exterior fridge fan mod question

[Mark55]

I have read about owners placing a fan in the area behind their fridge that would draw the hot air in the area up to and out the vent. Can't seem to locate any of the threads. Can anyone help me out?

 

[nevercominhome]

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8262

Something like this?

 

[Rustic Eagle]

Here's a 7-page "frig fan" thread:

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3637&highlight=frig&page=7

Bob

 

[Mark55]

Thanks guys

 

[Mark55]

How difficult is it to remove the roof vent cover to install the fan? How do you go about it?

 

[norty1]

How difficult is it to remove the roof vent cover to install the fan? How do you go about it?

The roof vents I have had have 4 long screws on the top. Easy access.

 

[Rustic Eagle]

...... just remember to put some caulk back over the top of the screws when you re-install the vent cover.

Bob

 

[Mark55]

Do the screws actually go into the roof? Do I use the same holes? Should I caulk anywhere else around the screws or just the heads? Sorry about all the questions, its just that my TT is stored far away, and when I go to do it, I have to be totally prepared! I have limited time and tools there.

 

[SkyBound]

Do you really even need to remove the top piece? I've seen pictures of fans installed right inside the side access panel to blow air across the coils in an upward direction. That's probably how I would do it too in order to avoid breaking the seal up there.

 

[norty1]

The 4 screws go into the plastic base of the vent, not the roof.

 

[Mark55]

Do you really even need to remove the top piece? I've seen pictures of fans installed right inside the side access panel to blow air across the coils in an upward direction. That's probably how I would do it too in order to avoid breaking the seal up there.

From what I have read, placing it at the top is the best way. I do agree, however, that I don't want to break any seals! Thats why the questions. If it is just a matter of removing the top of the vent, and installing the fan, I'd do it that way. If I have to remove the base, then I'd go for below the coils. Which leads me to my next question. Does anyone know if you have to remove the base of the roof vent?

 

[norty1]

No you don't. I installed mine down in the bottom blowing up. There is a natural flow up similar to a chimney flue. All the fan does is assist that flow when it is extra hot outside.
It is much easier to install below for access to the 12v supply of power, the installation of the control thermostat and just ease of maintenance.
I have seen one that mounts on the top vent and powered by a solar cell.
Mine worked fine without it and it hardly ever comes on unless I am camping in hot sun and weather is hot.

 

[Mark55]

Guess I will install mine down low as well. Norty, I see you are from Charleston. My TT is up the road in Myrtle Beach. Most of my camping is done in the hot sun and hot weather!

 

[Mark55]

I have done some research on this subject and have some observations and questions. I looked at the Camco solar fan vent cover...cost is about $90. Reviews are not real good. Solar panels seem to break easily, and fan runs only when the sun is shining on the panels, and then run constantly. Looked at the Valterra A10-2618VP FridgeCool 12 Volt Exhaust Fan. Cost is reasonable, and has a variety of reviews. Many said theirs only lasted about 30 days. Another article I read mentioned using a 110 volt fan. Such as this one..http://www.amazon.com/Coolerguys-Po...8&qid=1406071146&sr=8-4&keywords=110+volt+fan , what do you think? I figured I could just plug it in and go. Of course there are 12 volt versions of the same fan. Then I found these... http://www.amazon.com/Attwood-Quiet...sim_sg_12?ie=UTF8&refRID=1J8VJSNY3HRY395PP5G5 Seems that something like this might work well. And these are the last 2 items I looked at http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dometic-Nor...Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item19e11f0190 and this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Norcold-Ref...=100011&prg=10200&rk=7&rkt=10&sd=111137939864 Have a look and tell me what you think. I am sorta leaning towards buying either the last 2 from Ebay or possibly the attwood blower and the norcold thermostat.

 

[norty1]

Guess I will install mine down low as well. Norty, I see you are from Charleston. My TT is up the road in Myrtle Beach. Most of my camping is done in the hot sun and hot weather!

When I am in the shade or have a slight breeze, even in hot weather, the fan hardly ever comes on.. Make sure the thermostat is firmly attached to the line per the instructions.

 

[coldwater-echelon]

The attwood blower is a bilge blower. It will probably draw more amps than you would like and wear your battery down faster if you are camping with out electricity.