Fridge efficiency whilst on ferry

4491 Views 16 Replies 13 Participants Last post by jonegood, Jul 16, 2009

maxautotrail

Discussion Starter · Jun 4, 2009

Hi

Wasn't sure which forum to put this question in so hope this works.

We're booked on the Portsmouth - St Malo Brittany Ferries sailing next Saturday (13th). It's an eight hour crossing so the gas will be off for that time. We havn't stored anything in the fridge when off for that period. I intend to freeze some water in a 2 litre coke bottle and keep this in the fridge whilst we are sailing. No it won't be full before I freeze it before anyone comments about expansion ;o)

My question is two fold.

What do others do in these circumstances?

Do you all think that keeping this amount of ice in the fridge will keep it cold until we are in France?

Thanks

Keith

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Mrplodd

· #2 · Jun 4, 2009

the trick is get your fridge as cold as possible and then DONT OPEN it until you have had it powered up (gas or electric) for a while.

I have had mine "off power" many times on Cross channel trips Portsmouth-Cherbourg/ St Malo etc. Never had a problem with stuff not remaining cold. I have even had frozen stuff in the ice compartment and that has remained frozed !!

I have a 97 Hymer so the fridge aint anything like new !!!!

raynipper

· #3 · Jun 4, 2009

I leave mine in gas. Yes guilty of breaking the rules but don't like runny ice creams.

Ray.

madontour

· #4 · Jun 4, 2009

Mrplodd is right. Get the fridge realy cold and then don't open the door and you'll be OK. The frozen bottle of water is a good idea.

Mike

maxautotrail

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jun 4, 2009

Thanks all,

I'll wind up the fridge on the way to Portsmouth and put the frozen water in as well then.

Anyone on the same boat?

Thanks again for the replies.

Keith

trevorf

· #6 · Jun 4, 2009

I'll wind up the fridge on the way to Portsmouth

You will need to run on gas then as the thermostat has no effect when running on 12V.

maxautotrail

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jun 4, 2009

trevorf said:
I'll wind up the fridge on the way to Portsmouth

Click to expand...

You will need to run on gas then as the thermostat has no effect when running on 12V.

Thanks Trevorf

I didn't know that. I'll put it on MAX the night before we leave then.

Keith

Cyclopath

· #8 · Jun 4, 2009

Instead of freezing water, we generally place a Tetrapac litre of frozen fruit juice in the fridge. Pre-freezing doesnt burst the container and gives the option of a fruit slush drink after arrival at the campsite.

Kevin

Penquin

· #9 · Jun 4, 2009

I like the idea of using fruit juice - never thought of that!

Yes we have "forgotten" and left it on gas once or twice (Plymouth - Santander 24 hour) but generally just have it cold and leave it shut. Never really thawed; suspect car deck not very warm on ferry even in summer!

oldun

· #10 · Jun 6, 2009

My Devon Monaco campervan has a 12V compressor fridge so it can be left on 12V all the while the van is on the ferry.

This means that it can work efficiently at all times. The downside is what to do if the leisure battery goes flat.

I do have two 110 Amph batteries so usually there is no problem.

124186

· #11 · Jun 6, 2009

Hi there Oldun, I am new to m/h touring, in fact will not have my Mondial RL delivered until the 26th. June. This vehicle is fitted with a Waeco 12v/240 v compressor fridge freezer. I was a little concerned about the efficiency of this unit; although the dealer has sort of reassured me that it is very efficient. What level of efficiency will it produce in keeping items frozen if you are starved of an electric hook up for several days, and how quickly will it flatten a 85 a/h battery ? Would appreciate your comments please. John

oldun

· #12 · Jul 12, 2009

We took about 6 frozen meals with us to France this year and went across the channel from Dover to Calais.

The meals remained perfectly frozen.

My wife has found a container the right size to fit the frozen compartment. She places the meals inside a plastic bag inside the container and then freezes them. Later she removes the meal from the container and stores then in the household fridge ready to pack them in the MH fridge.

I hope she doesn't read this but she really is rather clever.

tonyblake

· #13 · Jul 12, 2009

I have no problem in getting mine down to temperature on electric and then onto battey but when I then swich onto gas, there seems quite a 'bad egg' shorting type rubber' smell eminating fron the outer vents.

I have been on butane because I have a supply of it but will be on propane as normal when the 3 x 13kg bottles have expired.

Anyone ekse experienced thetype of smell or is it an agents job???

Just to let you know....

Our recent trip to France was brilliant and I shall write about the 'adventure' and for those of a nervous dicky fit disposition, could they refrain from reading it please as tears make the keyboard sticky.

Tony

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DTPCHEMICALS

· #14 · Jul 13, 2009

Several crossings Plymouth to Roscoff on morning ferries. Night before on ehu at Riverside Camping . Fill fridge as much as you can. Never had a problem

Dave P

oldun

· #15 · Jul 15, 2009

Cyclopath said:
Instead of freezing water, we generally place a Tetrapac litre of frozen fruit juice in the fridge. Pre-freezing doesnt burst the container and gives the option of a fruit slush drink after arrival at the campsite.

Kevin

My wife always takes 4 pints frozen milk -this stays frozen several days.

smithies

· #16 · Jul 15, 2009

When we do the Portsmouth /Bilbao crossing we always pack the freezer really full with frozen food....THEN....fill the empty space closest to the door (you know you always have a little space no matter how well you can pack the food in !) with clean tea towels or towels.....dont try to retrieve these towels until the freezer has had a chance to get thoroughly cold once on the move.....we havent gotten food poisonig yet, so it must be ok !!

Jenny

jonegood

· #17 · Jul 16, 2009

I can t really see the problem with leaving the gas on while on a ferry. Does anyone know what the hazard is?

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

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