|
|
03-16-2017, 10:35 AM
|
#1
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Wheatfield, New York
Posts: 1,069
|
Fan in Refrigerator?
I've heard of people installing tiny fans in their small propane refrigerators. What do they do, keep the temperature even? Reduce moisture?
It sounds like a good idea but it couldn't use too much power as I spend most of my time boondocking. Any thoughts?
__________________
2009 Jayco Jay Feather 17C 130W Solar, 2021 F150 2.7L Eco Boost, 2021 Toyota Highlander
|
|
|
03-16-2017, 10:55 AM
|
#3
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Campbell Hall
Posts: 2,835
|
Those fans exist strictly for the profit of those making and selling them.
Convection keeps the entire refrigerator at about the same temperature.
As long as the refrigeration unit is functioning, your food will stay fresh.
I've been boondocking for 8 years now. Haven't had food spoil or drinks not cold enough.
Save your money. Fire up the fringe at least 24 hours before putting already chilled food in. Don't run out of propane.
Enjoy camping by not having to worry about another battery-powered device!
__________________
TT 2015 19RD "TheJayco"
TV 2003 F-350 "Montblanc" - Housebroken chore truck
Sitting in The Cheap Seats.
And proud of it!
|
|
|
03-16-2017, 10:58 AM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Denver
Posts: 1,580
|
Agree with Mike.
I have about 247 items on my 'wish list' for the camper. A fridge fan is number 247 on that list.
Any fridge will have colder zones, and warmer ones. I keep the beer and dairy in the colder areas (usually at the bottom, towards the back), the produce in the warmer ones. I actually like a small degree -no pun intended- of variance.
__________________
2016 27BHS Elite
2012 F-150 EcoBoost / Max Tow (Sold)
2017 'Blue Jeans' 6.2 F-250 Lariat 4.3 gears.
|
|
|
03-16-2017, 11:51 AM
|
#5
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: --
Posts: 2,392
|
I don't know I've had one of those higher end ones that mount on the ceiling in my rig now for 2 years.
Its fallen off the ceiling no matter what I use - and that pisses me off.
BUT - I will say my fridge recovers temperature faster in the summer, and I get FAR less ice on the metal ribs then I used to.
__________________
2023 Ford F-150 XLT SCREW 3.5EB (Max Tow Pkg., Black Appearance Pkg., Bed Utility Pkg.)
1727 Payload / 4150 RAWR
On the sidelines taking it all in.
|
|
|
03-16-2017, 12:21 PM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 942
|
I tried one, a cheap computer fan wired into the fridge light wiring, and stuck to the fins with double sided tape. Cost me all of $4, and I don't know if it did any good. You'd probably be better off putting a fan in the rear of the fridge above the coils to help with exhausting the heat.
__________________
Geoff & Jill
& Sierra, the little white monster
2013 Ford F-150 XTR SC Ecoboost
2015 Jayco Jay Flight 24FBS
Winnipeg, Manitoba
|
|
|
03-16-2017, 01:02 PM
|
#7
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Wheatfield, New York
Posts: 1,069
|
Thanks for all your replies. I guess maybe I'm just looking for a problem that doesn't exist. That gives me one less thing to do when I return from the sunny (at the moment) South!
__________________
2009 Jayco Jay Feather 17C 130W Solar, 2021 F150 2.7L Eco Boost, 2021 Toyota Highlander
|
|
|
03-16-2017, 01:24 PM
|
#8
|
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 9,783
|
I have a hardwired fan, with an alligator clip that connects to the cooling fins in the back of the frig, this completes the circuit. I have not checked the power draw, I am sure it uses very little power uses very little power.
I think it works quite well. At home when we power up the frig, it takes just hours to cool to set point verses a full day. We use to get frost on the coils, now we do not under any conditions. Without the fan, we had issues with the vegi drawer on the bottom freezing. This is no longer an issue.
I bought mine on Ebay years ago, it was two computer fans in a custom stamped metal housing. It was fairly cheap, and has worked very well. I have to admit, it is starting to make noise, so I am not sure if the bearings are going or if there is another issue. I would buy another in a heartbeat.
Ours look a lot like this one. I ran the wire down the condensate drain and connected the main 12V power feed for the frig.
|
|
|
03-16-2017, 01:44 PM
|
#9
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 942
|
The average 120mm computer fan is something like 0.4 amps, and can be up to 3,000 rpm. But those are the big ones; the 89mm fans draw less. When a fan was making noise, I would peel the sticker off and underneath is a rubber plug. Pry that up and there's the hub. A drop or two of 3-in-1 oil would make the noise go away for a while.
