We are at home unfortunately and the temp has been climbing since last week around here.
So I thought I would keep an eye on the fridge temp in the van and see how it went. The temp inside the van reached 42 deg C and when I opened the fridge to check the inside temp it was 3 deg C. I closed the door and left and went back and checked again in an hour and the inside temp was 4 deg C.
This morning at 9am the temp was 31 deg C and the fridge temp was 1 deg.
I never changed the setting on the fridge from 3 lights out of 5.
I concede that the van was not in use and the fridge was not being opened but I think it was doing alright when you consider how many people post on here with complaints about 3 way fridges not getting cold.
frank
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Avagreatday.
Kathy and Frank currently at Home near Quirindi NSW
Very interesting. I have never had a problem with the van fridge, even in extreme temperatures. I wonder why it is that so much discussion (on all forums) goes into remedying a problem I haven't seen. I have had to replace elements, but that's it.
We have just changed Rvs - had the 145 litre that most have and now have the RM4601 which is untested yet. Glad to hear I can expect good performance.
Steve 1945 I expect that the performance is directly related to the fridge being installed in accordance with dometic instructions in the first place. When we ordered the van I was quite specific with the dealer that the fridge MUST be installed correctly or I would be back to see him(nicely of course).
Nomad 246 does yours have a graduated dial so you can set the temp? Ours is what is referred to as an "AES" and has a few lights on the panel.
stay safe AND cool
frank
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Avagreatday.
Kathy and Frank currently at Home near Quirindi NSW
Nomad246, We had a "mushroom" vent fitted on roof above our RM4601. Have not had a problem with inside temp, setting on 2.5 permanently. 42 degrees yesterday and didn't have to alter thermostat setting.
-- Edited by leevin on Saturday 8th of December 2012 10:28:25 PM
Why is that top side vent there for? Yours is the first installation I have seen like that. None of the Winebago installations with the roof vent have that top side one. My bet is that it would impede the draft that would normally be drawn by the top vent on its own rather than assist it. Have a look in your fridge handbook and see what the minimum height the top vent has to be above the fridge. If any of that side vent is lower then it certainly would be messing up the draft the warm cavity would be producing. Check with Dometic to verify my observations.
Winebago has been using those top vents for a few years now. The only time they don't seem to use them is when there is a window above the fridge. It's about time the van manufacturers started fitting them. They are much more effective than the side venting. When the flue cavity above the fridge heats up they draw like a mustard poultice.
-- Edited by PeterD on Saturday 8th of December 2012 11:45:07 PM
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
Nomad246, We had a "mushroom" vent fitted on roof above our RM4601. Have not had a problem with inside temp, setting on 2.5 permanently. 42 degrees yesterday and didn't have to alter thermostat setting.
-- Edited by leevin on Saturday 8th of December 2012 10:28:25 PM
Thanks for that Leevin,
I believe I've seen those on other units, but never taken the time to understand what they were for.
Our van doesn't allow for the roof vent to be added like you have, and our top side vent is lower on the wall. Haven't had a problem yet with the fridge but it will happen when you least want it to.
Cheers and happy trails
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There are 3 types of people in this world, Ones who make it happen, the second who watches what happens and the third who wonders what happened
Ceduna to Norseman, some hot days & evenings includung two nights at Fraser Range Station, fridge still working well. We extended our stay at Fraser RS because it was so quiet & peaceful. The Nullabor is an easy drive. We enjoyed it. The Barkley in Qld/NT has less trees, none in places, where the Mitchell grass grows horizon to horizen. We stopped o/night at Eucla then Fraser RS. Norseman 2 nights so we can visit Kalgoorlie & Coolgardie tomorrow (sans 'van).
Steve 1945 I expect that the performance is directly related to the fridge being installed in accordance with dometic instructions in the first place. When we ordered the van I was quite specific with the dealer that the fridge MUST be installed correctly or I would be back to see him(nicely of course).
Nomad 246 does yours have a graduated dial so you can set the temp? Ours is what is referred to as an "AES" and has a few lights on the panel.
stay safe AND cool
frank
My apologies for not responding to your reply, Frank. Didn't access the forum for a few days and then forgot that I was involved in this thread. Mine is the AES and has the "5 lights" for setting the temperature. Sounds like yours. Mine is in a Jayco Optimum Motorhome, the previous 145 litre was in a Jayco Sterling.
G'day Steve, no worries mate we all have "other " stuff to do to stay out of trouble hey?
It would seem from reading many threads on many forums(fora?) that the installation method is critical to good performance, particularly venting of waste heat from the condensor at the rear of the unit.
see how you go and let us know what you find.
avagreatchrissy
frank
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Avagreatday.
Kathy and Frank currently at Home near Quirindi NSW
