3way fridge replacement

Submitted: Thursday, Oct 22, 2009 at 09:10
ThreadID: 73215 Views:3663 Replies:6 FollowUps:0
This Thread has been Archived
I have searched the threads and read most of the information, but still have a
few questions.

I currently have a Dometic 2330, which is next to useless in hot weather. I
have done all the modifications:
1. Made sure condenser fins are within 10mm of rear wall;
2. Filled all relevant cavities with insulation and installed a piece of
aluminium sheet to direct air out of the top vent;
3. Installed a 100mm fan blowing out on the top vent;
4. Installed a small computer chip fan blowing on the internal cooling
fins;
5. Recently removed the internal cooling fins and checked the connection with
the cooling pipe, etc.

On gas and 240 I get about 20 degrees below ambient, which is slightly less than when the fridge was new. Being a Queenslander the inside temperature of the fridge is regularly near 10 degrees in the middle of the day.

I guess I have three options:
1. Buy a new 2350;
2. Get my 2330 repaired;
3. Put up with it.
4. Convert to a 12/240 compressor fridge.

Luckily I have a 50Lt Waeco in the back of the Prado powered by tug and a
second battery and 2 x 85 watt solar panels on the top, which keeps the
essentials at the right temperature.

My question is: Is there a good 3 way tropical rated of similar size to the
2330, 90 litre and how many degrees below ambient can I reasonably expect.

Brian DJ
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: trainslux - Thursday, Oct 22, 2009 at 09:49

Thursday, Oct 22, 2009 at 09:49
With 3 ways, I would also suggest placing it upside down in your vehicle, and going for a drive.
When back, give it a bit of a shake on each side, and place it back upright, and let it sit for an hr.
Then restart it.
This had a good effect with my older brown chescold.
Also, with the 100mm fan, can you place 2 smaller ones, or it below the external cooling fins blowing up, this direct air flow also works a bit better than just drawing up the air.

Let us know how it goes.
Trains
AnswerID: 388180

Reply By: wicket - Thursday, Oct 22, 2009 at 10:05

Thursday, Oct 22, 2009 at 10:05
mine stays colder for longer if before a trip it is run 240 volt on coldest setting and empty for at least 24 hours before leaving
AnswerID: 388185

Reply By: Matt(WA) - Thursday, Oct 22, 2009 at 11:06

Thursday, Oct 22, 2009 at 11:06
Brian,

I replaced my 3 way in the van with a secondhand upright engel in about 80-90lt. I holds 4-5 deg c in all weather. I have 2 80w panels and 2 100ah agms. I have not had any dramas at all with it now and have been licing in the van for 3 months. The compressor fridge is really a no brainer for me.

Matt

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

AnswerID: 388191

Reply By: dbish - Thursday, Oct 22, 2009 at 11:08

Thursday, Oct 22, 2009 at 11:08
Hi Brian. My 3 way wasnt up to the job when temps reached 50Deg replaced it with a Waeco upright no prob now when its 50Deg. If you purchase the 240V adaptor dont mount it where the instructions tell you, the condensor fan blows hot air over it & will shut down when it over heats.
AnswerID: 388192

Reply By: skulldug - Thursday, Oct 22, 2009 at 17:46

Thursday, Oct 22, 2009 at 17:46
Brian,

My experience has been identical to yours and complaints about upright 3 way fridges are too common.

We were quoted $900 for a new heat exchanger but I'm not sure that is the problem. I think the technology just doesn't work in the heat. Eventually, I will replace it with a proper (compressor) fridge.

There seems to be two arguments against this. First, they can't run on gas for the times when power supply is an issue. Second, they are not silent to run and may disturb sleep at night.

I would prefer to spend the money on solar or a gen set than risk fluctuating food temperatures during hot weather.

Best of luck.

Doug



AnswerID: 388239

Reply By: Member - neville G (QLD) - Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 07:41

Friday, Oct 23, 2009 at 07:41
Hi Brian,
We had a dometic 2553 in our van and had little joy with it when the ambient was over 30 degrees. Did all the mods, fans, more insulation etc. and finally bushed it. Have fitted a Vitrifrigo 150l. with three 130w solar panels and we have three 100 amp AGM batteries. The setup cost but it works really well, never short of a coldie and the panels keep the batteries well topped up 99% of the time.
Cheers, Nev.
AnswerID: 388319

Sponsored Links

Popular Products (9)