Bessacarr cameo 625gl

[aircooledae]

Hello, I purchased a 2004 bessacarr last year and the fridge would not work, the van is in storage in north wales andI wondered if anyone may know what fridge is fitted to this model? I was intending to find time to visit before now and find the model number or atleast the dimensions due to the fridge not working anymore I wanted to replace it. Thank you in advance

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello, I purchased a 2004 bessacarr last year and the fridge would not work, the van is in storage in north wales andI wondered if anyone may know what fridge is fitted to this model? I was intending to find time to visit before now and find the model number or atleast the dimensions due to the fridge not working anymore I wanted to replace it. Thank you in advance

I cant help you with the make or model of the fridge, but I think you will find the a replacement fridge might be eye wateringly expensive replacing the fridge. I suggest you try to find out what is wrong with the fridge as in many cases a repair is possible, and would be far cheaper than a replacement.

I also suggest as the caravan is 20 years old it would be wise to get its habitation equipment properly checked out for your safety. Research Approved Workshop Scheme fitters who are often mobile and may come out to the caravan.

 

[aircooledae]

I cant help you with the make or model of the fridge, but I think you will find the a replacement fridge might be eye wateringly expensive replacing the fridge. I suggest you try to find out what is wrong with the fridge as in many cases a repair is possible, and would be far cheaper than a replacement.

I also suggest as the caravan is 20 years old it would be wise to get its habitation equipment properly checked out for your safety. Research Approved Workshop Scheme fitters who are often mobile and may come out to the caravan.

Thanks for your reply, the caravans habitation was checked and apart from the fridge all was good. I did intend to visit the van and delve a little deeper into fridge issue but unfortunately havent found the time, a planned stay in the next couple of weeks is nearing and I was ideally looking at replacing with atleast a 240v/12v unit, hence trying to find dimensions. A stand alone unit in the awning is definitely looking like a possibility as a temporary solution if I can't get a definitive model used

 

[Buckman]

The fridge could probably cost as much as what you paid for the caravan. It may a simple fix that could be done by any qualified Approved Workshop Scheme Technician. Does it work on gas?

 

[ProfJohnL]

Thanks for your reply, the caravans habitation was checked and apart from the fridge all was good. I did intend to visit the van and delve a little deeper into fridge issue but unfortunately havent found the time, a planned stay in the next couple of weeks is nearing and I was ideally looking at replacing with atleast a 240v/12v unit, hence trying to find dimensions. A stand alone unit in the awning is definitely looking like a possibility as a temporary solution if I can't get a definitive model used

Well done on getting the caravan assessed. Exactly what did the engineer say about the fridge?

 

[aircooledae]

The fridge could probably cost as much as what you paid for the caravan. It may a simple fix that could be done by any qualified Approved Workshop Scheme Technician. Does it work on gas?

I was just told that the fridge was not functional

 

[aircooledae]

Well done on getting the caravan assessed. Exactly what did the engineer say about the fridge?

I was told that it was currently not functioning and could be investigated further but as i required the van the following day this wasn't possible.

 

[Buckman]

I was told that it was currently not functioning and could be investigated further but as i required the van the following day this wasn't possible.

Was the person examining the fridge a qualified Approved Workshop Scheme technician? Not very helpful when they simply state it is not functioning and do not inform you whether it is the 12v, 240v or gas that is not working.

Are you able to give us details of the fridge like model etc. Generally they were probably an Electrolux model. Those old fridges are normally quite reliable as probably no electronics.. You may be able to source one from a caravan scrap yard if it is well and truly knackered.

 

[ProfJohnL]

I suspect your fridge will be a standard three way powered fridge which can run on gas, 12V (only from the tow vehicle alternator) or 230V ac mains. It uses the absorption cycle which counter intuitively means you need to heat part of the refrigerant pipe work to make it work. That why it can use the three different powering options.

If the fridge works on any one of the powering options, then it means the refrigerant pipework is fine, and which ever powering option that doesn't work can be repaired and spares are usually available.

I need to point out that any repairs to a gas appliance have to be carried out in accordance with the codes of practice and be tested for safety. This is best carried out by a qualified LPG fitter.

However if the refrigerant pipework is damaged and the special refrigerant fluid has leaked out (usually with a strong ammonia smell) then sadly this is normally beyond economic repair, as you would be unable to source the special cocktail of refrigerants needed to make this cycle work.