Over wintering

[Andy Norfolk]

Just getting the van ready to over winter on the drive. Put the covers into the fridge grills as usual. But in January we are having some building work done. We will be using the caravan kitchen for about 3 months. So my question is can you run the fridge with the covers in, or should I take them back out in January when the chaos starts?

 

[birdman101]

Never ever fitted covers in over 50 years of caravans and even during Winter months when away in Caravan fridges have always worked fine.,

 

[IanB1485]

Me too although not as long caravaning, The only advantage of fitting winter covers IMO is to protect the electrical items from the weather , but given they are exposed the rest of the year it only slightly reduces the ageing. Also note:- a fridge is a 'room sealed' device and the sealing around the fridge into the habitation area must be intact and effective, to prevent combustion products entering the habitation area when running on gas. If running on gas winter covers are definitely a no no. I come across lots of fridges were the seals are ineffective.

 

[Sam Vimes]

We lived in our Motorhome for best part of a year while building our house. We put covers on the fridge grills to stop the midges getting in, in the summer, and then keeping the draughts out in the winter. Always on electric hookup.

 

[Mr Plodd]

In addition hto keeping water etc out The purpose of those external covers to the vents is to ensure the fridge works as it should when the temperature is low.
If the area around the back of the fridge is TOO cold the fridge will not cool correctly. See here
It's in your caravans handbook I am sure. I have certainly been aware of this for 20+ years

 

[borderbilly]

Covers? Just another item that is not needed, only making the supplier money.