External Fridge Fan - My Build Sheet

[Defenestrator]

I haven't done very formal tests, but anecdotally I'd say in warmer weather (above 90 degrees) the "Texas Fan" on my 19' helps keep fridge temperatures lower. The aftermarket internal fan I got also helps, although it's honestly kind of a piece of junk.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Defenestrator

The aftermarket internal fan I got also helps, although it's honestly kind of a piece of junk.

Have you seen these? Much better than the battery operated ones out there but you need to find a good source of 12V power.
https://rvcoolingunit.com/Dometic-Ev...-P5444060.aspx

[cpaharley2008]

I have one of those fans which I plan to install in the new one later, I have used it successfully in my last 2 Escapes and with the vinyl flap installed my unit has been kept cold.

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Yes, the stock Dometic fan kits typically have a thermostatic switch that comes on when the condenser air behind the fridge gets above 130F.

My Dometic Refrigerator fan ( texas fan) is controlled by a single pole switch located just inside the door of my trailer and a thermostat that is attached directly to the coils of the refrigerator . The fan thermostat has a set point of 90 deg
I plan on adding the refrigerator fan at some point in the future

[EdColorado]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Have you seen these? Much better than the battery operated ones out there but you need to find a good source of 12V power.
https://rvcoolingunit.com/Dometic-Ev...-P5444060.aspx

I e-mailed the seller about hooking this fan up in the DM2663. Here is his reply.



“You should be able to connect the red wire only to the 12DC in put side of the door switch for the DM2663. Can not be wired to the light bulb. Best to test to see which stays HOT when door switch pushed. Lot of the newer Dometic model door switch works different. Always test to confirm.”

I’ve used similar fans in the past and they seem to help in very hot weather. Plus they seem to eliminate the frost buildup on the fins. That helps cooling.

Ed

[cpaharley2008]

On my last Escape, I passed a wire down the drain tube and made the connection in the rear of the refrigerator where there are multiple 12v sources/connection ports.

[sclifrickson]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

On my last Escape, I passed a wire down the drain tube and made the connection in the rear of the refrigerator where there are multiple 12v sources/connection ports.

Brilliant, thanks for this! I’ve been planning to add a hard wired interior fan to the fridge for awhile but have held off because I hadn’t figured out where to source the power without pulling the fridge and drilling through the side. This is so much better, and like most great ideas it’s so obvious once you either figure it out or someone else points it out. Thanks!

[cpaharley2008]

You refrigerator should be the same as mine in my 2016 2ndG E19 and that was my source. I twisted the wires together and snaked them down to the rear refer compartment and to the 12v source. There is a switch on the unit for operation.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

On my last Escape, I passed a wire down the drain tube and made the connection in the rear of the refrigerator where there are multiple 12v sources/connection ports.

On the older RM2510 I was able to run my wires out the back wall with the thermistor. Then I hooked up to the 12V terminal block which has constant power. Works great.

[MyronL]

Inside my old 4.3.

[mgfreeman]

I just spent an hour or so giving you information about temperatures, etc., related to our summer spent in the Arizona desert with and without the external fan on a 2017 19ft Escape with a 6 cu ft fridge. My reply crashed for some reason.

Bottom line, our recommendation is, unless you know precisely where you will be traveling, install every temperature-related option you can.

[Eggscape]

Thanks for the effort...I know that can be a real downer when you know the message is gone.
I think your point is good advice.

[LeonW]

Originally Posted by MyronL

Inside my old 4.3.

Myron, what is that 'Lite' stuff you keep in your fridge?

With my RMD8555,(the ones that Escape retrofitted to trailers in 2015) I got a set of fans that moves the air around the inside, similar to the ones CPAHarley installed in his previous trailer. they prevent frost build up on the fins. I also disconnected the thermistor from the fins and stuck it to the wall of the fridge. Since then I haven't had any problems with cooling, even in sub-optimal conditions.

[GeorgiaBill]

Thanks again to all who have responded. I called Reace Thursday and he explained why the external fan is NOT (Thanks Jim) needed on the 21s. Vent thru the roof, pretty much what you folks mentioned. Suits me.

I have no opinion on the other models.

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by GeorgiaBill

Thanks again to all who have responded. I called Reace Thursday and he explained why the external fan is needed on the 21s. Vent thru the roof, pretty much what you folks mentioned. Suits me.

I have no opinion on the other models.

So, are you saying the fan IS needed on the 21 according to Reace or it is NOT needed on the 21, according to Reace?

[GeorgiaBill]

I also asked him about the sail switch, which I had never heard mentioned prior to reading forum comments.

As mentioned elsewhere the current 21 does have the access door that permits sail switch door and circuit board maintenance/replacement. The air on the sail switch is internal air and from dust, animal hair, etc.

[GeorgiaBill]

I finally asked if someone could take pictures of all 4 walls showing the studs before any sheathing is installed. Nope.


He explained the sheathing is stapled to the studs outside the trailer.


My build sheet is complete and it's time to obsess on something else of grave import.

[GeorgiaBill]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

So, are you saying the fan IS needed on the 21 according to Reace or it is NOT needed on the 21, according to Reace?

NOT needed. I edited and fixed. Thanks, Jim


You're about ready to pick up (Monday ?). I'll be watching and learning.

[EdColorado]

Originally Posted by GeorgiaBill

I finally asked if someone could take pictures of all 4 walls showing the studs before any sheathing is installed. Nope.


He explained the sheathing is stapled to the studs outside the trailer.


My build sheet is complete and it's time to obsess on something else of grave import.

This is the wall between the bed and bathroom on a 21.
The sloped side faces towards the front.

[GeorgiaBill]

Thank you.