Community Forums

southwest · 08-19-2015, 09:00 AM

Need some views. My fridge in my 2015 5th wheel (Montana Mountaineer) is being replaced. I am wondering if a slide out awning would help keep the new fridge to operate cooler ( more efficient). I am thinking about additional cooling fans. Not sure would be the best way. Thanks for your views.

Skip426 · 08-19-2015, 09:32 AM

I don't think a slide awning would have nearly as much effect as the vent fans , or selecting a site with shade or parking with the fridge on the north or east side.
Because of the direction change of the fridge venting ; hot air exiting through the slide wall , rather than the roof; vent fans are doubly important for your set up.
Any idea of the exact failure of the original fridge?
Manufacturers defect?

EDIT: Vent fans on the upper vent blowing the hot air out , has proved to be the most efficient.

southwest · 08-19-2015, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

I don't think a slide awning would have nearly as much effect as the vent fans , or selecting a site with shade or parking with the fridge on the north or east side.
Because of the direction change of the fridge venting ; hot air exiting through the slide wall , rather than the roof; vent fans are doubly important for your set up.
Any idea of the exact failure of the original fridge?
Manufacturers defect?

EDIT: Vent fans on the upper vent blowing the hot air out , has proved to be the most efficient.

Defective fridge. I can only park the 5th wheel one way on lot. Fridge slide out faces south.thanks for view.

wingnut60 · 08-19-2015, 09:01 PM

Probably the best assist you can do is to add vent fan(s) to you unit as mentioned above--used to suck the air out at the top, not blow it in at the bottom. Hope I can attach a pic of what I have done on mine.
They are computer fans and run off the original single fan line--I also put a single-pole/single throw switch inline to turn them off when dry camping and not hot outside. Very easy addon.
Joe

southwest · 08-19-2015, 10:39 PM

Thanks for information.

Mr_D · 08-19-2015, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

EDIT: Vent fans on the upper vent blowing the hot air out , has proved to be the most efficient.

Yep. Fantastic Vent studied that and the above agrees with their findings. IN our rig we have two of their vent fans, neither is reversible to blow in and that decision wasn't made to save a few ¢ on our rigs price.

wingnut60 · 08-20-2015, 06:59 AM

In our Suites, the Fantastic Fans ARE reversible, + temp sensitive and rain sensors.
I think a case can be made for air flow either direction--is there a link to the FF study?
Joe

wingedone · 08-20-2015, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by southwest

Need some views. My fridge in my 2015 5th wheel (Montana Mountaineer) is being replaced. I am wondering if a slide out awning would help keep the new fridge to operate cooler ( more efficient). I am thinking about additional cooling fans. Not sure would be the best way. Thanks for your views.

We have both, and no matter how the trailer is parked or how much sun, our fridge is always in the 30's and the freezer is always around zero. I have always been very happy with our fridge (now I jinxed it). Fridge is always set at 6 (out of 9) unless it gets too cold and then reduce it to 5.

Thus, I recommend both. Though that is based on my own experience only.

redhooker · 08-21-2015, 04:33 PM

Our service guy is one of the most experienced in the state (40+ years) and has installed small patio awnings on kitchen slides with great results. The awnings provide shade to the entire slide and fridge temps improve dramatically on units subject to direct sun.