RV Refer Cooling Improvements - Part 1
This is an attempt to rectify a less than professional RV refer install by the manufacturer. My RV temps were getting into the high 40s and 50s when ambient temps reached 100+F. After doing some r...
Forum Discussion
Old-Biscuit wrote:
Thermostat will not turn fans on because the thermostat is suppose to be installed on condenser fin *far right one*.
It measures FIN temp and turns fan(s) on/off based on condenser temp-----NOT ambient air temp
Fans should be mounted above and OVER absorber tubes (not out if open space by tubes)
The idea is to pull air in thru lower vent....have it flow THRU absorber tubes and the discharge out top THRU condenser fins
Current fan position is not pulling air THRU the absorber tubing
Food section temp of 39*F with outside temp at 91*F is acceptable.
Fridge thermostat operates 'cooling cycle' based on 'fin temp' in food section compartment ----thermistor on far right fin senses fin temp.
Freezer section temp is NOT sensed or used to control cooling cycle.....it just is 1st in process.
If already cold less heat is transferred to coolant and more heat absorption is available in food section.
What temp setting are you using?
If you do not have an adjustable temp control o upper panel then thermistor can be moved to affect fin sensing for thermostat control.
Move clip UP for colder temp
Move clip DOWN for warmer temp
Moving thermsitor will affect overall temp by 4*F-6*F
Fans are mounted at TOP of absorber coils. There is a LOWER baffle at bottom of coils that forces air, entering through vent, through coils when fans are turned on. The TOP baffle forces air through upper condenser fins before it exits roof vent.
Fan thermostat: I remounted to the top inner absorber coil and used a tie wrap to mount the thermostat/sensor directly onto coil. I took a reading of coil temp and it was 145F; thermostat should have activated and it did not. I tested thermostat with a heat gun and it did activate so it does work. I have a feeling it is taking more that 122F to activate the thermostat (thermostat is a 122F unit).
I also installed small fans inside of refer up against the condenser fins. Turned them on and the rear fans on (manually) and these are readings:
Refer was on setting 7. I moved it to 9 (highest) and temps stayed around 37-38 with ambient 93, and RV refer side, in direct sunlight
NOTE: I have installed everything without removing refer so access behind refer is VERY limited, especially up high. I can barely reach top of coil area and still be able to use a stubby screwdriver to install mounting screws.
What I may try and do is make longer fan brackets that extend fans and place them OVER coils. Not sure I can do that as my arms are only so long!
