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07-09-2018, 07:44 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
2011 27' FB Flying Cloud
Box Elder
, South Dakota
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 29
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It's another "add a fan" question !
It's hot this summer ! (100 degrees plus here) Our 2011 Flying Cloud 27FB has a Dometic fridge that needs help during extreme temps. I've read through the existing threads, but haven't found a simple but effective solution. I need to find a SIMPLE solution to the problem. If adding a fan is the answer, I'm all for it, but I don't want to have to do major modifications. This trailer only has one exterior access (vented) door at the base of the fridge. I'm capable of doing the wiring and minor surgery, but wish to keep it as easy as possible. What do you suggest ?
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07-09-2018, 08:15 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2013 27' FB International
El Dorado Hills
, California
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,023
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The flow of air is from the vented door at base of fridge up through the flue out the top. A common idea is to mount a computer fan (12 volt) in a way that accelerates the air flow.
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07-09-2018, 08:19 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2015 28' Flying Cloud
2012 25' Flying Cloud
2007 20' Safari SE
Fuquay Varina
, North Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 524
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Add a Fan
We had someone do the work for us. We added a thermostatic fan to the refrigerator. He pulled the refrigerator out and put the fan at the back of the refrigerator space. We have a switch hidden in an overhead cabinet to turn the extra fan on when we need it. It has really helped.
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07-09-2018, 09:48 PM
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#4
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1987 Avion 34W owner
Vintage Kin Owner
Good Ol'
, USA
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,090
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You can choose any number and types of 12VDC fans. Because I already had them, I used 4 small fans that were already mounted in a couple of metal cages. They just happened to fit nicely near the top of the fridge roof vent.
I used this $5 adjustable thermostat: https://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-Adjusta...0AAOSwBnVW9Pwv
Also added an in-line 12VDC switch to the +12VDC source that feeds the thermostat.
A fan (or fans), this thermostat, a switch, and some wiring will have you fixed up nicely.
__________________
I this great country!!!!
1987 Avion 34W
1995 Ford F250 7.3L PowerStroke
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07-10-2018, 11:28 AM
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#5
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4 Rivet Member
1964 22' Safari
1993 25' Excella
Flagler Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 317
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fan.....
do it today.......dont wait
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07-10-2018, 02:47 PM
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#6
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3 Rivet Member
1998 34' Limited
Lawrenceville
, Georgia
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 220
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Go to Wally World or some other store and buy this or a similar small fan, 120 V electric.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Honeywell...Black/16503230
Put it in the bottom of the outside Refrigerator compartment aiming upward, across the coils/in the direction of the roof vent. Plug it into the 120 V receptacle that the refrigerator is plugged into back there and turn it on, low if it has multiple speeds. It will make a big difference and is cheap. Remember that it will run until you turn it off. It won't hurt anything, but you certainly don't need it in cooler weather. If you will be moving the trailer, either fasten it to the floor or remove it. You don't want it bouncing around in there as you travel. Damage could occur. It's fast, cheap and effective, maybe not an exquisite solution, but it will work.
Be sure that whichever fan you buy will rotate upward to a nearly vertical wind direction from the base. The one I attached herein might work. It was just an example, but there are others that certainly will. Finally note that this is not a 12 volt, boondocking solution, but if you are on electricity, it's fine as a temporary. Good luck!
BTW, we love traveling in your neck of the woods. Sorry it's so hot there now, but hey, it's July! It's pretty hot here too, but we are heading to the mountains.
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07-10-2018, 03:00 PM
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#7
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van guru
1994 28' Excella
Hood River
, Oregon
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 129
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These (link below) are some 12V fans that might work well since they can be aimed. We have some in our Sprinter van. Not sure how they would hold up to continuous use. But could be triggered by a relay tied to a 12V-while running source on the fridge. Or tied to a thermostat.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Z9OBZB0
12V Thermostat:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071YVYZMD
All the best,
Hein
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07-10-2018, 08:38 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2007 27' International CCD FB
San Diego
, California
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,119
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It doesn't need huge airflow back there to be effective. One single 120mm fan, strategically placed is all that's needed to hugely improve cooling performance. No need for an array or huge loud fans.
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07-11-2018, 05:43 PM
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#9
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2 Rivet Member
2011 27' FB Flying Cloud
Box Elder
, South Dakota
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 29
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Thanks for the advise ! Actually, we did just that ! It's a $10 fan, it's quiet, has 2 speeds and seems to help. I was going to plug it in where you suggested, but that outlet only has one working side, so I'm temporarily using an extension cord that's plugged directly into the RV park's power tower. The fan's AC power cord converts 120 VAC to 12 VDC, and there's a quick disconnect plug at the fan, so all I need to do is run a 12 VDC line from a nearby 12 VDC power plug and splice the into the fan wire Easy-Peasy !
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07-11-2018, 07:12 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2007 27' International CCD FB
San Diego
, California
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,119
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Right at the back of the fridge, there's a 12V power source as well. It's the heavy duty wiring that's set screwed into the back of the fridge. You can tap this for computer fans.
Also know for long term, not all computer fans are created equal. Since the area is somewhat exposed to the elements, an IP rated (Ingress Protection, i.e. weather) fan will hold up longer.
Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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07-18-2018, 04:18 AM
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#11
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2 Rivet Member
2018 25' Flying Cloud
Springfield
, Vermont
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 22
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My OEM fan was crap... the blades were rubbing on the case and resulted in extremely poor cooling.
I removed that one and replaced it with two fans mounted together with an aluminum L channel from Home Depot.
Very quiet and moves tons of air.
2018 25 RB
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