Winter covers for fridge

Pilgrimphil
Pilgrimphil Forum Participant Posts: 97
edited January 2016 in Motorhomes #1

On our recent post Xmas trip I noticed, on one day only, that our Dometic Fridge [RMD 8551] seemed to struggle to keep the contents cool [i.e. my ciders weren’t as cold as they normally
were!]. This was on a day when the temps weren’t that low but were probably below 10 degrees.

 

I have read that this may have been because we haven’t fitted winter covers as recommended in the instruction manual.

 

In our previous motorhome [that we had for nearly 9 years], we had never noticed this drop of in performance and we had been out & about in some pretty freezing weather.

 

So my question is, do the winter covers really make that much difference in the fridges performance?

 

If they do, I assume I will need two.

 

Thanks in anticipation,

 

PilgrimPhil

 

Comments

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2016 #2

    I think we've had previous questions about this but i couldn't find it in search. I went on to google and found it in 2013, a post from David Klyne.

    We use them, the day time temps have been warmer recently but the night time temps have dropped below the suggested level for use. We also notice they stop the wind blowing in, new vans probably don't have that problem. Not sure about efficiency, we just followed the guidelines for using the fridge!

  • rogher
    rogher Forum Participant Posts: 609
    500 Comments
    edited January 2016 #3

    Yes you will need covers if the temperature drops too low. You need to evapourate the circulating liquid in the fridge and the heater cannot do so if it is competing against a freezing breeze. A bottom cover may be enough but they usually come in pairs.

  • Aspenshaw
    Aspenshaw Forum Participant Posts: 611
    500 Comments
    edited January 2016 #4

    Follow the guidelines in your friidge manufacturers manual. I put on fridge vents every year roundabout December unless it is much colder beforehand. One vent is almost a full cover, the other is shorter and allows the gases to escape. The weather is currently
    warm enough to do without them.

    Traditionally, fridges cooled better on gas and electricity only kept the temperature down. Things may have changed but it would be worth checking you are following the recommendations of the manufaturer - my handbook says put fridge on and fill when cool
    and then drive off - or words to that effect.

     

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,389 ✭✭✭
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited January 2016 #5

    Pilgrim the previous thread you want to read is >here< There have been others but this is the one with a good explanation on page 3 as to why you should fit them.

    peedee

  • Pilgrimphil
    Pilgrimphil Forum Participant Posts: 97
    edited January 2016 #6

    Thanks for that link Peedee

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