Refrigerator Fan

[halhml]

I'm a new owner, so forgive any stupidity: I, too, have a refrigerator fan on 2008 Safari that doesn't stop running when fridge is off. Is the fan designed to do this? It has been unusually warm, and it's good to know there is thermo switch, but I don't want to have to remember to plug in the fan every time I fire up the fridge; and, since I frequently will camp without electric hook-up, I'm concerned about battery drain. Except for inefficient cooling, will it hurt the fridge to run with fan unplugged? Hal

[bonginator]

We also have a 2008 23fb and the fan noise was driving us batty. After lots of research on the forum, I ended up deciding between the snider product or ordering 2 silenx fans with low DBs as well as creating an aluminum barrier that forces more air to flow over the condenser with the 2 fans.

Since I like to tinker and build things, I went with creating a new mount for 2 silenx fans and creating an aluminum air break. It works great and we now sleep well!

If I were less inclined toward building things I would have gone with the Snyder kit.

Search for silenx and you will find pics of what I and others have done. This issue can be fixed with a bit of effort...

Good luck!

Sandy

[halhml]

Thanks Sandy. But fan noise isn't a problem, surprisingly. The fan is very quiet--kind of a white noise. Then again, I haven't slept in the AS yet! I'm really concerned about battery drain, and the effect of unplugging the fan. I guess I'll just have to try the fridge with the fan unplugged for a few of these warm days to see if the fridge stays cool enough. It seems to be working--I wonder if it uses more propane with fan unplugged. Hal

[Mexray]

You might want to check this refer fan with duct - they work great - I've seen it on a friend's frig!

Snyders RV Refrigeration - Home

with the addition of a baffle as noted above to direct the 'cooler' air toward the fan intake would seem to make it even better!

I have to admit, I bought one of Snyder's kits, but haven't gone to the trouble of installing it yet (you have to pull out the frig to get access) as our frig still does a great job...

I'm going to look closely at installing a baffle, however!

[Zia]

We have the same problem with fan running all the time, I guess the coil temperature never get below 80 deg. F. On my requst the dealer installed a switch for the fan, unless it is very hot we keep the fan off when boondoging to conserve the battery. Some times we turned if off in the night to eliminate the noise, even though it is not very noisy fan

[eastendmary]

I have a 2010 23' FB Silver Cloud, and my refrigerator is loud, it sometimes sounds like someone is starting up a generator. I think I understand that that is the noise from the fan, can that really be possible? I am living full time in the unit this summer, and it is a hot one. Can someone help me with what size fan I need to get if I want to replace this noisy unit.
Thanks,
eastendmary,
Long Island, NY

[Phoenix]

The fan originally installed by the factory is a noisy computer fan. We replaced it with the silent model below, which is very easy to mount and wire; and it's an easy DIY project:

Amazon.com: Magma 12CM Fan Magma Component Twister Bearing Detach Blade: Electronics

Note: Above link is for reference purposes only. We actually purchased from a local Fry's Electronics store.

Gale-force winds through the back of the refrigerator are not needed to aid cooling; just enough breeze to move air through so heat doesn't build up, is sufficient. One fan is enough for our refrigerator, although two might help with larger models that produce more heat. We leave the outside refrigerator fan on 24/7 when camping, and while it would eventually drain the battery (we use one battery at a time via a marine battery isolator switch), it has no significant effect when compared to the FantasticFans, lights and other electronic items in use during an average day.

When open, the entry door blocks the exhaust vent; so I open the vent cover and put a six-inch section of swimming noodle over the edge, so it doesn't bang around and scratch the aluminum skin and/or open door. This improves circulation, when the door is locked in the open position. This may be unnecessary in milder climates; but in our summer heat, every little bit helps.