Been doing some work on the Fridge/Freezer to try and make it more effective in the Motorhome (as mentioned above, the Freezer was defrosting because, I think, the rear was too cold).
The other issue I have in this area is I get a cold draft coming through from the rear compartment through the sides of the Fridge and top and through the little gap openings I have for the hinges.
First thing was to move the Temp Sensor from the Top Fridge Section to the Bottom Freezer Section. When the Freezer goes to its defrost mode, the Fridge temp doesn't go up for a long while so you don't get to know about the Freezer until too late
So now with the Sensor in the Freezer, I can set a system alarm if the Freezer goes above say -12C (exact number to be determined) and catch the issue before food gets spoiled.
The Graph shows the Sensor while it was in the Fridge until shortly before Noon, then about half an hour later, after repositioning it in the Freezer and turning the Fridge back on, the temp falls rapidly and the freezer is back to its working temp within 2 hours. (I need to relabel the sensor as well now
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Updated the Alarm as well. Right now set to -10 to alarm and -14 to clear. Probably tweak that once I have a days worth of monitoring and can see what kind of temp variation there is (usually have some kind of cycling on the temp and don't want an alarm due to a normal cycle increase).
To fix the Cold Drafts, put some insulation on the sides and top at the back.
When I fitted the Fridge originally, the instructions were to not insulate around it, so I left it totally open. Didn't consider the draft issue though and heat loss so adding the insulation but only at the rear of the sides and top to prevent the drafting coming through without enclosing the whole side area. I think this will also help the rear of the fridge compartment stay warmer as well and help with the defrost situation. Time will tell
I used the Diall Loft insulation from B&Q. Find it very good generally (used on camper conversions) and is made from recycled Plastic Bottles and holds zero moisture.
Still have the fan kit at the bottom of course which is for summertime use
and I haven't blocked the flow from bottom to top vents to allow heat to escape - although currently I have covered the vent with cardboard (bit like you used to do with Radiators in the winter in the old days. An cheaper alternative to getting Winter Vents (but would not be a good idea on a gas fridge with potential flame and sparks mind!)
Can't see either the cardboard or the fan kit once the covers are back on
So next is to keep an eye on how the freezer is going and if I need to doing anything else. I was thinking of maybe adding a slight heat source if the temp drops, but I could also use some of the leftover insulation to add a temporary insulation batt above the lower vent in the cooler months to enclose the area around the compressor and retain generated heat. (Need to remember it is fitted, mind!)
