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47 questions from our users

Trevor

Trevorasked

Hi-I have recently been given a chescold f400, it has a red bung or plug at the bottom and when its removed it seams blocked inside, is it some sort of drain.Im trying to get the gas funtion to work and wondered if there may be a connection.The gas flame is good and the flue is clean but no cold at all,works fine on 240v.
Final question,should the gas flame increase and decrease when you adjust the thermostat or does it remain the same,Thanks Trevor



No answers
Tracey M

Tracey Masked

What gas can I use on this propane or lpg

1 answer
Gryphus
Gryphus

I think LPG 9kg gas cylinder normally or 240 volt / 12 volt. this is why it is called a three way fridge. They work best on 240 V and gas. A two week camp trip would use one and a half 9kg cylinders at most if running well. The injector must be kept clean, a bit of a job to replace. It runs on amonia, so A three week trip between 2 and 2.5 cylinders. If not working well more. The The plug for car will keep contents frozen though most likely would not freeze anything from scratch. We take separator out and place frozen stuff on the bottom of the fridge. The alternative is solar and cart solar panels around, and a heavy deep cycle battery. refrigerant almost never is replaced. If refrigerant is gone, the fridge is most likely Cactus. Will get 10 to 16 years out of the fridge if it is washed with fresh water after being near salt. When in storage cover gas inlet or mud wasps will nest there.

Phillip John

Phillip Johnasked

Hi brought a chescold 1180 from BCF has blown 2 elements @ 200 a time to repair.
I will not be repairing it again
Works ok on gas .
Would be a great fridge if it would stop blowing heating element

1 answer
Gryphus
Gryphus

We have around 6 of these among family and friends mostly use on gas or 240. Have not had any heating elements go. I would ask Chescold to pay for the repairs and ask why this may be happening. I thought it would not work if element was cactus? Seem to have had bad luck there for gas camping they are excellent or as a spare home fridge for parties etc.



John

Johnasked

Can I leave the 12volts plugged in when I connect to 240 power

2 answers
maxwell42
maxwell42

No john. You can use only one power source at a timr, particular if you are linked to a twelve volt battery, say in camper trailer. Cheers.

John
John

Thank you

Chil

Chilasked

I have a Grey RC1180, bought in Welshpool W.A. back in November 1993, and it has worked fine until now, probably at least once a month for anything from 3 to 15 days at a time. Now I have a problem - it works on gas and 12v, but has stopped working on 240v. Is the part available as a replacement to repair the unit please, and what is the cost? Thank you.



No answers
Jman

Jmanasked

Where to buy online that is delivered?
Are they still making these?
It looks like no places are selling these new.

2 answers
Shane
Shane

G'day, try Seabreeze -Gold Coast . They should have them ( that's where I bought mine, albeit 10 yrs ago). If not Dometic, they could give you a dealer that has them. I haven't checked but you generally see a few on eBay 2nd hand and new. The big thing with these is the gas component. I own both (2 & 3 way) if you are a stay put camper & want to hook it up to a gas bottle these are your fridge. If your a stop / start tourer camper look at 2 way. Any questions feel free to ask. Cheers Shane.

Jman
Jman

Thanks Shane.
The 2nd hand ones look to be pricey, and given the whole gas thing they sound like a bad idea and just asking for problems. I looked at these a year or two back before getting my engel, and from memory there was a good few available online. Now nothing besides bcf and no delivery.
Just looks like they are a bit dead now.

Rob Brisbane

Rob Brisbaneasked

Hi,
Can this fridge be connected to a gas bayonet, part of a gas system in a camper trailer.
the bayonet would be installed external to the fridge box so the only way it can operate off gas would be when the camper is stationery and the fridge box is open.
My gas fitter has asked if it has a thermocouple for safety? i dont know what this is, i guess if the pilot blows out the gas stops?

2 answers
Andrew
Andrew

No, the gas fitting supplied is a 3/8" BSP-LH (Gasmate) fitting. I've got an adaptor for a POL fitting, but I don't think you can get one to a 1/2" bayonet (maybe difference in regulator). Definitely can only use gas when stationary. It has a thermocouple, which is something to do with the gas safety valve I think.

Rob Brisbane
Rob Brisbane

Hi Andrew, Cheers for taking the time to answer mate!
All this gas stuff is overwhelming...
I have tried looking for the product manual and it does not really go into too much specification detail.
I also tried calling them and was on hold for so long the line just went dead.
Maybe i should just go batteries and compressor to save the headache.

Robert W.

