Fridge Vent Fan Questions

It also helps to fine tune the install of the fridge to the guidelines in the installation manual. Rarely if ever do manufacturers adhere to clearances and chiminey shape that are specified.
I just spent an entire day doing that very chore.

You mean get the chimney a specific shape/size?

I believe ScottG is asking about clearance around the cooling unit.
There is some specifications for how much distance between the cooling coils and the exterior wall of the rig. Most specifications are for less then an inch.
By closing up this area, more air goes through the cooling unit improving the efficientcy.

Scott...can you tell us what you did to decrease the space between the wall and the coils. To the OP... a simple inline toggle switch will work if you don't want to go with the thermo switch. You could do both (I like to be able to shut things off completely)

Not Scot!
I used some foam board and attached to wall with Liquid Nails. Thickness will be of what you need.

Yeah, I'll put in a switch too but I want to thermally control them for max efficiency

I did this project with 3 computer fans and a "Bayite" DC digital temperature controller that I found on Amazon. I leave the controller set at 75 deg. I used a piece from a plastic cutting board for the mount. This project works well and keeps the fridge 5-10 deg cooler.



The vent cover goes over the top of the assembly in the picture. (Hope this picture isn't too big. Still trying to figure out the RV.NET Photo Posting App.)

By the way, making sure that your refrigerator install has the specified gap in the back is a good first step.

I was going to use some foam insulation but the dimensions didn't add up right. I ended up spacing the back wall inward 1.75" by using 1X2's and luan paneling. Then I used the same .2" thick paneling to create a flue that directs exhaust out the roof.

I have a Norcold model N81I in a 2007 Colorado fifth wheel. I installed a computer fan below the cooling fins. It is switched and in my opinion helps the refrigerator run more efficiently in hot weather. Previous to the installation I operated the refrigerator on # 4 setting (1 to 5 settings with 5 being the coldest). I now operate on # 3. I boondock 75% of the time and run the fan constantly in hot weather but occasionally shut it off in the evening if it cools off. The fan draws 0.5 amps.

I thought about controlling the fan operation by tapping into the wires that operate the propane solenoid. That way, the fan would only operate when the burner was on. I do not know how or if the circuit board would be affected and did not want to take a chance damaging something.

I wrote to Norcold for information: (cut and paste from my email to them - I have a Norcold refrigerator SN XXXXXX model N811 in a 2007 Colorado fifth wheel trailer. I installed a small computer fan outside the refrigerator to help cool the unit during hot weather. The fan draws about .5 amp (12 volts). The fan is wired into the "hot" feed for the fridge. With this arrangement, the fan runs constantly whether the propane flame is on or not. My question is: Would any damage occur to the circuit board if the fan was connected to the propane control valve? This would turn on the fan only when the propane burner is on.)

Their reply was: Hello,

SN XXXXX

Ref # 1021446

We do not recommend altering your unit in any way, that includes adding additional fans. Altering your unit violates your warranty and we have made notes in our warranty system. Please take you unit to an Authorized Norcold Dealer service center for all repairs.

If you have additional questions, please contact us.

Thank you,

Rhonda
Consumer Service
Thetford Corp/Norcold Inc.
800-543-1219 Opt. 1

I am not sure what the warranty threats are about, (info request made Oct 2017) since the trailer was ten years old at the time of request and obviously out of warranty. Not a very helpful reply since they made no attempt to answer the question.

I did not wire the fan to the solenoid so do not know the repercussions (if any) of that. I run the fan manually. I also installed a smaller fan (0.25 amp draw) in the interior of the fridge. I believe this helps to circulate the cold air within the fridge for more uniform cooling, especially when full.

We will be passing through Saskatoon mid June and mid July. If you are interested in seeing or discussing what I have done, PM me.

Wow...THAT is a cool idea ;) (pun intended). The fans would pull a lot of power from the circuit board but what about only powering a small solenoid to switch the fans???

Also I'm surprised Son Of Norway you went full bore on the fan mount board such that you HAVE to run the fans to cool the fridge. I just don't think there would be enough draft through those 3 small obstructed holes without the fans running.