Any hints / tips for additional fridge cooling

[sgtangel]

Hello everyone
I am starting to prepare for our first trip, which sadly is still a month away
But in doing so, I am looking to find a solution to a problem we encountered last year

Our Electrolux RM212 fridge normally runs on 240v, we very rarely run it on 12v or gas (but both work as they should). The vents to the back of the fridge are on the awning side of the van, and in the very hot weather last year, the temperature in the awning was stifling :evil: , and it caused the fridge to stop working during those warm days. Once home from that holiday last year, we serviced the fridge, and it is working very well again, but I am looking to avoid a repeat of the problem, as I am so sure we are going to have a great summer :woohoo:

I am aware from regular visits to this forum that there may be a method to incorporate additional airflow to the rear of the fridge by means of a 12v computer fan installed between the vent and the fridge, but I am struggling to find anything specific to this on any forums.

Does anyone have any words of wisdom in relation to this ?
I have attached a pic of the fan I have purchased to do this.

Thanks
Sgtangel

 

[sgtangel]

 

[sgtangel]

For clarity, I understand that a fan can be fitted to assist cooling, but what I lack is the technical knowledge i.e

should it blow air into the back, or suck it out ?
should it be fitted on the top vent or bottom ?
does it have to target a specific point ?
any tips on the best type of bracket to use, or how to make my own ?
any tips on whether to incorporate a switch or fan controller, or just hard wire and leave it on all the time ?

Cheers

 

[chrisn7]

This is relatively straightforward to do. I fitted twin fans to the upper vent, such that they draw air in via the bottom vent and out through the top assisting the rising hot air. I recommend you buy good quality ultra silent 12v computer fans - cheap ones may be more noisy and keep you awake with the hum. Also the largest fan that will fit as these have a lower fan speed and are therefore quieter.I added a 12v switch to be able to isolate the fans if necessary.

You will need a controller such as this, but be sure its 12v as ther are identical 230 v versions as well:
Search ebay for '12v temperature controller' (I can't get the link to work). This type allows you set a 'switch on' temp, and also the temp it cools down to before switching off

So, 12v +ve to switch then on to the controller with a ground and the same on to the fans. The controller has a 1 metre pre-wired temperature sensor which you have to tie wrap to the fridge cooling system - have a look at the Thetford site to see where they put this.

The only other component I fitted is a waterproof plug to connect the fans, as this is quite an exposed location. Also I wanted the fans to be easily removable in case of servicing requirements.

Its pretty easy, the most time consuming bit is getting the wiring to the fans. Note you will almost certainly have to drill a hole in the wood surround to the fridge to run the wires - this must be sealed to prevent any fumes entering the van when on gas.
I'll try with some images if you wish

 

[sgtangel]

Thanks for the info Chris. If you get a chance to throw a few pics in, that would be great,
I think the fan I have bought may be too small on its own, I could probably fit another beside it.

 

[chrisn7]

Tried 2 images without success, so just this for now:

Here are the fans I bought - we couldn't actually hear them in operation
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00KF7R49S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Woodentop]

There is no need really for thermostatic control, just let them run.

To keep them quiet get two 12V fans and wire them in series. This will mean they run slower but (1) will still cause air to move and (2) they will be very much quieter.

I did see of one guy who tried a different approach. He got some flexible ducting and fitted a 12V fan in the end of it blowing air into the pipe. To prevent anything nasty getting in he put a couple of thicknesses of one of his wife's stockings over the end as a filter. He placed the pipe under the van, brought it up through the wheel arch and placed the other end of the pipe outside the lower vent. ISTR he used a funnel of some sort to expand the effective size of the pipe over the whole of the vent. Seems like a good idea to me.

Have a look for ideas on YouTube - you will be amazed what you find.

 

[sgtangel]

I did see of one guy who tried a different approach. He got some flexible ducting and fitted a 12V fan in the end of it blowing air into the pipe. To prevent anything nasty getting in he put a couple of thicknesses of one of his wife's stockings over the end as a filter. He placed the pipe under the van, brought it up through the wheel arch and placed the other end of the pipe outside the lower vent. ISTR he used a funnel of some sort to expand the effective size of the pipe over the whole of the vent. Seems like a good idea to me.

That`s dedication for you - don`t know how my wife would feel about having something like that in the awning tho ?? certainly the internal option would be far less intrusive...

thanks for the idea tho

 

[chrisn7]

There is no need really for thermostatic control, just let them run.

To keep them quiet get two 12V fans and wire them in series. This will mean they run slower but (1) will still cause air to move and (2) they will be very much quieter.

.

What does 'just let them run' mean? If you don't even have the minimal control of a switch the fans will run whatever the weather conditions, so that in winter you could well have over cooling. If the set up caused the temp to fall below below 8C, Thetford advise fitting vent covers, so having fans running then becomes absurd. If you fit a simple switch then there is always the possibility of forgetting to switch it on or off.

Given that these thermostatic controllers cost just a few quid and sit in the power cable that has to be run to the fans anyway, it makes complete sense to have a fit and forget set up.

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And the little control panel just above the fridge ( the wood surround is mine)