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Topic: Fan(s) for the back of the refrigerator  (Read 521 times) previous topic - next topic
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Fan(s) for the back of the refrigerator
As I am learning it’s important to keep the air flow up and out from behind the refrigerator especially on warm days.
I’ve looked at Camco and Valterra fans but they look cheap to me.

I was wondering if anyone has put together a venting system that is quality.
I’m thinking 2 good quiet fans at the top pulling out and 2 at the bottom pushing up that are thermostat controlled with an on/off switch of course.

If anyone has recommendations on fan brands, type of thermostat, and wiring ideas (diagram) I’d appreciate that.

ON EDIT...I just found this:
https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/112550680482
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Fan(s) for the back of the refrigerator
Reply #1 –
I hate listening to a refrigerator fan at night and looked for a quiet motor.
This is what I have used for almost two years. I have found the cheap fans don't last long in the cold.
Refrigerator fan | Flickr
After experimenting with various fan configurations, an excessive amount of air flow doesn't seem to be needed.
Adding a fan doesn't increase the refrigerator's cooling capacity, a fan's purpose is to promote an even temperature from top to bottom.
There is a natural thermocycling present, a fan should help enhance it and help break up any stagnation.

A fan that attached to the refrigerator's cooling fins worked fine until my wife told me the used too much space and to get rid of it.
Mounting the fan under the shelf was more satisfactory to her and seems to work well.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Fan(s) for the back of the refrigerator
Reply #2 –
"A fan that attached to the refrigerator's cooling fins worked fine until my wife told me the used too much space and to get rid of it.
Mounting the fan under the shelf was more satisfactory to her and seems to work well."
---
 ;)  The 'placement twin' fan in my refrigerator works very well, too; it's silent, moves air, and takes up very little space.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Fan(s) for the back of the refrigerator
Reply #3 –
I have recorded lower temps using fans. Perhaps only from the fans moving cooler air to a warmer area where the thermometer was. If you check the temp with an IR gun,  you will see marked temp differences in different areas.

This post discusses fans in the exhaust vent and in the refer.

I used cheap muffin fans salvaged from desktop computers. They are still sold on Amazon, etc.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: Fan(s) for the back of the refrigerator
Reply #4 –
"As I am learning it's important to keep the air flow up and out from behind the refrigerator especially on warm days."

A clean, unobstructed flue is essential for good operation, as is the free flow of fresh air into the burner compartment.  Generally, these refrigerators operate (largely trouble-free in a variety of temperature ranges) relying on the 'natural draft' of the flue, and it seems to me that adding a fan\s may be too much of a good thing, and could actually cause the system to work less effectively than without. 

The best investment right now would be to have it serviced by someone that is knowledgeable and has the tools to check it out completely to assess the operation of the system and components.  If possible, ask to observe the procedures for your own information, and more importantly, so you can make sure they complete all of the maintenance procedures recommended.  Only then would I start spending money on 'enhancements'.  JMHO

Bill
2003 -- 23' FL
Re: Fan(s) for the back of the refrigerator
Reply #5 –
I've tried a variety of fridge/fan combos and have settled on the following:

(1) a small fan inside zip-tied to the bottom of the shelf near the light (like in the pictures from Larry W).  I salvaged the fan from a dead laser printer.  It's designed for 24v and so it runs quietly at 12v.  I tried some of the ebay varieties but they were too loud for my tastes.

(2) 2 computer muffin fans (3" each, maybe) at the top of the vent stack.  It helps with cooling on warm days, and helps with the Mid-Bath air dam problem that can keep the fridge from cooling when driving at highway speeds.  Mine has a manual switch and I pretty much just leave it on all the time when using the RV.  I bought a thermal switch but never installed it. 

Those are the 2 that I think make the biggest difference.  I would install both again.

Rich
'03 MB in NC
2003 MB
Re: Fan(s) for the back of the refrigerator
Reply #6 –
Rich,

Just curious. Did you add the fans (in and out) at the same time, or did you do one inside, then outside to see the effect each had on the cooling?  
Bill
2003 -- 23' FL
Re: Fan(s) for the back of the refrigerator
Reply #7 –
Last winter I removed the refrigerator and configured the side wall venturi to match the suggested installation, as shown in the Dometic installation manual.  It was also re-insulated to a greater degree, all the way around.
Reinstalling refrigerator | Flickr

Dometic wants the LD's outer wall to be as close as possible to the rear cooling fins, to force the airflow through the fins,  instead of bypassing them, if the gap is too big. Air will take the path of least resistance.
Below is a link to a generic Dometic manual, showing the recommend installation dimensions.
Our 2003 LD had no venturi or flow restriction, the rear gap was bigger than a inch. Most LD's refrigerators are installed this manner, without the proper minimal clearance, so there is room for improvement, if you desire.
http://bryantrv.com/docs2/docs/operating/2652operation.pdf

Afterwards, the external cooling fans, located in the top vent, were found not to be effective anymore, so they were removed.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Fan(s) for the back of the refrigerator
Reply #8 –
Quote from: krmugn  - 
Rich,

Just curious. Did you add the fans (in and out) at the same time, or did you do one inside, then outside to see the effect each had on the cooling?  

Different times.  They also solve different problems. 

The inside fan circulates the air inside the fridge to maintain an even temp throughout.  My first inside fan was a camping world type powered by 2 D-cell batteries.  It worked well, but I grew tired of buying D-cells.  Next I tried one of the ebay varieties that clips to the fins.  It worked too, but I didn't care for the noise level.   

The outside fans solved the problem described here:
Fridge Not Working While Driving
and here:
Refrigerator on Propane

If you don't have a mid-bath, your might not need it. 

Rich
2003 MB
Re: Fan(s) for the back of the refrigerator
Reply #9 –
Quote from: rich  - 
Different times.  They also solve different problems. 

The inside fan circulates the air inside the fridge to maintain an even temp throughout.  My first inside fan was a camping world type powered by 2 D-cell batteries.  It worked well, but I grew tired of buying D-cells.  Next I tried one of the ebay varieties that clips to the fins.  It worked too, but I didn't care for the noise level.   

The outside fans solved the problem described here:
Fridge Not Working While Driving
and here:
Refrigerator on Propane

If you don't have a mid-bath, your might not need it. 

Rich
I have used this for several years and it works. Norcold Refrigerator Deluxe Fan with METAL GRILL --INCREASES cooling inside...

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
 
Re: Fan(s) for the back of the refrigerator
Reply #11 –
Anyone used an extended or telescoping cobweb duster for the back of the fridge? I used one and it netted quite a bit of dust which I have to think couldn't help its cause.

Example Amazon B075XL65GL
1996 Twin King