Chescold RC1180

Submitted: Tuesday, Apr 17, 2012 at 08:32
ThreadID: 94951 Views:2284 Replies:4 FollowUps:4
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I've recently bought a 18ft 1979 Viscount Caravan to drive across Oz with but It came without a fridge.

My choices are to buy a 20 year old upright fridge for $700~900 or buy a RC1180 for $1000 from my local anaconda (heavily discounted).
I've been reading around but I cannot find any good evidence that it is safe to run the RC1180 on gas inside the camper. I do not particulary want to risk having my son in a bunk literally about a meter from the fridge if its going to release gas.

Does anyone run their RC1180 inside a camper or caravan or are they best to sit outside when you've pulled up to camp.
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Reply By: Ron N - Tuesday, Apr 17, 2012 at 11:02

Tuesday, Apr 17, 2012 at 11:02
rcam - My understanding is that no gas-powered item should be used within the confines of any dwelling, fixed or mobile, without it being vented to the atmosphere.
Witness the occasional death of people in showers and bathrooms of old houses where gas HWS's were improperly installed, or installed by amateurs.
See your local gas installation man for professional advice.
Personally, I see no problem with your choice of fridge, provided the burner is sealed from the caravan living area, and vented to the atmosphere. However, this may be more difficult to do with a fridge that is not designed for caravan use, as compared to one that is.
Disclaimer - I am not a qualified gas installation expert, and this is merely my opinion - and you are well advised to seek a professionally qualified, gas installation installers advice.

Cheers - Ron.
AnswerID: 483342

Reply By: Member - Troll 81 (QLD) - Tuesday, Apr 17, 2012 at 16:21

Tuesday, Apr 17, 2012 at 16:21
I had one of these many years ago and I would never leave it on gas while driving without the proper ventilation. Mine always went into the back of the Hilux on 12V while moving and once we got to our destination I got the gas going outside of the tray. Since they work on heat the exhaust tip gets very hot, ie you can leave your hand there for about 1 second before it's to hot. Another thing to note is that they are useless on 12V even with upgraded wiring.


AnswerID: 483366

Follow Up By: disco driver - Tuesday, Apr 17, 2012 at 17:27

Tuesday, Apr 17, 2012 at 17:27
Regardless of the proper ventilation or not, NEVER EVER run a fridge on gas while driving.

Doing so should be illegal cos it's too dangerous.

Disco.
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Follow Up By: petengail - Sunday, Apr 22, 2012 at 11:38

Sunday, Apr 22, 2012 at 11:38
I have a Chescold and am very happy with it. Always run it on gas outside when camped and if stopped overnight run it on gas in the back of the Rodeo, under the canopy - as for Troll's comment about being useless on 12V - never had a problem. Did once have a problem when a wasp built a nest inside it though but thats all.
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Follow Up By: Nomadic Navara - Sunday, Apr 22, 2012 at 16:16

Sunday, Apr 22, 2012 at 16:16
I think you will find that it is the wiring that was useless and not the fridge. Most auto electricians way underestimate the size cable needed for high current devices.
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Reply By: rossy - Tuesday, Apr 17, 2012 at 18:15

Tuesday, Apr 17, 2012 at 18:15
the large chescold 3 ways are great but you do have to take them outside to run and sometimes the pilot flame can blow out and thus the fridge does not work. Having said that the large ones seem to have a more powerful flame and if you shield them it's ok
AnswerID: 483381

Reply By: Nomadic Navara - Sunday, Apr 22, 2012 at 17:29

Sunday, Apr 22, 2012 at 17:29
Before you run a chest style fridge in your van, read this:

Caravan death tragedy 2



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Follow Up By: rcam - Sunday, Apr 22, 2012 at 19:38

Sunday, Apr 22, 2012 at 19:38
yeah thats awful, I ended up getting a Dometic 90L standup for $1099 after having a talk to some of the reps and the caravan and camping show in sydney.

Going to make sure I get the install right, and most importantly have some gas as well as smoke alarms installed.
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