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07-28-2015, 11:48 AM
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#1
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Rivet Master
2008 25' Classic
Full Time
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,309
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Interior Fridge Fan a Good Idea?
My brother-in-law placed a 120mm fan on the evaporator fins inside his Class C RV fridge. He claims it provides better cooling during hot weather.
Found some examples:
Dometic Evaporator Fan Greater inside Cooling Deluxe Model - RV Cooling Unit Warehouse
Fridge-Fix
Some people just buy PC cooling fans and mount them on the evaporator fins.
Any one do this on their Airstream?
Kelvin
__________________
2008 Classic 25fb "Silver Mistress"
2015 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins. Crew Cab, 4x4, Silver
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07-28-2015, 12:20 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1974 Argosy 20
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Kooskia
, Idaho
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,591
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If you have a fully stuffed and packed refrigerator which cuts off all normal circulation, there might be some advantage. Otherwise none.
Understand this is my opinion, and others might disagree. But I have used computer fans inside RV refrigerators and have found no differences in how they worked or how cool they kept.
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07-28-2015, 03:12 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1973 Argosy 24
Kitchener
, Ontario
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 945
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What about reducing the frost build up? Did it make any difference there? If not that's 1 job I can scratch off my do do list.
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07-28-2015, 05:43 PM
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#4
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Overland Adventurer
1991 34' Excella
2009 34' Panamerica
Telluride
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2,476
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I respectfully disagree! An internal fan helps with convection and helps make the cooling process faster. I noticed an immediate effect, and a much faster recovery after the door I has been opened.
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07-29-2015, 10:33 AM
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#5
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1 Rivet Member
2014 25' FB Flying Cloud
Benicia
, California
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 8
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Totally Agree with AtomicNO13 and yes it has helped with the frost. We had a problem where the frost would accumulate on the coils then drip inside and we would get a puddle on the bottom of the refrigerator - this is no longer a problem.
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07-29-2015, 10:42 AM
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#6
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1 Rivet Member
1976 31' Sovereign
Bowling Green
, Ohio
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 7
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I bought a cheap battery powered fan years ago, and it is a game changer for evaporative refrigerators. Can't recommend it enough. In layman's terms, it moves the cool around and doesn't allow the stuff near the fins to freeze. Simple.
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07-29-2015, 11:09 AM
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#7
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2 Rivet Member
1994 30' Excella
Livingston
, Texas
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 90
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I have used one like the one pictured here for years... I believe they work... read the reviews...
Amazon.com: Valterra A10-2606 FridgeCool 11.28 mA Fan with On/Off Switch: Automotive
Like every other product in life... pay your money... make your choice... or not...
__________________
SPCLKAZ
94 30" Excella
99 GMC 3/4 Ton 6.0L
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07-29-2015, 11:19 AM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2008 25' Classic
Full Time
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,309
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I've had one of those battery powered fans before and didn't think they worked. I was hoping a larger fan would be different.
Kelvin
__________________
2008 Classic 25fb "Silver Mistress"
2015 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins. Crew Cab, 4x4, Silver
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07-29-2015, 11:29 AM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,669
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I have the cooling unit warehouse model and really like it's effectiveness and construction. 2 things about it though: 1) the switch is located in a spot where, occasionally, cans of soda can switch it off as they bounce around, especially if they are on their side. No biggie, only has happened twice in the 3 years of operation.
2) the computer fans used are cheap bushed fans and wore out in a couple years. ball bearing fan replacement was necessary, are quieter, and move more air. inexpensive off amazon and back in business.
Again, very effective along with relocating the thermostat probe and my outside fan configuration. I now run at -2* - -4*F in the freezer and 34 - 36*F in the fridge on setting #3, at 85*F ambients.
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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07-29-2015, 11:41 AM
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#10
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Kim & Roger
2013 25' FB Flying Cloud
Ventura County
, California
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 8
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Kelvin,
I would agree with the affirmative comments above. We installed a 12V dual fan that we purchased off of eBay and attached on the cooling fins inside the fridge. Helps in initial cool down and in my opinion, greater efficiency in the keeping items cold.
__________________
Kim & Roger w/Bodie, Pepper & Wyatt
2013 25' FB Flying Cloud (Bebe) / 2017 Ford F350 6.7 Diesel / Air # 81166
“But I reckon I got to light out for the Territory ahead of the rest, because Aunt Sally she's going to adopt me and sivilize me, and I can't stand it. I been there before.” - Mark Twain
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07-29-2015, 11:48 AM
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#11
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1 Rivet Member
1993 30' Excella
Kaplan
, Louisiana
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 13
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Dear Richie,
I use the battery operated fan that uses 2 size D batteries every time I light up my refrigerator. It makes a lot of difference in cooling down the frig quickly, I was at the last International Rally in Farmington, NM this past June-July that had some of the hottest weather ever. My frig kept a steady 38 to 39 degrees the whole time day or night. It is worth the minimal investment you pay for this litte toy.
