Repair or replace
our caravan is 14 years old, the fridge doesn't cool down properly, we need a new gas control valve, a 230 volt element and a 230 volt thermostat about £150.00 plus labour for fitting
should we have this done or a new fridge fitted, at 14 years old is it on its way out
thanks for any advice
Comments
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If the fitter says you need to replace all 3 of those items, it suggests to me that he doesn't really have any idea what the fault is! You could well spend that money only to find that the basic problem is with the cooling matrix, which for all intents and purposes is unrepairable, and certainly uneconomic to replace.
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It would be very unusual that all those items need replacing.
can you not eliminate some by testing first on gas only to see if that works. Then on 240v only.
both of these settings should after a few hours use be checked by the exhaust outlet on upper vent outside van, which should be quite warm on either setting,pherhaps slightly warmer on gas than 240v.
if both these settings create a warm outlet vent,then get the thermostat checked.
it does sound as if you have been advised without proper checks having taken place.
The 12v & 240v elements can be checked by resistance readings after gaining access to the top of fridge.
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Maybe two sensible options: but first decide how long you will keep this 'van.
Try a local caravan breaker for a replacement. I got one for £40, lasted two years on electric only.
Buy a cheap electic cool box at Aldi/Lidl/Go Oudoors. Then remove fridge and fit a useful shelf!
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I have been told by someone I trust that a new fridge could be up to 1,000 pounds and getting a replacement fridge that is the correct size may not be as easy as you would think, Sizes do vary from model to model. I would let another repairer have a look at it and his opinion may be different. What you have been told seems rather odd. Why gas parts and also mains electrical parts? Hmmm
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