Forum Discussion

adamis's avatar
adamis
Nomad II
Aug 28, 2017

Camco RV Fridge Solar Roof Vent

I'm headed to Las Vegas in a couple of weeks and if the weather holds it will prove to be pretty hot while there. I've been thinking about adding a vent fan to my fridge. I'm not opposed to purchasing some fans and install them but I really don't have the time to do a good install before the trip. I've been looking at the Camco RV Fridge Solar Roof Vent on Amazon for $87.00. It includes a solar panel built into the roof vent that drives a motor. Reviews so far have been average, it appears like the older reviews complained about failing solar panels that appears to have been addressed with newer versions. The fan doesn't appear to be very quite though that could be dependent on how the user installs it to prevent vibration.

Anyone have any experience with this product they can share?
Truck Campers
  • Steve_83406's avatar
    Steve_83406
    Explorer
    Aug 29, 2017
    I bought one of these... the fan was so noisy and annoying, I tore it apart and threw that fan away. I replaced it with two Arctic F12 Pro muffin fans (sealed bearings so they can operate in any orientation). The Camco solar panel puts out about 5 volts, so it won't spin the fans at full speed, but the fans are nearly silent, and can't be heard inside the trailer. I would not recommend the Camco unit, by the time I got done, I have more than $100 in the set up. The new vent cover was nicer than the one I had on my TT, so at least it looks nicer and actually protects the vent inlet from rain better than the old vent cover.

    Steve
  • Flyfisherman128's avatar
    Flyfisherman128
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2017
    I bought one then brought it back after I saw the effort required to install it. I bought a computer fan and did the install and wiring from the ground. Tied it into the fridge circuit and used a snap switch to control it. Works great, cost $15 and its been in operation for 5 years.
  • adamis's avatar
    adamis
    Nomad II
    Aug 28, 2017
    SidecarFlip wrote:
    ...and I thought the fan was attached to the cover...not. You still need to place the tiny fan in the fridge vent (somewhere pointing up. For 20 bucks you can buy 2 muffin fans and for 5 bucks a snap action t'stat and be farther ahead air volume wise. Thats what I did. I'm running a pair of FDB 120mm muffin fans pulling over 100 CFM out of the cavity, wired to the 12 volt terminal block on my dometic.


    That's a great point. I had thought it was a turn key solution, just screw it on and it takes the rest. If I have to run wires and find mounting holes then it sort of defeats the idea of being a ready run solution. Not that I can't do the work but was hoping for something a little more complete to avoid adding another project before the trip.
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Aug 28, 2017
    ...and I thought the fan was attached to the cover...not. You still need to place the tiny fan in the fridge vent (somewhere pointing up. For 20 bucks you can buy 2 muffin fans and for 5 bucks a snap action t'stat and be farther ahead air volume wise. Thats what I did. I'm running a pair of FDB 120mm muffin fans pulling over 100 CFM out of the cavity, wired to the 12 volt terminal block on my dometic.
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Aug 28, 2017
    For 86 bucks, I think it's overpriced versus air movement and it has a SMALL solar panel so the fan will be small as well. Best bet is to 'tough it out' and do the fan mod when you get back.

    I think I'd save up and invest in a cool box myself.
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Aug 28, 2017
    I've been doing test on my Dometic fridge in 120F weather and it did pretty good even the wall with fridge was exposed to sun in afternoons.
    So IMHO the additional fans are not really necessary.
    Being on the road, I have WI-FI thermometer in my LV house. Yesterday peak was only 116F. My house on east LV side always show few degrees more than official weather stations.
    Night come down to 86, so it is getting chilled.

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