the garden in the wet season when you use the a/c most. I was on a perm site in Broome with an extensive garden.