Sincerely, John
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07-29-2015, 11:54 AM
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#12
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New Member
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 2
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A 12V computer fan or similar should do wonders. An additional two inch insulation around the fridge makes an even bigger difference, but is difficult to accomplish without a lot of rebuilding.
A further improvement may be to connect the area where the fan is located, to a floor vent that draws in air from the mostly shaded area below the trailer.
Van Williams.
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07-29-2015, 12:29 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
2012 23' FB International
Woodstock
, Ontario
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,426
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"A further improvement may be to connect the area where the fan is located, to a floor vent that draws in air from the mostly shaded area below the trailer."
I would definitely not want to be bringing in fresh air to the reefer compartment. Cold air would need to escape somewhere..likely around the door seals which will cause a lot of condensation at the seals...not to mention excess load on the limited cooling available from the fins.. Home refrigerators circulate air from the freezer to the fridge compartment but they do not bring in fresh air.
JCW
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07-29-2015, 12:56 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,669
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JCWDCW
"A further improvement may be to connect the area where the fan is located, to a floor vent that draws in air from the mostly shaded area below the trailer."
I would definitely not want to be bringing in fresh air to the reefer compartment. Cold air would need to escape somewhere..likely around the door seals which will cause a lot of condensation at the seals...not to mention excess load on the limited cooling available from the fins.. Home refrigerators circulate air from the freezer to the fridge compartment but they do not bring in fresh air.
JCW
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I think he was talking about external fans outside the box.
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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07-29-2015, 01:14 PM
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#15
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Overland Adventurer
1991 34' Excella
2009 34' Panamerica
Telluride
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2,476
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I think the bottom line is air movement is key... In the box and out in back!
Moving inside air helps circulate cold around objects, moving air out the vents simply draws cooler air in, obviously making things work better!
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07-29-2015, 01:52 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
1994 30' Excella
alexandria
, Kentucky
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,321
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We have the little fan that uses "D" size batteries and it helps a lot with keeping the air circulated. I have a little computer fan that I would like to install inside the box when I get some time and figure out where to tap the hot wire and ground.
The absolute best thing I did was remove the refrigerator and install it per the instructions. I put new insulation board along the sides, insulation above the unit and built a false wall behind the unit. There is only supposed to be 3/4" of space between the rear wall and the coils. I did install a 6" computer fan in the roof penetration but I have only had to use it a handful of times - usually during the initial cool down before a trip. Cool down is 2x as fast.
__________________
Steve, Christy, Anna and Phoebe (Border Collie)
1994 Classic 30'11" Excella - rear twin
2009 Dodge 2500, 6 Speed Auto, CTD, Quad Cab, Short Bed
Hensley Arrow hitch with adjustable stinger
WBCCI # 3072
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07-29-2015, 01:57 PM
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#17
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Rivet Master
2007 30' Classic
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 13,669
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I installed bubble foil on the walls and ceiling of the compartment while the fridge was out to reduce heat transfer to the interior AS walls. Should've installed it on the sides and top of the fridge too, but didn't think of it. Not much room in my compartment sides for more than that.
__________________
-Rich-
"If the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy." - Red Green
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07-29-2015, 02:19 PM
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#18
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Overland Adventurer
1991 34' Excella
2009 34' Panamerica
Telluride
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2,476
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That wall is a must, but neglected by the factory! I did this and greatly improves the performance of the fridge
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07-29-2015, 02:34 PM
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#19
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Full Time Adventurer
2007 27' International CCD FB
Nomadic
, USA
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,748
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dznf0g
I installed bubble foil on the walls and ceiling of the compartment while the fridge was out to reduce heat transfer to the interior AS walls. Should've installed it on the sides and top of the fridge too, but didn't think of it. Not much room in my compartment sides for more than that.
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What do you think about lining it with Reflectix? I've been thinking about doing that.
__________________
Family of 5 exploring the USA with a Ram Power Wagon & Airstream in tow.
OUR BLOG | INSTAGRAM
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07-29-2015, 02:35 PM
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#20
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Rivet Master
2008 25' Classic
Full Time
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,309
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My 25fb Classic has the false wall between the shell and the cooling unit of the fridge. Above my fridge on the inside the cabinetry will feel warm. I'm guess it must be just a void but hopefully not open to the chimney area where heat from the cooling unit can collect and intervere with the airflow in the chimney. While the Flying Cloud versions of the 25fb have a shallow cabinet above the fridge the Classics don't.
Rich, in your Classic what is above your fridge? Do you have a cabinet door. Do you know what Airstream did to close off the space above the fridge from the chimney?
Kelvin
__________________
2008 Classic 25fb "Silver Mistress"
2015 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins. Crew Cab, 4x4, Silver
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