fan on fridge in slideout

cjcoult · 07-12-2019, 05:47 PM

The fan at the top of the fridge runs often. We dry camp once a summer and I am assuming this fan is using much battery power as we don't use much else, not even lights often as use lanterns... Can I disconnect this while we dry camp? I am assuming it is there for a reason. I use 2 12 volt batteries in parallel and 100W solar panel, but it doesn't last long.

**chuckster57** · 07-12-2019, 06:00 PM

If your fridge is on a slide, those fans are critical for air movement and proper operation of the cooling unit. Depending on fridge brand/model there may be up to 4 fans. They are “computer” case fans and draw very little.

cjcoult · 07-12-2019, 06:09 PM

As I suspected. Sure wish I could figure out why batteries don't last when I dry camp. I think you responded to me last year when I wrote about batteries not lasting. At that time I only used 1 battery and didn't have 100W panel. Just hooked up 2 batteries and 100W panel today and just seems to have gone down in voltage faster than I think it should, but will check tomorrow and see where it is at. Thank you.

**chuckster57** · 07-12-2019, 06:36 PM

A single 100W panel isn’t really all that much. You might want to consider more panels or a higher wattage along with a pair of 6V GC batteries for more reserve.

Ksupaul · 07-12-2019, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

If your fridge is on a slide, those fans are critical for air movement and proper operation of the cooling unit. Depending on fridge brand/model there may be up to 4 fans. They are “computer” case fans and draw very little.

So Chuck, is there a improvement hack in adding a separate fan to the back of a fridge in a slide out? Might have heard such a thing but haven’t searched it yet. Thought I would just come out and ask.

**chuckster57** · 07-12-2019, 07:14 PM

My fridge isn’t on a slide so I added a fan at the bottom, and yes it seems to help keep the ice cream frozen and the milk cold in 100+ degree heat.

NorskeBob · 07-16-2019, 11:26 AM

Per the manufacture - Power Ventilator Assembly must be used with certified upper and lower side vents and the refrigerator. They do drain the battery(s). I have 2 12V batteries installed. Our frig has a fan in the frig section, a fan in the freezer section, 2 fans in the middle in back and 1 in the bottom - so it does not take long to drain the batteries if we use lights or the fantastic fans. When dry camping I bring either a 2000 watt honda generator or a 4000 watt yamaha generator.

**chuckster57** · 07-16-2019, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorskeBob

Per the manufacture - Power Ventilator Assembly must be used with certified upper and lower side vents and the refrigerator. They do drain the battery(s). I have 2 12V batteries installed. Our frig has a fan in the frig section, a fan in the freezer section, 2 fans in the middle in back and 1 in the bottom - so it does not take long to drain the batteries if we use lights or the fantastic fans. When dry camping I bring either a 2000 watt honda generator or a 4000 watt yamaha generator.

You must have a Norcold 2118. We tested and it will kill a gp27 battery overnight.

NorskeBob · 07-16-2019, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

You must have a Norcold 2118. We tested and it will kill a gp27 battery overnight.

Yes it is a power hog. If the battery drops to 10.5 volts the dc lo alarms on the digital display. If I run the two fan fantastic fans the alarm comes on at the end of the day. Turning one off helps for awhile. Run the generator for a couple of hours to re-charge the batteries.

mstat · 07-16-2019, 01:52 PM

After hearing the fan running in our slide almost continuously, I did some looking at the upper vent opening. I found the baffle almost completely blocking the upper vent. I also noted that the condenser coils were higher slightly higher than the upper edge of the vent.
Basically the hot air appeared trapped.
My solution was to install a four inch computer fan (12V) with a snap action thermostatic switch powered from the 12V refrigerator circuit to pull the hot air out.
Now, I can hear the fan start & stop from the outside and can feel the hot air being pulled out.
Can't hear a thing inside. The refrigerator and freezer stay nice and cold.

concours · 07-18-2019, 06:28 AM

Last year we had some concerns about the fridge on very hot days and did some performance upgrades including adding a interior fan, a second exterior fan and adding a ambient temperature switch so that the exterior fans start to run sooner. The fridge performance is now very good. we suggest that anyone with concerns of poor cooling, excess condensation or noisy fans go to the "RV Cooling Unit Warehouse" website and check the items listed under Performance parts they give great service and sound advice

Nicculi · 07-28-2019, 04:17 PM

I too have the same problem as the OP. Although Dometic fridge. I'm running 4 group 24 batts, and a 100w panel. Only use the trailer on the weekends, was hoping it would last for the week while we are not there. But alas, every weekend, the fridge has shut off at some time during the week. Sometimes it seems like thurs, sometimes earlier. Looking for a solution...

SR71 Jet Mech · 07-30-2019, 09:11 AM

1 100w panel on the BEST day will only charge at a rate of 5.56 amps to the battery (ies) per hour. 1 32” flat screen TV uses 3-4 amps.
It will charge your batteries, but it will take a looooong time, especially if you have any load at all. Doesn’t take much to draw more than 5.56 amps.

Nicculi · 07-30-2019, 09:43 AM

After doing some research, I think I'm going to add some solar powered fans to the fridge, and hopefully reduce the fridge draw, and add another 100w panel

mikec557 · 08-06-2019, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ksupaul

So Chuck, is there a improvement hack in adding a separate fan to the back of a fridge in a slide out? Might have heard such a thing but haven’t searched it yet. Thought I would just come out and ask.

K

I just installed the outside fan kit on our Dometic 8cf, can't remember the model number. It has definitely helped keep the reefer colder on these 100* days here in Caldwell Idaho. It seems expensive when you only consider the parts involved. But getting it all as a kit sure made the install easier. Note: I could not use the round clamps because I have a steel chimney baffle on my GD. Instead I zip tied the 2 fans inside the lower portion, blowing upward.

https://rvcoolingunit.com/Dometic-or-Norcold-2-Fan-kit-added-air-flow-Clamp-style-with-thermostat-P4030133.aspx

I also ordered the inside 3 fan device but haven't had time to install it yet. Moving the inside air will also help.

Mike

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