Forum Discussion

powellmj's avatar
powellmj
Explorer II
Sep 16, 2019

Refrigerator Outside Vents

I have a Wolfpack 325 pack 13. The cabinets over fridge held a lot of heat and the freezer was just ok. Noticed a wasp flying around the external vents and thought I better check for nest. Pulled the top vent cover and was surprised to see that the wall covering came up over the fridge heat dissipater and there was a board across the top blocking airflow (pictures explain better) anyway there was only about a 3 inch gap for the heat to exhaust. I made some modifications and Wow, the difference was immediate. The aux fan had even shut off before I had things cleaned up and back together. It's worth a look to pop off that top vent cover and check.

https://ibb.co/k5fgd1c
https://ibb.co/qyCLYhK
  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator II
    Sep 17, 2019
    Hey jkwilson, which piece, top (finished piece of dark wood exposing gap at top of refrigerator) or bottom (splintered piece exposing fins)? OP cut out two different pieces. Are you saying he should have left both pieces alone?
  • jkwilson's avatar
    jkwilson
    Explorer III
    Sep 17, 2019
    Piece you cut out is supposed to be there on many refrigerators. Keeps the air flowing through the fins instead of straight out the vent.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Sep 17, 2019
    Why did you remove the top baffle?
    You're only making things worse.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Sep 16, 2019
    OK.......center section was never removed....intent was but got forgotten/missed etc

    Other issue is that WIDE OPEN SPACE on top of fridge.
    That is a DEAD AIR SPACE and will HOLD HEAT

    That area should be completely closed off and sealed ----right at the back edge of fridge (LIKE IT WAS in 1st pic)





  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Sep 16, 2019
    What kind of slob did that work?

    My trailer had insulation blocking most of the air flow and there was no baffle at the top. It at least had the lower board installed correctly. This kind of work is par for the course.

    You still do not have the lower baffle installed correctly and there is no top baffle guiding warm air from the top edge of the frige cabinet to the top of the outside vent. See the installation manual and do it right. While it works better now, it may not keep after under extreme conditions. Fridges installed in slides and utilizing side vents need all the help they can get.
  • wildtoad's avatar
    wildtoad
    Explorer II
    Sep 16, 2019
    Good catch. Just goes to show not everyone takes pride in their work.
  • jkwilson's avatar
    jkwilson
    Explorer III
    Sep 16, 2019
    Can’t see your pictures, but most refrigerators require that extended wall to keep the air from short cutting and not flowing through all of the piping.

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