Thetford Fridge

[fylbike]

We have a 7yr old Thetford fridge with a maximum usage of 12mths. In that time we have had two 230v elements fail, one 12v element die, a power control board fail and with possibly a PCB display fail as well. We've almost spent the cost price of the fridge repairing this. Any suggestions for a better fridge?

 

[ProfJohnL]

I suspect your chances of finding an alternative model of fridge that will simply replace your present model will be slim. The fridges designed for caravans are not the same dimensions or shape as normal domestic fridges, and of course caravan fridges are multifuel (i.e LPG, 12Vdc and 230Vac) which limits you to two manufacturers Dometic and Thetford.

And neither manufacturer necessarily has size compatible models.

 

[trevormonty]

Dometic compressor (12v &230v)fridge are another alternative. If going off grid will need decent solar panel. NRX80 averages 1Ahr ie 24Ahr a day. A 100Ahr LiFe4P04 batt will give 2-3 nights offgrid without solar if your other 12v useage is kept low ie no TV.

Compressor fridges are slightly lighter lot quicker to cool and handle high temps 30-40C.

 

[Buckman]

We have a 7yr old Thetford fridge with a maximum usage of 12mths. In that time we have had two 230v elements fail, one 12v element die, a power control board fail and with possibly a PCB display fail as well. We've almost spent the cost price of the fridge repairing this. Any suggestions for a better fridge?

A replacement fridge will probably set you back well over £1000 and then the cost of installation on top. To fit the fridge into the caravan, more than likely the front windows will need to be removed as unlikely the fridge will fit through the door.

 

[Martin_E]

A replacement fridge will probably set you back well over £1000 and then the cost of installation on top. To fit the fridge into the caravan, more than likely the front windows will need to be removed as unlikely the fridge will fit through the door.

A caravan fridge will generally go through the front centre window without needing to remove said window, just with it open fully.

 

[fylbike]

A caravan fridge will generally go through the front centre window without needing to remove said window, just with it open fully.

That was our thought too. I'm in contact with Thetford but, given I asked them a question by email last week and didn't receive a reply, I don't hold out much hope

 

[Buckman]

A caravan fridge will generally go through the front centre window without needing to remove said window, just with it open fully.

That is correct, but a slight misjudgement and you may need new struts or a new window.

 

[fylbike]

That is correct, but a slight misjudgement and you may need new struts or a new window.

Well, at the moment we have a 7yr old caravan without a fridge due to something relatively cheap, a new window would be cheaper than a new caravan. Imagine buying a car then with only about 15mths use something cheap breaks and the answer is a new car, ridiculous.

 

[otherclive]

Well, at the moment we have a 7yr old caravan without a fridge due to something relatively cheap, a new window would be cheaper than a new caravan. Imagine buying a car then with only about 15mths use something cheap breaks and the answer is a new car, ridiculous.

Strange isn’t it that most domestic appliances or furniture can be shipped into a house without taking doors out, or knocking holes in walls. Perhaps in years to come the caravan industry might twig to this. 🙈

 

[ProfJohnL]

Strange isn’t it that most domestic appliances or furniture can be shipped into a house without taking doors out, or knocking holes in walls. Perhaps in years to come the caravan industry might twig to this. 🙈

Come On Clive! the industry have had 100 years to work out how to keep a caravan dry, and failed , What do you expect?

 

[otherclive]

Come On Clive! the industry have had 100 years to work out how to keep a caravan dry, and failed , What do you expect?

Prof I do try to keep a half full glass……at times 😂😂