Insulation behind fridge

[Eggscape]

Can anybody tell me why there is insulation on the outside wall behind the fridge? Since there is a huge hole below and above it to the outside...what is it’s purpose? The area behind the fridge (without it running) should be the same temperature as the outside. The air flow from the huge holes should take care of any moisture.
However I am interested in seeing any photos of the insulation down the sides and along the bottom between the outside wall and the fridge. Also how the wall above the fridge is insulated...that would be the wall behind the cabinet that sometimes holds a microwave in a 19. To me these are critical areas that need to be well sealed and insulated.
If this has been talked about before, please attach the link.
Thanks

[cpaharley2008]

Check out the build threads...lots of insulated pictures. I was thinking about this last night, wondering if there is any insulation along the side wall exposed to the outside in the lower refer airspace. It was darn cold inside the 19 and cold air was getting in. I can see the advantage of 12v refers with no vent holes what so ever....

[Eggscape]

I have checked out the build threads only to find the silver sheet stuck to the wall with a bit of a flap on each side as if it might get stuck to the wall between the shell and fridge.
I think someone would have had to remove the roof vent and look down to see if the back of the cabinet above the fridge was insulated.

[padlin]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

Can anybody tell me why there is insulation on the outside wall behind the fridge?

My guess, keeping the area cooler in the sun.

[Vermilye]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

Can anybody tell me why there is insulation on the outside wall behind the fridge? Since there is a huge hole below and above it to the outside...what is it’s purpose? The area behind the fridge (without it running) should be the same temperature as the outside. The air flow from the huge holes should take care of any moisture.
However I am interested in seeing any photos of the insulation down the sides and along the bottom between the outside wall and the fridge. Also how the wall above the fridge is insulated...that would be the wall behind the cabinet that sometimes holds a microwave in a 19. To me these are critical areas that need to be well sealed and insulated.
If this has been talked about before, please attach the link.
Thanks

The efficiency of the cooling process for the absorption refrigerator depends on the chimney effect moving air over the various condensers in the plumbing in the back of the refrigerator. If the fiberglass shell of the trailer is overheated by the sun, the air movement is reduced. Adding insulation, baffles, etc, particularly with side vented refrigerators can make the difference between one that works at 90°F, and one that doesn't. Dometic has a couple of documents that specify the clearances and baffles required for each model of refrigerator to work properly. While it doesn't seem logical, closing down the air space (which the added insulation may do) behind the refrigerator can produce a bit improvement in its operation.

[Eggscape]

Sure that make sense...thanks.
Now if I can see some pictures to confirm that the chamber is sealed and insulated from the interior.

[NEWYORKHILLBILLY]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

Sure that make sense...thanks.
Now if I can see some pictures to confirm that the chamber is sealed and insulated from the interior.

This photo might help . looks like they insulate around the fridge and reflective on wall behind fridge . i believe the reflective is more to prevent condensation I don't think they do anything more. someone correct me if i wrong.

[NEWYORKHILLBILLY]

larger photo

[padlin]

I believe the op is looking for pictures of the hole the fridge goes in as opposed to the actual fridge.

[tdf-texas]

Originally Posted by NEWYORKHILLBILLY

larger photo

Thanks! That looks like some type of fiberglass insulation on the fridge cavity walls. I wonder what R factor that stuff is?

[Eggscape]

Thanks...I understand that there is insulation around the side of the fridge.
I would like to see or if anyone has checked out the seal between the back edge of the fridge and the trailer wall.
So if you were to open the fridge access hatch and look in to the left, right or down, you should see a little wall with insulation on it that connects the fridge to the trailer.
If you were to stick a camera up the hatch and take a picture you should see a sheet of insulation from the top rear edge of the fridge up to the roof vent.
Just curious to know if the insulation envelope is continuous in this location.

[currinh]

Eggscape:

We have an older '19 built in 2011. They have likely changed things since, but I found no insulation in the 'fridge compartment when I pulled out 'fridge. I put insulation on the sides and top to further insulate the 'fridge.

I think Jon is right about the insulation on the outside wall. With a large gap between the 'fridge and the wall, the convective flow will go up this gap. With the wall built out to the 'fridge the flow goes over the cooling fins rather than through the, now nonexistent, gap. It also help with solar heating, but I believe redirecting the flow is the primary purpose.

This thread describes the modifications I made to our 'fridge. The first pictures shows the lack of insulation, but a lot has changed since 2011.

Hope this helps.

[Ron in BC]

I agree, Jon explained the principle. To clarify, in the photo the light colored vinyl on the right is the area behind the microwave. The rear of the fridge, when installed, is open to this cavity. There isn't any insulation on that side.

The original design didn't have any insulation on the exterior wall. Only a thin plywood baffle that reduced the size of the area to create a better draft. Don't know if you've ever been on the shady side of single layer f.g. with the sun beating on it. Hot, very hot. As Jon pointed out that starts to work against effective cooling.

Many of us have added extra insulation on the wall side to improve cooling. I'm not sure if ETI now insulates the wall side.

Ron

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

I agree, Jon explained the principle. To clarify, in the photo the light colored vinyl on the right is the area behind the microwave. The rear of the fridge, when installed, is open to this cavity. There isn't any insulation on that side.

The original design didn't have any insulation on the exterior wall. Only a thin plywood baffle that reduced the size of the area to create a better draft. Don't know if you've ever been on the shady side of single layer f.g. with the sun beating on it. Hot, very hot. As Jon pointed out that starts to work against effective cooling.

Many of us have added extra insulation on the wall side to improve cooling. I'm not sure if ETI now insulates the wall side.

Ron

Darn Ron thinking back I wish I had added more back there in the chimney .I did some reflex back there , and refrigerator has been much , much better after cabinet insulation, but I wish I had done more . Pat

[Vermilye]

While I've posted this before, here is a link to a Dometic venting PDF manual at the Bryant website for some of their refrigerator installations.

[Ron in BC]

Yah, I've been pretty happy with my fridge mods. A layer of reflectix against the f. g. skin and foam tapering from about 3" to 1 1/2" between the baffle and the skin.

Ron

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

Yah, I've been pretty happy with my fridge mods. A layer of reflectix against the f. g. skin and foam tapering from about 3" to 1 1/2" between the baffle and the skin.

Ron

I did do the Reflectix but wish I did the foam too seeing yours . I think my thinking at the time was the foam maybe melting being close to the back flame . I thought you made a metal chimney insert back there ? Pat

[Ron in BC]

I did, the aluminum ducted replacement baffle covers the foam.

Ron

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

I did, the aluminum ducted replacement baffle covers the foam.

Ron

Very nice Ron ! I thought so . Pat

[cpaharley2008]

But, as Ron's picture indicates, no insulation around the exterior wall where the vent is and probably nothing against the side walls where the corners are foam sealed. Underneath that plastic tray is direct access to inside the trailer also. That cavity is a hole letting in cold air inside the trailer and should be sealed off from the interior better, IMHO.