Winnebago cuts another corner

[georgelesley]

I installed the ARP refrig safety control on out RV. I noted the refrig lower access panel was screened. I installed a lower fan to aid cooling. Imagine my shock when I removed the upper access panel to install another fan and found out the upper access panel IS NOT screened.

What genius made that decision? I know they will say the screening may reduce exhaust venting. And the screen on the lower panel will not?? The bugs had already figured it out BTW. I will soon order screening and install at my expense of course.

You would think that with all the $$$ Norcold and Dometic have paid out to settle class action suits, that they would insist on cooling fans be installed when built

Anyway I now have thermostaticly controlled fans and the ARP safety control to shut off the refrig if things get too hot. Their support is great and a bit over one day's work and around $200 bucks to install

End of rant.

[georgelesley]

BennieH wrote:
Have never seen one screened. In fact, Norcold does not want screen in them. Their service people will tell you that, because it reduces the airflow. If you want to keep bugs out, put a flea collar in there.

I would have never considered screens, but when I saw one panel was already screened, it seemed logical to screen the other or remove them from the one that has them.

Now that I have installed thermostaticly controlled fans directly on the panels, one sucking, one blowing I see no reason not to keep the screens in place. Without the fans I would not use them. Thanks to all the posters I will keep a close eye on the screens and make sure any debris collecting will be removed.

And my apologies to Winnie if they did not put any screens on, and bad on whomever did screen the one panel.

[BennieH]

Have never seen one screened. In fact, Norcold does not want screen in them. Their service people will tell you that, because it reduces the airflow. If you want to keep bugs out, put a flea collar in there.

[georgelesley]

tatest wrote:
You bought this brand new? Refrigerator access panels OEM are not usually screened, although a prior owner may have added a screen.

No we bought it used with two years and 9000 miles obviously most of the time it just sat. What you suggest is certainly possible, but I seriously doubt it. The prior owners were elderly and obviously not handy at maintenance or fixing things.

Good point though, I might be blaming the wrong party. Thanks!

[tatest]

You bought this brand new? Refrigerator access panels OEM are not usually screened, although a prior owner may have added a screen.

[georgelesley]

I guess my main problem was only screening one opening. If you are going to screen one, screen both or save your money and do not screen either. Kinda like a screen on one window and one not having any.

I agree the fans will not cure the underlying problem. Hopefully the other sensors will shut it down before anything bad happens. That is the real purpose of the system.

[Dutch_12078]

Additional cooling fans may help the fridge work more efficiently, but they won't help with the underlying cause of the fires. The ARP unit is a good safety choice though.

[Me_Again]

I have never seen a screen on a refer wall vent on several RV's I have had. I think when I replaced a roof vent a few years ago it had a screen. Chris