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KnightsWatch · 09-03-2017, 01:12 PM

I am interested in the experiences of anyone who has installed auxiliary fans to improve the performance of their slide-out installed refrigerators. The refrigerator in our 2011 36GKE struggles when temps get up around 90. Thanks.

rarebear.nm · 09-03-2017, 02:49 PM

I installed both chimney fans (PC case fans @ 12volts) and an interior fan mounted on the cooling fins. I can control both sets of fans from two remote rocker switches I installed. I still have and use one of those small blue box C battery fans. I place it on the bottom self just to keep air mixed up even more.

The fans together has made a big difference. My biggest problem now is learning to set the temperature level higher so as not to freeze everything in the frig. Ice cream stays frozen and I freeze meats, etc. in short time.

KnightsWatch · 09-03-2017, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rarebear.nm

I installed both chimney fans (PC case fans @ 12volts) and an interior fan mounted on the cooling fins. I can control both sets of fans from two remote rocker switches I installed. I still have and use one of those small blue box C battery fans. I place it on the bottom self just to keep air mixed up even more.

The fans together has made a big difference. My biggest problem now is learning to set the temperature level higher so as not to freeze everything in the frig. Ice cream stays frozen and I freeze meats, etc. in short time.

Thanks. I am not familiar with the RSO floor plan. Our refer is in the slide-out so there is no roof vent to install a stack vent like the one Valtera has come out with. I plan on installing fans in the interior of the refer. Really trying to figure out where to put the fans to help cool the evaporator coils, and where people got their 12v power from. Where did you tap in to get the power for your stack fans?

rarebear.nm · 09-03-2017, 05:07 PM

The refer is side mounted just inside the door. There's a chimney behind the refer and bathroom that extends to the basement. I ran the power leads to the basement where I have an aux. 12 volt fuse block and tapped into power there. To get the positive power lead out of the frig I ran the thin power lead through the drain tube. No need to cut the frig wall. From there it was a straight shot into the basement.

I would think you could add chimney fans anywhere above the heat exchanger just inside the top vent and be fine. I have no idea where you have 12 volt power in that slide. Since those fans require very little power you could probably tap into the 12v line that goes to the frig's controller board. The cooling fins are already grounded so the negative leads of the fan just connects to the fins.

dwhit · 09-03-2017, 05:15 PM

KnightsWatch : When I was a "newbie" to forums like this one I would spend hours in the evening browsing the archives chasing various subject matters. Made it so when I DID post something I was educated the best I could be beforehand and be able to participate in an intelligent back and forth conversation knowing what others have done with similar issues.

It would appear you haven't done your homework.

There are HOURS of reading about refers and fan mods in the archives. Some are mine.

Often archive searches and the great solutions found there preclude a need to post.

rockintom · 09-03-2017, 08:16 PM

Knight just curious what model Norcold is your frig? I've heard of issues on the bigger N1210 model in this regard, even though they use 2 fans in the outside upper vent area from the factory. I've had 3 of the N1095 units that have not had the issue you describe. My fan starts to run when it is near 90*F ambient. Just lately we've be 109-115 temps and the frig and freezer are doing fine (didn't measure inside temp since it seems fine).

KnightsWatch · 09-03-2017, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwhit

KnightsWatch : When I was a "newbie" to forums like this one I would spend hours in the evening browsing the archives chasing various subject matters. Made it so when I DID post something I was educated the best I could be beforehand and be able to participate in an intelligent back and forth conversation knowing what others have done with similar issues.

It would appear you haven't done your homework.

There are HOURS of reading about refers and fan mods in the archives. Some are mine.

Often archive searches and the great solutions found there preclude a need to post.

It isn't that I haven't attempted to do that. I do not now how to search for Excel specific posts. I really don't care to read about how someone did their mod on their Monaco MH. One really doesn't need this forum at all to find plenty videos of fan installations. In fact, I only come to this forum when I cannot find what I want elsewhere. I am seeking specifically for Excel slide-out installed evaporator fan installations.

