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KJRitchie · 07-28-2015, 11:48 AM

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

idroba · 07-28-2015, 12:20 PM

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.

Gearheart · 07-28-2015, 03:12 PM

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.

AtomicNo13 · 07-28-2015, 05:43 PM

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.

Vickig46 · 07-29-2015, 10:33 AM

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.

tommyp123 · 07-29-2015, 10:42 AM

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.

spclkaz · 07-29-2015, 11:09 AM

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...

KJRitchie · 07-29-2015, 11:19 AM

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

dznf0g · 07-29-2015, 11:29 AM

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.

Kimberlydee · 07-29-2015, 11:41 AM

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.

jmland · 07-29-2015, 11:48 AM

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

cargovan · 07-29-2015, 11:54 AM

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.

JCWDCW · 07-29-2015, 12:29 PM

"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

dznf0g · 07-29-2015, 12:56 PM

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

I think he was talking about external fans outside the box.

AtomicNo13 · 07-29-2015, 01:14 PM

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!

crispyboy · 07-29-2015, 01:52 PM

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.

dznf0g · 07-29-2015, 01:57 PM

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.

AtomicNo13 · 07-29-2015, 02:19 PM

That wall is a must, but neglected by the factory! I did this and greatly improves the performance of the fridge

BoldAdventure · 07-29-2015, 02:34 PM

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.

What do you think about lining it with Reflectix? I've been thinking about doing that.

KJRitchie · 07-29-2015, 02:35 PM

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