Robert W.asked

on the chescold 3 way, which is the positive terminal on the 12v plug which goes to cooler,,middle or outside

2 answers
Gary B
Gary B

Not sure about the question but the black coated wire is the positive. The centre of the Chescold plug is only a locator which locks in to keep the plug connected to the fridge.

Robert W.
Robert W.

looking at plug that goes into fridge,,one side plastic locator pin then in middle power pin withlarge plastic around it,,thenlast pin on out side pin(open with no covering) im thinking middle pin for positive wire..sorry carnt explain any better

Julie C.

Julie C.asked

Can you get a fridge slide? I'm finding it very heavy to lift in and out.

2 answers
Shane
Shane

G'day Julie, I hear you - yep they are heavy to get in & out, its a two person job. Most fridge slides would be to narrow, there made for the Engel / Waeco shape. I think your best bet would be to give Dometic a call . They may have your solution. Cheers Shane.

Julie C.
Julie C.

Thanks. I have found a slide that is the 46 x 72 cms the fridge is 46 X 61, hoping it's close enough. Just not sure now if I want to bolt it to the floor of my Kia Carnival Grand.

Angie R.

Angie R.asked

We bought a second Rc1180 work very well 240v but when we put it on gas the temperature drop completely can someone help pls

2 answers
Shane
Shane

G'day Angie,, this could a simple fix, it could be the burner itself. The fridge needs to be flat (ish) when in operation I assume that's the case. The burner may need cleaning or replacement. The perfect solution would be to take it to a dealer & have it inspected & replace the burner it may be getting hard to start on gas as well..? But that'll cost you ? $200 possibly ? not sure - call a agent & ask for a quote. You can attempt to clean it yourself - there is a clip on YouTube on how to do it. Personally as your dealing with gas ( and flames!) I'd be looking at a dealer. I did exactly that when mine started having starting issues. It was about 8 years old at the time. Cheers Shane.

Gary B
Gary B

G'Day Angie
Sounds like Shane has answered you. YouTube is always a great suggestion.
I agree make sure that when running on gas or just running you need to have the fridge level otherwise it won't cool down. Try this first to see how it goes & if still a problem either contact Dometic or a local qualified repairer.
Cheers
Gary

Chris F.

Chris F.asked

Hey guys I'm setting up a cord to run my fridge on 12v, just wanted to know which side of the plug is for positive?

3 answers
Shane
Shane

G'day Chris, if its the chescold black plug you have - my advice is throw it away. Your best bet is to hardwire a Anderson plug to your fridge & then 6mm cable to your auxiliary battery. Never to your start battery. Have a read of my review on the Chescold that will give you a better idea. Welcome to call if you ever want to chat in more depth about it [number removed] Cheers Shane.

Gary B
Gary B

Chris
I agree with Shane to use an Anderson plug & also a 6mm wire to run from a second battery to the fridge when using on 12V. You may know this but run the fridge whenever you can on 240V or gas as performance is better plus you don't have to worry about 12v batteries. Cheers. Gary

Chris F.
Chris F.

Thanks guys will be setting up the Anderson plug to run fridge when travelling

Ray

Rayasked

I have a chest cold RC 1180 and the thermostat cable that runs to the inside of the fridge broke near the thermostat controler can it be fix by rejoining it or should the whole thermostat control unit get replaced?
Could I replace it myself?

2 answers
Gary B
Gary B

I would replace the thermostat cable & if you handy with tools you can probably do it yourself.

Ray
Ray

Thanks for that! The cable is a hollow copper pipe
Gas/Electric Thermostat for the Chescold RC1180 Fridges
https://www.caravansplus.com.au/292936305-gaselectric-thermostat-suit-chescold-f400-rc1180-fridges-p-4460.html

Wayne D

Wayne Dasked

I live near Port Macquarrie NSW. I bought a second hand fridge but it didn't have a 12volt lead or gas lead. Where can I purchase these accessories?
Thanks Wayne

2 answers
Gary B
Gary B

Try your nearest Dometic retail outlet which maybe a caravan sales or repair business or a camping store.

Shane
Shane

G'day Wayne, Gas - easy, pop into BCF or Bunnings ( any camping store etc) and you'll be able to pick up a gas hose and regulator. Your best bet is to spend a few bucks more & get the metal ( flexible) hose, their stronger / safer. About $25 - $35 ..ish will all it'll be. 12 volt is a different story. It can be involved if you want to do it well, read my notes on my review on the Chescold re 12 volt that is a start. If you ever want more info on 12v your welcome to call and I can explain further 0406 787473. Cheers Shane.

