Maerin
Guru
My DP2600 was installed new in Mar 2015. It replaced one that was new in 2010. The 2010 unit failed the day before we intended to cross to the Bahamas, so the aggravation level was pretty intense.
In addition, service access to the fridge requires that it be removed from the recess in which it's installed, and given the prospect of cruising the Bahamas with a fridge freshly repaired and questionable reliability, the decision was to replace it. In hindsight, probably not the wisest, but at the time it seemed best.
The 2015 installed unit started having trouble maintaining temps this summer while cruising in Canada, and got progressively worse, ultimately not able to keep the box below 45F.
I replaced the control module with a spare I had removed from another Danfoss compressor, and the temps returned to normal, so I ordered a new module. In service for two weeks, the box temps again started to climb. I'm getting removal down to a science now- the condenser fan failed (open).
Several calls to RV sources went to voice mail & unanswered: Camping World specifically. Calls to various marine sources in the Balt/Annap/Wash area came up with some sources for the OEM replacement fan, one was $70, another was $35 for a close but not exact match. I was unwilling to pay $70 for a $11 fan, so opted for a replacement fan from Mouser that matches precisely the fan specs, and was able to order 2 and have them next day air shipped for $52. Fan is installed and fridge is back in its recess, box is maintaining at 36F and unit is cycling. All's good.
Notable is that I have an auxilliary fan providing ventilation that runs with the condenser fan. The aux fan is 245 mA, the condenser fan is 146 mA. This is significant because the control module monitors the amp draw of the fan. If the amp draw exceeds 500 mA, the module shuts down on a fault mode and may shut off the compressor. Even though the combined amp load is below the 500 mA threshold, I decided to add a relay to power the auxiliary fan rather than run both through the module to eliminate the potential for the module faulting out due to the additional fan amp load.
The takeaway from my experience that others may find useful is that the control module and/or the condenser fan are the typical failure points, neither of which are terribly difficult to repair, however without the correct parts, can cause a huge inconvenience for full-time cruisers! Replacing the contents for a planned 3-month cruise is a real PITA!
Because of that, I'm now stocking a replacement condenser fan as well as a control module, since failure of either of those components can take the fridge out of service. If the parts are on hand, a repair can be completed in a short time, and avoid the loss of the contents. The module is about $300 depending on if it's the 120V option. I really see no advantage to a 120V module, although I have it and reorderd a 120V module. My spare is 12/24 VDC only, it works fine. The condenser fan is available from Mouser, the exact replacement is Mouser model # 562-FAD1-12025CBLW12.
Finally, since a large contingent of marine fridge manufacturers use the Danfoss compressors, they're all subject to the module as well as the condenser fan failure, so my experience cannot be viewed as a commentary on Vitrifrigo reliability, I believe my experience was just luck of the draw. I do believe that any full-time cruiser whose fridge is "mission critical" and cruises where repairs involve long lead time for parts would be wise to carry a spare module and condenser fan. Even if you don't do your own repairs, you may find a repair facility that may not stock the parts, making the cost of inventorying the spares insignificant compared to the cost of waiting for parts or replacing the fridge contents!
In addition, service access to the fridge requires that it be removed from the recess in which it's installed, and given the prospect of cruising the Bahamas with a fridge freshly repaired and questionable reliability, the decision was to replace it. In hindsight, probably not the wisest, but at the time it seemed best.
The 2015 installed unit started having trouble maintaining temps this summer while cruising in Canada, and got progressively worse, ultimately not able to keep the box below 45F.
I replaced the control module with a spare I had removed from another Danfoss compressor, and the temps returned to normal, so I ordered a new module. In service for two weeks, the box temps again started to climb. I'm getting removal down to a science now- the condenser fan failed (open).
Several calls to RV sources went to voice mail & unanswered: Camping World specifically. Calls to various marine sources in the Balt/Annap/Wash area came up with some sources for the OEM replacement fan, one was $70, another was $35 for a close but not exact match. I was unwilling to pay $70 for a $11 fan, so opted for a replacement fan from Mouser that matches precisely the fan specs, and was able to order 2 and have them next day air shipped for $52. Fan is installed and fridge is back in its recess, box is maintaining at 36F and unit is cycling. All's good.
Notable is that I have an auxilliary fan providing ventilation that runs with the condenser fan. The aux fan is 245 mA, the condenser fan is 146 mA. This is significant because the control module monitors the amp draw of the fan. If the amp draw exceeds 500 mA, the module shuts down on a fault mode and may shut off the compressor. Even though the combined amp load is below the 500 mA threshold, I decided to add a relay to power the auxiliary fan rather than run both through the module to eliminate the potential for the module faulting out due to the additional fan amp load.
The takeaway from my experience that others may find useful is that the control module and/or the condenser fan are the typical failure points, neither of which are terribly difficult to repair, however without the correct parts, can cause a huge inconvenience for full-time cruisers! Replacing the contents for a planned 3-month cruise is a real PITA!
Because of that, I'm now stocking a replacement condenser fan as well as a control module, since failure of either of those components can take the fridge out of service. If the parts are on hand, a repair can be completed in a short time, and avoid the loss of the contents. The module is about $300 depending on if it's the 120V option. I really see no advantage to a 120V module, although I have it and reorderd a 120V module. My spare is 12/24 VDC only, it works fine. The condenser fan is available from Mouser, the exact replacement is Mouser model # 562-FAD1-12025CBLW12.
Finally, since a large contingent of marine fridge manufacturers use the Danfoss compressors, they're all subject to the module as well as the condenser fan failure, so my experience cannot be viewed as a commentary on Vitrifrigo reliability, I believe my experience was just luck of the draw. I do believe that any full-time cruiser whose fridge is "mission critical" and cruises where repairs involve long lead time for parts would be wise to carry a spare module and condenser fan. Even if you don't do your own repairs, you may find a repair facility that may not stock the parts, making the cost of inventorying the spares insignificant compared to the cost of waiting for parts or replacing the fridge contents!
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