Thetford N 80 Fridge

[Rodone]

I have had one of these since the van was new in 2003 - ( a Sterling Europa) The fridge has always beeen a complete pain when on gas, and at one stage was completely changed over. Towards the end of last year the Dealer changed the 'nozzle' etc., and until last week it was OK. Now it is playing up again. The symptons are;- At any time, for no apparent reason the fridge will turn off and I am left with just the sound of the spark trying to reignite it. This may happen shortly after the initial lighting up, or it may run for a day or so. However, if I turn the temperature up slightly, the problem is worse, and the thing will shut off. It will do it in any sort of weather, with or witout the winter panels on or off. I suspect that the problem is based around the thermo couple /FFD?? It could also be that a blast with an airline may solve it. Anyone got any ideas??

 

[mike_5041059]

Hi Rod One,

Sorry to hear of your problems with the Thetford N80 fridge.

I'm on my second caravan that has the N80 fitted and both have been nothing but trouble when running on gas..

Problems I have encountered include:-

Nozzle/Burner rusting and blocking up.

Exhaust melting vents causing fumes in Van.

Insufficient gas pressure (valve replaced under warranty)

Milk Shelf broken on both vans (weak)

Perhaps Thetford should just stick to making what they're

good at ...TOILETS...

When looking for my next van if I see a Thetford fridge

fitted I will walk away.. and look elsewhere.

Sorry I can't help you with the problem you have but good

luck and hope you can get it sorted..

Regards

Mike

Ps. When running mine on gas, after a while the needle drops down just above the line. It will go back up if I hold the button in again but it drops back down later. This happens whether it's a new gas bottle or part bottle??

Do you know if this is normal? Is it switching to a "pilot light" setting when it reaches a certain temperature??

Thanks Mike

 

[Rodone]

Hello Mike,

Like you, I would not entertain another van with a Thetford fridge - unless someone could tell me with absolute certainty, that they have them sorted. ( They are actually made by Norcold) Shame really, because apart from that, we like Swifts products and have been thinking of a change. I have had the first two of the problems that you listed, including the fumes problem, but the inside of the fridge has all remained in one piece. Mind you, it was changed over under warranty after the first year, so it is not the original one. I have also had the business with the line dropping down, so that it appeared to be switching off, but that was rectified when the Dealer changed the burner/ nozzle last year. When I had a van with Elecrolux ( now Dometic ) fridges, I never had any real problems - I just wonder if that make is as good as it used to be??