Forum Discussion

dryfly's avatar
dryfly
Explorer
Apr 26, 2017

refrigerator insulation

I started a post last year on improving the cooling ability in my 5th wheel refrigerator. I'm finally following up on the good advice given and have pulled my fridge and am fabricating barriers to create better heat removal.

My question is what type of insulation would be best on the "sides" of the unit? I'm thinking of using pieces of styrofoam sheeting cut to size and placed on both sides of the fridge.

I also plan on adding exhaust fans at the top vent. Any recommendations on how much flow is needed. I could use computer case fans or go a little stronger with muffin fans. I doubt noise would be an issue.

thanks
  • ctilsie242's avatar
    ctilsie242
    Explorer II
    Apr 26, 2017
    I'd look at an exhaust fan, which may be the best thing to get the fridge to cool, next to replacing the fridge with a compressor based one, and going for a solar system to offset the amp draw.
  • dryfly's avatar
    dryfly
    Explorer
    Apr 26, 2017
    enblethen wrote:
    Lowes 14538
    Lowes 96554
    Home depot 614653


    Thanks, as per websites none of those products are available for pick-up or shipping in my area. Guess those are used in cold weather areas.

    I think for right now I'll just use one layer of the 1" material and call it a day. Most of my improvement will come from getting the barriers around the perimeter of the back of the fridge, and getting better draft of the hot air.

    I'm starting to wonder if it's even worth it to use exhaust fans.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Apr 26, 2017
    Both stores in my area carry 1 1/2 thick board but there is no reason not to double up. Just use construction cement in between the boards (aka liquid nails). And now that I think about it the thicker board does not have the reflective aluminum sheet.
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  • dryfly's avatar
    dryfly
    Explorer
    Apr 26, 2017
    enblethen wrote:
    Lowes Sku 14538 or 96554
    Home depot Sku 614653


    checked with both local stores and they don't show those sku numbers. don't have a link by chance?? Maybe only sold in certain parts of the country.
  • dryfly's avatar
    dryfly
    Explorer
    Apr 26, 2017
    where can you find the 1 1/2 to 2" foam board. Local HD and Lowes just carry 1" max. Easy enough to double layer I guess.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Apr 26, 2017
    I used standard foam board with the metallic facing. I believe it was 1.25 thick.
    The refer starting working very good and I removed the 3 inch computer fan. It has been working very good for many years with just the natural flow of air.

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