Refrigerator vent and heat dissipation

[G-Ranch]

Originally Posted by JCWDCW

The fan if fitted on a trailer will always run on a hot day ( 75+ degrees ), it doesn’t move a lot of air but keeps it moving over the condenser coils
Makes a difference on our 2014 Bambi with side vents. Never seemed to need it on my 96 Excella even in 105 deg weather in Doswell Va
JCW

Finishing the renovation of a 1970 Tradewind. The “original design” frig vent included a 9” x 9” hole in plywood floor below the frig. The roof vent w rain cap is approximately 4” x 14”. Clear path for air flow was definitely provided.
Installed a Dometic 7 cubic foot frig with fan (thermostat control). Fan runs a lot. Either 110 volt or gas operated - outside Temperature above 75 degrees will trigger the fan. I Thought the chimney effect would be more than adequate. Maybe the larger refrigerator is a part of the equation. Was hoping advancement in 50 years evolution of refrigeration technology would have helped.

[Life is a Highway]

Airstream factory service on our 2019 25 pulled the refrigerator out installed a second fan up top to help pull the heat up. Make sure you have it switched so you can turn it on or off off. Not needed under 80 degrees and low humidity

Originally Posted by ETroup

The aluminum rain cap is riveted on and extensively sealed. Will be a bit of a job to remove and replace.

[VeloBuckeye]

Haven’t had time to pull my refer out and install a fan up high to increase air flow out the top. On the 2021 project list…. Had a pretty powerful 12 v fan laying around in the garage though, so I quickly installed it in the lower compartment blowing upwards. Noticeable difference in cooling—setting can be set at least 1 number lower. Not totally scientific but climbed up and placed my hand near the vent and definitely feel more exhaust flow.

[bartzstream2]

Originally Posted by guskmg

As stated, make sure the draft path behind the cabinet is completely clear of obstacles. My refer did not come with a fan, but I added two, it makes big difference on overall cooling and efficiency. The computer fans use very little DC power.
guskmg

Amen, computer fans very inexpensive, the bigger the better. I had to have the cooling unit on the back of my fridge replaced/rebuilt and the tech who did it onsite where I was staying told me to put the fans at the top of the fridge vent flue (next to the center A/C). I wired a basic switch into the 12V DC fridge connection for the fans and fed a wire to supply power to the fans and attached the fans to the screen at the top after drilling out the rivets and reattached the rain cap with sheet metal screws and bit of sealant. PHX gets very warm and fridge operation is improved for not much $$.

[ETroup]

Thanks everyone for input. I have fabricated a metal bracket / shroud to hold two 120 mm computer fans with a simple on / off toggle. Here is a picture of the complete assembly ready for installation.