1987 Avion 34W - Cooling fans for the fridge compartment

[PaulnGina]

I acquired three 12VDC muffin fans recently. I plan on using at least 2 of them to provide additional ventilation in the rear of the fridge compartment. Should be a fairly simple job. Just need to identify a 12VDC source, wire up a switch somewhere inside the Avion, and mount the fans to some kind of bracket.

I might use the 3rd fan inside the Norcold fridge to provide some air circulation. Again, it should be a fairly simple modification. It looks like I can provide a constant 12VDC source to the inside of the fridge by running a wire through the condensate drip tube.

We are getting ready to make a weekend road trip. I put a thermometer inside the fridge and verified a cool 38 degrees. I'm thinking of the circulation fan to help keep the cooling fins from frosting up. A little air movement should help. It will be interesting to see how/if it improves the cooling.

[slowmover]

Not packing the shelves tightly is of aid. Leave some room at ends. That the supplies going into the reefer should be very cold beforehand goes without saying.

I've had to run my Norcold on propane of late as park electricity falls below 108V.

I've used reefer interior fans on and off the past decades and can't say they're a genuine aid. More marginal. Can't hurt, even if not vital.

Moving air at the rear does make a difference. If you haven't removed, inspected and cleaned the roof vent, put that on the list.

[PaulnGina]

Thank you, slowmover. You and I think alike. I don't put anything in the fridge unless it is already chilled from the house (unless it is unavoidable).

The roof vent cover was replaced earlier this Spring so I know it's good and clean.

[slowmover]

You're welcome, of course.

I'd like to add that with summer heat, were I buy quite a lot to fill the freezer I'll use dry ice in a chest to first solidly freeze those items. I've no "home freezer", but it would also apply to anyone being on the road.

[TennTex]

Originally Posted by PaulnGina

Just need to identify a 12VDC source, wire up a switch somewhere inside the Avion, and mount the fans to some kind of bracket.

Looking forward to description and pics of your install as I have this project on my list. My fridge requires a 12v DC line that I've already run from the battery; I'm assuming there would be no problem using that for fan power.

Thanks,
Alan

[PaulnGina]

On our fridge, there is a 12VDC source on the rear of the fridge. I'm assuming it provides power for the control board? Anyway, it'll take a simple dual terminal adapter to piggy-back on to that prong. Something like this (need to make a run to Radio Shack):

[PaulnGina]

Not much, but I have fished the wire through the drain tube. Here are a few pictures of that, and the fans I have to play with.

[slowmover]

I see you have some of the same "case to body " issues I have with mine. But I sure haven't been motivated enough to pull the reefer.

Any thought on sealing that (Pic 6)?

[PaulnGina]

Yes, I'll deal with that some day when it's cooler. This fridge is not the original. I think that "issue" was due to the installation of this fridge. I would like to get that shaped up. Another thing on the to-do list.

Originally Posted by slowmover

I see you have some of the same "case to body " issues I have with mine. But I sure haven't been motivated enough to pull the reefer.

Any thought on sealing that (Pic 6)?