__________________
Geoff & Jill
& Sierra, the little white monster
2013 Ford F-150 XTR SC Ecoboost
2015 Jayco Jay Flight 24FBS
Winnipeg, Manitoba
|
|
|
03-16-2017, 02:25 PM
|
#10
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Eagle River, AK
Posts: 900
|
In part I agree with Mike837go. I too primarily boondock. In fact in all my years of camping and RVing, I have very rarely not boondocked. I personally have never had an issue of the refrigerator overheating.
Where I differ from Mike837go is regarding many reviews I have heard with the RV's in which the refrigerator is incorporated in a slide out. Normally, there is a vented panel for air intake at the bottom of the fridge, and the exhaust goes up and out of a vent through the roof. When operating, this is ideal because as we all know, heat rises, and a vent above the roof can create draw, thus helping air flow.
When the fridge is in a slide out, both the bottom vent and the exhaust vent are in the side and depending on how the trailer sits, with air flow and wind and in the heat. It can make a difference.
__________________
We are just a humble drinking couple with a hunting and camping problem.
2018 Jayco Octane 260
2019 Dodge Ram 2500, 6.4 Hemi, 8 spd A/T
2021 Argo Aurora 8x8/2008 Arctic Cat M1000 SnoPro
Previous: Komfort 5er/Jamboree MH/Lance Cabover/Jayco Whitehawk 25BHS TT
|
|
|
03-16-2017, 02:38 PM
|
#11
|
Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: James Island, SC
Posts: 22,859
|
The best way is to think about what you want BEFORE opening the door.
Keeping it closed is the best way to keep the temps even.
__________________
Moderator
2011- 351RLTS Eagle, MorRyde suspension/pin box,
2017- F350 6.7 PSD Lariat FX4,SRW, SB,CC
Hughes PWD SP-50A, TST TPMS
Gator roll-up bed cover
B&W Turnover ball, Companion Std hitch
Can't find what you're looking on JOF? Try Jayco Owners Forum Custom Google Search
|
|
|
03-16-2017, 02:42 PM
|
#12
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Kingman AZ and where our Seneca is today.
Posts: 3,121
|
Lots of differing opinions here...
In our prior motorhome, with a smaller fridge - we did have cooling issues in the hottest summer days, mostly because we had the fridge full of food. There were times when the air did not circulate inside the fridge and get to the bottom of the fridge.
We used one of these: FridgeCool Fan with On/Off Switch - Valterra A10-2606 - Refrigerator Accessories - Camping World
It did work for us. We would have to leave what amounts to a vertical tunnel in how the food was placed on each of the shelves, and put the fan in the middle so it would circulate cooled air from the top fins back down to the bottom drawers.
__________________
Steve & Stacy with Jasper (Australian Cattle dog)
2015 Seneca 36FK
Custom 27' flatbed trailer hauling:
07 Toyota FJC & Yamaha Kodiak 400 ATV
|
|
|
03-16-2017, 02:54 PM
|
#13
|
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Michigan
Posts: 9,424
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jagiven
snip.... It was fairly cheap, and has worked very well. I have to admit, it is starting to make noise, so I am not sure if the bearings are going or if there is another issue. I would buy another in a heartbeat.....snip
|
X2
I have the same fan for 5 plus years. Most of my summer camping is boondocking and the fan has reduced frost build-up and does a better job of moving the cooled air around. Most of the cooled air drops along the back (rear) of the fridge and the fan provides an even temp environment, "especially" during the hot summer days. I proved to myself playing with a couple fridge temp gauges that the fan makes a difference......, fridge doesn't run as often.
Every year my fan starts making a little noise so I just peal back of the tape on the back side of the motor and let a drop of oil soak in for 15 minutes then I'm good to go.
I agree that a fan in the venting area of a sidewall mounted exhaust vent enhances exhausting air flow.
Bob
__________________
2016 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4.10
2018 Jay Flight 24RBS
2002 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4:10 (retired)
2005 Jayco Eagle 278FBS (retired)
1999 Jayco Eagle 246FB (retired)
Reese HP Dual Cam (Strait-Line)
|
|
|
03-16-2017, 04:17 PM
|
#14
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: State of
Posts: 427
|
I use one and the reason is to prevent food from *freezing* in the refrigerator. It helped quite a bit. Caveat: this was in a smaller fridge before I owned a Jayco, but I continue even today. Small insurance against a P.O. wife because the salad froze.