Glen

Glenasked

When running chescold f400 on gas,I have a smell coming from outlet pipe is this normal?,it doesn't smell like gas,is it just doing its job and emitting residue from running on gas?

1 answer
Shane
Shane

Hi, is it a new fridge ? they do give off a slight "burn" smell & heat - particularly when new. But some thing that's not really noticeable after its been used a little. I think your best bet would be to call Dometic & have a quick chat to a serviceman. Cheers Shane.

Darren

Darrenasked

i have a chescold 1822 very old. I need to know if it is polarity sensetive on the 12 colt side?

No answers
Gary B

Gary Basked

I have a Chescold RC1180 & it suddenly stopped cooling last week on 240v. I saw that Lucky Miles indicated in an earlier answer that an element may need replacing as my fridge is some years old. Where can I buy this element on the Gold Coast & can I replace it myself? I am not an electrician. Thanks.

4 answers
Shane
Shane

G'day Gary, your right it sounds like the element...... mine went at about 2 1/2 years old ( 2 year Wtee) I was disappointed they didn't assist with part of the cost to replace it - but they said in nice words " bad luck - out of Wtee. Dometic at Varsity Lakes can do the work for you. I can't recall the exact cost but I think it was about $160 ...ish. That was 5 years ago & I've never had a problem since. Cheers Shane. 0406 787473

Gary B
Gary B

Thanks Shane. Appreciate the follow up.

Gary
Gary

Pretty easy to take out, there are two elements, one for a.c. one for d.c...then the gas conversion part. They are freely available over your way but measure it first with an ohmeter to make its faulty.If it's high resistance or open get a new one.

ken

kenasked

how to re gas chescold threeway portable fridge

1 answer
Angwilbuf
Angwilbuf

You just run it off a lpg gas bottle.

Al s 64

Al s 64asked

How long should it take to get cold running it on gas

3 answers
Angwilbuf
Angwilbuf

I am not 100% sure as I ha r always pre-cooled it on 240v before I have left home. It takes maybe 1-2 hours to cool on 240v.

Gary
Gary

should always pre-cool on 240v before travel, its quite greedy as it draws 8-10Amps on DC so be aware. Gas bottle should last 2 weeks on the standard size and its important to have it dead level and preferably under some sort of shade. These Chescolds run the best usually on gas. If it does not work on gas but good on 240v check and clear the flue, might have rubbish blocking it ......flame should be small even and steady.

Shane
Shane

Best bet is to ( if you already haven't had it running on 240v) is to plug it in 2 or 3 days out from travel. Put some thing in it - anything ( water bottles ) as it'll work better with some contents. It should start to feel cool to cold in a few hours, gas should be the same or better, it runs best on gas. If it doesn't get the a agent or dealer, it'll need attention. Good Luck cheers Shane.

david

davidasked

Chescold RC 1180,all controls work i.e., 12v, 240 volt and gas thermostat ok but fridge does not cool, query the tank, put it on the back of a Bedford truck upside down for 1250km's turn back up, nothing, put back on truck right side up for a further 1800km's nothing and before you comment about the truck ride I was travelling. lol. Is a new tank in order or cheaper to buy another fridge?

2 answers
Gary
Gary

It's the heat transfer unit...$458.oo part only!! Your elements are fine. Same problem as mine. I ended up buying an Engel no regrets. Have my Chescold here gathering cobwebs. They should make this part more affordable and customers might say something nice about Waeco.

Daz
Daz

If the Chestcolds have problems from new then it shows they are not tested properly in the factory. Overall they seem a bit too complicated and unreliable. I bought a 15 litre Engel and its been great over the years, just plug it in and forget it. So simple.

Thomo

Thomoasked

240v side if fridge won’t work any ideas?

3 answers
Angwilbuf
Angwilbuf

No sorry I haven’t had this issue. However, before purchasing the unit I had read a few reviews and quite a few people had said that they had to have their 240v connection replaced.

Shane
Shane

G'day Tomo, are you having problems on 240v ? I did also some time ago. I think they have a 2 year warranty so if your inside that just take & back & they'll sort it N/C. Mine stopped working on 240v about 3 years in - hence no warranty, I thought I was just unlucky but from the comment above it might not be that uncommon ? I've got 2 mates with this fridge also & they have never had a issue with 240v. But what I had to do is take it back in & have the Element ( part no. F400/RC) replaced it cost me $194 including labour. That was about 4 years ago, no issues since. Hope this helps a little. Cheers Shane.

Gary
Gary

Most likely the a.c. element faulty...there are two in the unit, one should read about 2ohm the other about 29ohm, cannot remember which is which..not too expensive about $80 and easy to install

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