Can I replace a 3 way fridge with a slimline under counter domestic fridge?
I only take the caravan to mains powered sites and use electric hook up. I don't use gas at all. I only travel short distances so don't need the car hook up for maintaining fridge temperature.
Any issues with this?
Note: The domestic fridge I have found has cyclopentane gas.
No reason why not, so long as you meet the fridge's ventilation and power supply requirements (shouldn't be a problem). Replacing 3-way fridges with 240v domestic fridges is quite a common thing especially when the VERY expensive 3-way fridge has irreparably failed. If the problem is that it has failed, they are generally repairable.
Only comment, check the new fridge instructions to see if it needs to stand for a while after 'transport' before being powered up, some require time for the refrigerant to settle after transport before operation. Failure to comply can result in damage, I believe that the compressor may be deprived of lubricant and prematurely fail. 3-way fridges have no compressor, or any other moving parts for that matter!
Of course, a 240v only fridge may have less appeal than a 3-way fridge to any subsequent owners of van so may impact the resale value of the van.
FYI The cyclopentane gas is used in the production of the foamed insulation, and is not the refrigerant, which will likely be something like a environmentally safe R-600A.
You could try a breakers for a replacement three way.
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Quote: Originally posted by navver on 13/3/2022
A standard fridge may be noisy at night as the compressor cuts in and out.
If it's mounted over the axle there will be a wheel arch in the way. 3 way fridges usually allow for this.
A domestic fridge may not last very long due to bouncing around while being towed.
All correct as above as compressor unit could rip out with bouncing around on some of our A roads. A standard fridge will also probably shake, rattle and roll the caravan as compressor kicks in and out. LOL!
I've seen lots of domestic fridges in awnings so presume the transporting isn't an issue although I have no experience myself.
As said, lots of caravan fridges are over the wheel arch so are made to accomodate this.
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Quote: Originally posted by Rainbowsend on 15/3/2022
I've seen lots of domestic fridges in awnings so presume the transporting isn't an issue although I have no experience myself.
As said, lots of caravan fridges are over the wheel arch so are made to accomodate this.
However they are probably carried in the car which has shock absorbers and a decent suspension unlike the caravan which bounces all over the place behind the car. We carried ours in the car when travelling abroad.
I would think that any damage to a fridge when transporting it would more likely be from the contents inside, whatever type of fridge.
Compressors in fridges are mounted on anti vibration mountings to absorb vibration.
I would think that any problems arising from installing a domestic fridge in the OPs case would be minimal as stated they only travel short distances.
saxo1
Quote: Originally posted by iank01 on 14/3/2022
....
All correct as above as compressor unit could rip out with bouncing around on some of our A roads. ......
I'd rather forgotten, seem to recall domestic fridges/freezers purchased in the past sometimes had bracing/packing pieces to stabilise compressor during transit! Require removing before use. Don't recall any of the plumbing having flexible joints either, repeated excessive movement may cause metal fatigue and failure in time.
I acquired a table top freezer s/h recently and the compressor repeatedly clanged like a bell when bringing home, so obviously moving excessively and coming into contact with something rigid/hard! No obvious damage, but only a few miles journey in a softly sprung car!
That said, we've taken domestic fridges and chest freezers to France for camping trips, and they've travelled hundreds of miles in hard sprung Landrover/Horsebox/camping trailer over years, and they all survived and worked OK, can't vouch for how much we shortened their lives though!
My previous post was based on it being a not uncommon practice, and more thought to it working in situ, rather than the transport aspect, but valid points raised I feel.
Your 3 way fridge will only be unrepairable if the coolant has leaked out usually due to rusty pipes. Look for brown gunge under fridge. If there are no leaks then replacement mains element should do it.
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Topic: Fridge replacement
via mobile 13/3/2022 at 5:13pm