__________________
2016 19RD Elite - Thermal
|
|
|
03-24-2017, 04:51 AM
|
#15
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Waukesha
Posts: 608
|
Small Fan runs on battery's
I use the fan and do know that it works well. Warm air moves to the top without it the bins are colder 31 degrees without the fan the temp in the rest of frig at 38. The salad is not frozen any longer. Same temp in the entire frig. I keep it at 38. I also use a wireless thermometer in side the frig. When we leave for a week the frig is packed full.
__________________
Rod and Linda
SE Wisconsin
2018 330RSTS
2015 Silverado 2500
|
|
|
03-24-2017, 06:47 AM
|
#16
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Saskatoon Sask Canada
Posts: 10,726
|
I also have to agree with mike837go. I camp in temps ranging from freezing to +100F and never had a problem with the fridge.. Put that money into fuel or a useful mod.
__________________
Seann
2004 Chev Silverado Duramax optioned past the max. 2009 Jayco Eagle 308 RLS 900watts of solar, Lithium batteries (400amp hour), 2000 watt (4000 surge) whole house inverter.
145days /2023 2022/151 2021[/COLOR]
93/2020,157/2019219/2018 206/2017,215/2016, 211/2015, 196/14, 247/13, 193/12
|
|
|
03-24-2017, 01:26 PM
|
#17
|
Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Twin Cities
Posts: 44
|
As you've seen from previous posts, a circulation fan definitely makes a substantial difference for some people and is completely unnecessary for others. That may come from variations in how the fridge is packed, different models, different venting arrangements, or some unknown X factor.
The takeaway should probably be, don't borrow trouble. Pay attention to your temps the first few times you use yours and see if they are consistent throughout without being unsafely warm and freezing cold in different areas at the same time. If you need to add a fan it's cheap and easy at any time so no particular need to worry in advance.
|
|
|
03-24-2017, 01:32 PM
|
#18
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Chicago Area
Posts: 238
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by bansai
Agree with Mike.
I have about 247 items on my 'wish list' for the camper. A fridge fan is number 247 on that list.
Any fridge will have colder zones, and warmer ones. I keep the beer and dairy in the colder areas (usually at the bottom, towards the back), the produce in the warmer ones. I actually like a small degree -no pun intended- of variance.
|
bansai whats #1,2,3 on your wish list?
__________________
Jack
· · · · · · · · · · · ·
2018 Greyhawk 29MV
2017 Ford Edge w/Blue Ox Setup
To Yosemite... and Beyond!
|
|
|
03-24-2017, 02:00 PM
|
#19
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Denver
Posts: 1,580
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by MrJackSprat
bansai whats #1,2,3 on your wish list?
|
Currently:
1. Swap out 75 amp hour battery for 2 Trojan 6 volts. (weld in new bracket to accommodate)
2. Complete 300 watt solar system install. I have about half the parts in my garage, just need to get installed.
3. Upgrade the blowmax tires.
My top 3 hasn't changed since I bought the camper, it's just taking a while to get done.
Number 4 is to trade in my current truck for a 350, but that's looking like next year now. Number 5 is to pick up a new generator since I'd get shot if I tried to pull out my current one.
Probably can see a trend here... I'm still a tent camper at heart and I want to take my camper off grid as much as I can.
Number 6, is currently to replace the mattress. I didn't have a problem with it last year, but I don't like it anymore.
Number 7, replace all incandescent bulbs for the marker lights with LED's.
I could go on and on.. I really do have a list as long as I indicated
__________________
2016 27BHS Elite
2012 F-150 EcoBoost / Max Tow (Sold)
2017 'Blue Jeans' 6.2 F-250 Lariat 4.3 gears.
|
|
|
03-24-2017, 02:50 PM
|
#20
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 1,880
|
I use this one. It works a lot better than those small square blue ones. Have it Going on my 2nd summer with it. Fridge does cool down quicker and recovers quicker and never got ice on my cooling fins.
https://smartrvproducts.com/
__________________
2012 Ford Expedition EL
2016 28BHBE, Elite and Thermal Packages.
Equal-i-zer 4-point Sway Control, Southwire 34930 Surge Guard 30A, Tire Minder TPMS A1A
(2) Yamaha EF2000iS Generators, Micro-Air EasyStart™ 364 (3-ton) Soft Start, Garmin RV 890, GoodYear Endurance ST225/75-15 Load Range E
|
|
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|