Propane Refrigerator Vent

[B Stover]

I'm assuming a propane refrigerator has to be vented. Does it have to be vented through the roof or can it be done through the side wall using the existing vent opening for the old furnace.
bernie

[65GT]

I'm not an expert but I believe with a fridge, up is the best. You're relying on that heat to move unrestricted upwards to start the heat exchange cycle. I believe that's why all (that I've seen) go directly up. If you try to divert the stream sideways, you'll slow it down and probably the cooling efficiency of the fridge.

That being said doesn't mean you couldn't try it and see how it works. Expect a lot hotter surface wherever you obstruct the heats natural movement straight up with a bend. Maybe that's why the all go pretty much straight up more than anything. Fire hazard?

I'm hoping you get more responses...

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[Silverhobby]

It would be best using an unrestricted airflow towards the roof as originally installed. Any changes otherwise could diminish the free movement of air behind the fridge, and lead to higher heat and diminished cooling of the refrigerator.
Kev

[dwightdi]

If you want to go sideways, you could always add a small 12 volt fan to get the airflow but that would be a load on your batteries. I have a fan in my normal refrig roof vent to increase flow and improve efficiencies for the unit when the outside air temp gets high and I need additional cooling to keep the fridge colder. I only run it during the day when the temp gets over 90.

[Silvertwinkie]

New Bambis vent out the side (19' 16' units). Depending on what configuration of fridge you have, I am from the camp that likes updraft rather than side draft. The side draft works, but I have noticed a clear difference between our side draft fridge on our 19' Bambi vs. our updraft 25' Safari fridge. Of course they are two totally seperate beasts, I do like the way our updraft, computer controlled Safari fridge works. Much more of an even cooling, etc.