>>
>> The Dometic absorption three way fridge in the CCV is the same, it needs to
>> be turned on using mains 48 hours before departure, and then loaded up with pre
>> cold stuff once its down to temp.
>>
...that's at odds with my general experience over 30+ years of the same.
Current 'van gets a couple of hours on leccy, then gets loaded. I've generally found that they cool quicker with contents than simply trying to reduce the temperature of a large amount of air.
There are two notable characteristics of absorption fridges installed in caravans and motorhomes, however:
i) The nature of the installation can have a massive effect on the efficiency of cooling. If the manufacturer's installation instructions re: completely sealing the rear and the positioning of the vents aren't followed, then cooling can be (very) compromised. (incidentally, about the worst such I've seen was on a Swift I once owned - it was poorly sealed, and the top vent was below the top of the fridge, inhibiting free flow over the fins and trapping warm air behind.)
ii) Even under reasonable circumstances, they will struggle to cool to much below about 30 degrees or less below ambient. That can be a bit of a problem in the sort of weather we've been experiencing, or for longer stays in warmer climes. The performance can be improved by the addition of a "fridge fan". positioned to circulate the air over the cooling fins more robustly. Dometic will charge you an arm and a leg for an official piece of kit; rather cheaper aftermarket versions are available, or, since they consist largely of a 12V computer fan (with or without thermostatic switching, etc), you can rig your own "Heath Robinson" version.
I have to say that the large fridge/freezer in the current 'van is at the top end of installation practice.
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