I see many posts on this forum, and the other one I am on for our TT, to which I could respond in the same manner as you did to my inquiry. When I can I offer insight from my experience or direction as to where to find the info they are seeking. If you would be so kind as to direct me as to how to access your posts on this manner, I would enjoy reading them.

wingnut60 · 09-03-2017, 09:36 PM

KnightsWatch,
It isn't an Excel, but in my last Suites, I did something similar to what the pic from dwhit--my Dometic was in the slide and the factory single fan died. Ran perforated angle iron across the upper vent inside the cover and placed 2 computer fans. Removed the temp control switch and direct-wired to an on/off switch using the already-present feed wire.
Worked very well for drawing air up into the bottom vent and out the upper vent.
I put this repsponse in with the belief that most slide-mounted fridges are similar and wired with an air fan--just thought it might help.
Joe

KnightsWatch · 09-03-2017, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockintom

Knight just curious what model Norcold is your frig? I've heard of issues on the bigger N1210 model in this regard, even though they use 2 fans in the outside upper vent area from the factory. I've had 3 of the N1095 units that have not had the issue you describe. My fan starts to run when it is near 90*F ambient. Just lately we've be 109-115 temps and the frig and freezer are doing fine (didn't measure inside temp since it seems fine).

Hey Rockin. I am probably a little ahead of myself here. We are still in Alaska and won't be down to our 5er in Edinburg until mid October. As you probably know, last winter was considerably warmer than normal and our refer struggled with it. I won't be able to check the model number until we get down there in 6 weeks. I'm just looking to give it a little help.

I was considering installing a residential refer, but we bought a 20' TT for trippin around Texas in the winter and our trip back and forth from Alaska. That ate up the funds for the residential refer for a year. Thanks for your interest in my inquiry.

KnightsWatch · 09-03-2017, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingnut60

KnightsWatch,
It isn't an Excel, but in my last Suites, I did something similar to what the pic from dwhit--my Dometic was in the slide and the factory single fan died. Ran perforated angle iron across the upper vent inside the cover and placed 2 computer fans. Removed the temp control switch and direct-wired to an on/off switch using the already-present feed wire.
Worked very well for drawing air up into the bottom vent and out the upper vent.
I put this repsponse in with the belief that most slide-mounted fridges are similar and wired with an air fan--just thought it might help.
Joe

Thanks Joe. When I get down to our 5er in Texas next month I will check to see if there is a fan that is either dead or not getting the job done from which I could get the 12v from. I have seen similar fan mods as dwhits on youtube etc. and figured that was the route I would go. I guess I just really want to know if there is easily accessible 12v feed on the Excel.

Old-Biscuit · 09-03-2017, 09:50 PM

WHAT BRAND/MODEL OF FRIDGE???

Factory installed fans are located centerline just above the absorber tubes (those are the large slanted tubing)

12V DC power comes from DC terminal block in outside compartment or off of control board.
12V POS goes thru an in-line 1A fuse to the t-stat and then from t-stat to fans.
T-stat is attached to condenser fin (far right fin) and closes (starts fans) at 130*F FIN Temp. Opens (stops fans) at 115*F FIN temp

Above is 'generic' fridge fan info.
Depends on BRAND/MODEL

Some folks install fans in lower vent/access cover to blow air in (least efficient)
Some folks install fans in upper vent/access cover to suck air out (better)
OEM Factory fans are mid position centerline to pull air in thru lower vent up thru absorber tubing and then blow it across condenser fins and out upper vent

BUT.......BIG BUT
Majority of rv fridge cooling issues are due to RV Mfgs NOT installing RV Fridges per Fridge Mfgs Installation Instructions paying attention to clearances, dead air spaces and baffles if needed to direct the airflow.

wingnut60 · 09-03-2017, 09:55 PM

Much better description, thanks.

KnightsWatch · 09-03-2017, 10:06 PM

Thanks a lot OB. Going to the ARPrv site to do some reading now.

dwhit · 09-04-2017, 11:34 AM

KnightsWatch : I apologize for my rude post. I'm getting old, constantly in pain and I'm way-huge bored where we're camped for two months. I responded poorly.

AND I can't consume alcohol anymore...heart problems. I used to be a fun-loving intoxicated guy but now...justa' crotchety old man.

Sorry.