Fridge panel question

[harpoon-KEY]

I probably should know this, but here goes:
Why are there 2 panels on the outside of my camper for the fridge? I know this is related to the fact that my refrigerator is located in a slide, but I don't understand why there needs to be 2 outdoor panels. I opened the top one up today while waxing the rig and saw it only holds the veins for cooling the fluid. I'm sure this is an easy one for most of you. Thanks...

 

[WaltBennett]

Air circulation. Won't work without it.

 

[jimcol]

The two panels are needed to circulate air around the coils on the refer. As the area behind the fridge warms up air is drawn in the bottom panel and vents out the top panel. If your frig was not in a slide your top panel would be a roof vent. Jim

 

[DQDick]

Some folks have felt it necessary to add small fans to increase the air flow so both vents are definitely needed.

 

[harpoon-KEY]

Thanks. This all makes sense to me now. My previous camper was vented thru the roof since it wasn't part of a slide.

 

[Hooker-MOC]

I went to Wally World and bought the smallest AC powered fan I could find. I mounted it in the upper aft corner on the back of the refer, blowing air down on the hardware. Then went to Lowes and got a remote on/off switch so I can control it from inside.

 

[Tom S.-MOC]

quote:Originally posted by Hooker

I went to Wally World and bought the smallest AC powered fan I could find. I mounted it in the upper aft corner on the back of the refer, blowing air down on the hardware. Then went to Lowes and got a remote on/off switch so I can control it from inside.

Why not just wire it to the compressor motor so when it kicks on, so does the fan? You could use a relay if you're afraid of too much current draw.

 

[twindman]

Tom S. - I don't think these have compressors do they?
Also, I have a 2006 and it has a fan built in to the top vent area. It has a thermistor set at 100 or so, I think. But it seems to have to get over that before it runs.

 

[Jlb27537]

Couple of problems here. Heat rises. IF you are going to add a fan, you want it blowing up, NOT down.

IF your frig has 2 outside panels, you should have 2 fans already on the back of the frig. You will not be able to see them, but when the top coil area gets to around 110-120 degrees they come on automatically.

Anything you can do to improve or increase air flow upward will result in better fridge operation.

Our fridges do NOT have compressors. They are absorption fridges.

Theory is here: http://bryantrv.com/reefer.html

I have added 12vdc computer fans and used a thermal snap thermostat to control them.(available in different temps) I mount the snap thermostat to the top set of fins on the highest side and then use it to control the fans. http://www.grainger.com/product/Fan-Switch-6UED5?s_pp=false

Jim