Community Forums

sonnyjim · 01-25-2011, 07:40 PM

What is a easy fix for air coming in around the fridge when driving? Sorry, I didn't say what it is. It's a fleetwood discovery, 96 model, and the air is coming in from outside around the top half. there is a slight gap at the top between the fridge and the wall and no gap @ the bottom.

AFChap · 01-25-2011, 08:23 PM

Uh ... plug the hole ??? I imagine it would be helpful to know what make/year motorhome (I presume motorhome rather than towable) you are talking about, and exactly WHERE the air is coming in. Of course the refrigerator has an access compartment on the outside wall and either a roof vent or a second access compartment higher up, but the outside air should NOT be coming into the passenger compartment.

AFChap · 01-25-2011, 10:48 PM

Quote:

slight gap at the top between the fridge and the wall and no gap @ the bottom

I wonder if the fridge has come loose from some anchors? I don't know how that one is anchored/tied in, etc, but it sounds like perhaps something has come loose that has allowed the top of the fridge to tip inward? At a minimum, I believe most have screws under the trim across the bottom and the top ...most likely have to have the fridge door open to see that trim & remove it. The screws normally go into wood, so could pull out. Mine has not only those screws, but 4 bolts inside the outside access compartment and 1 or 2 on top inside the roof vent AND is glued in with silicone!

sonnyjim · 01-26-2011, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AFChap

I wonder if the fridge has come loose from some anchors? I don't know how that one is anchored/tied in, etc, but it sounds like perhaps something has come loose that has allowed the top of the fridge to tip inward? At a minimum, I believe most have screws under the trim across the bottom and the top ...most likely have to have the fridge door open to see that trim & remove it. The screws normally go into wood, so could pull out. Mine has not only those screws, but 4 bolts inside the outside access compartment and 1 or 2 on top inside the roof vent AND is glued in with silicone!

The fridge does not seem to be loose at all, and when i try to shove it back in at the top it wont move. Do you think that the bolts inside the roof vent are adjustable? maybe it has just shifted a little bit over time. F.Y.I. The gap at the top maybe an inch at best and tapers to nothing at the bottom. Just got this unit the 3rd of Jan., so please excuse my ignorance.

AFChap · 01-26-2011, 12:35 PM

I doubt yours has any fasteners on top. That is part of the roll-over kit that Winnebago does along with four bolts behind the fridge --2 ea into the walls on each side.

Hopefully someone who is familiar with how the fridge is secured in your coach will respond.

"007" · 01-28-2011, 07:48 PM

sonnyjim welcome to irv2.
If you look at this PDF you will see how your fridge is installed in wall cavity page 23 on down. It may not be your fridge just want to show a installation.
At the top of your fridge at the rear you will see baffles that direct the hot air from your cooling coils up through the roof vent.
If the baffle has fall-in out of position more cold air can come into your living space.
When you look from outside at you fridge you may see insulation on both sides of fridge to stop cold air from entering your living space.
My fridge also has insulation blanket on top of fridge between inside wall and baffle.
Previous owner may have had work done and they never correctly replaced the baffle or any insulation that was in place.
You maybe able to check from your roof vent when you remove it and see whats up if not you may have to pull fridge.
The baffles have to be in place for proper ventilation of your fridge.

Gary RVRoamer · 01-29-2011, 10:53 AM

The urethane spray foam is great for plugging that sort of hole. Great Stuff is one brand - available at Depot, Lowes, and many hardware stores.

H. Miller · 01-29-2011, 01:13 PM

AND, anytime the frig is using propane (in motion) there is probably carbon monoxide coming in with the cold air. Till fixed, I personally wouldn't drive it around the block

sonnyjim · 01-30-2011, 02:12 PM

UPDATE, This is a Dometic double door fridge. Got the mounting screws out, disconnected everything and pulled it out about a foot or so. It was lower on one side so i cut some plastic 18 wheeler mud flap and put it under one side and got it level. We put more insulation around it and reinstalled it. Not only does it look and fit better, it does not leak. All it really needed was some TLC, and it got it. For 15 years old it was still in pretty good shape, no rotton wood ect. Thanks for all the imput..