Compressor Fridge almost defrosting.

[Dall]

We have recently changed our van and now have a Dometic RC 10.4T 90l compressor fridge, previously we had a 3 way fridge. This fridge is new.
It may be our lack of understanding of compressor fridges : but no matter which of the 5 settings that we use, the fridge cools very effectively, with ice in the freezer compartment, then during the phase when the compressor is not running the ice turns back to water, before freezing again once the compressor kicks in.
Our old school gas fridge never did anything like this! Is this normal for a compressor fridge ?
Any help is much appreciated.

​

 

[Landy Andy]

No it’s not normal. The fridge in your house is a compressor fridge. It should, as long as it has power, be better than the 3 way fridge.

 

[pappajohn]

Sounds like the thermostat is on its way out.
once it's down to temperature it should maintain the temperature
Yours isn't registering the rise in temp until it's above freezing.

 

[Gina M]

I agree that is not normal.

 

[ontheroadagain]

How long does it switch off for? Our compressor fridge cycles on/off every 20 minutes or so, depending on how hot it is. It works great and we normally have it set at no3 (out of 5)

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Badknee]

Is the freezer compartment and the main door closing and sealing properly? Our freezer compartment had ice on the seal and wasn’t closing in places.

 

[Richard n Ann]

We have recently changed our van and now have a Dometic RC 10.4T 90l compressor fridge, previously we had a 3 way fridge. This fridge is new.
It may be our lack of understanding of compressor fridges : but no matter which of the 5 settings that we use, the fridge cools very effectively, with ice in the freezer compartment, then during the phase when the compressor is not running the ice turns back to water, before freezing again once the compressor kicks in.
Our old school gas fridge never did anything like this! Is this normal for a compressor fridge ?
Any help is much appreciated.

​

What you've described sounds like the fridge is fitted with an auto defrost thermostat ie VT9 or Danfoss N°3.

 

[Dall]

Thanks for the replies!
I have not really checked on the cycle timing, but it is not as short as every 20 mins. It always starts to drip water from the top of the freezer compartment, or the roof of the fridge if the freezer compartment is removed. I thought this was not normal and would be dangerous if frozen food was not kept frozen.
One to add to the snagging list for our dealer...........

 

[Dall]

Is the freezer compartment and the main door closing and sealing properly? Our freezer compartment had ice on the seal and wasn’t closing in places.

Yes, both doors are shutting..

 

[Bolti]

My compressor fridge vitrifrigo has a small catch at the top to keep the door ajar when the van is not being used. You may have similar preventing the door closing properly.