External Fridge Fan

[garysd]

We almost have our Build Sheet decisions made, and ready to head up to Chilliwack between Christmas and New Years to finalize everything. But there's one item that we're still undecided on, and that's the External Fridge Fan for $175.00. I asked Sarah about it, and she said it increases the performance of the fridge which is particularly important in hotter climates. Does anyone feel that it would be useful in more mild climates? We live in Oregon and we really don't anticipate doing much travelling in really hot areas, but you never can tell where you'll end up once you're on the road.

 

[rbryan4]

$175 is pretty steep but I'd go ahead and get the fan. They do help fridge performance. Although, the new Americana fridges Escape are using perform better in the heat than the 8 series in the classic Escapes.

 

[Jim Bennett]

If you decide to forgo it, and find you do wish to have it later, it is an easy thing to add. Reace just talked me out of getting one, though I was not set, just curious on it.

 

[Zardoz-ESC]

If you decide to forgo it, and find you do wish to have it later, it is an easy thing to add. Reace just talked me out of getting one, though I was not set, just curious on it.

Jim, do you exactly what product ETI is using for the external fridge fan? Thanks.

 

[Jim Bennett]

Jim, do you exactly what product ETai is using for the external fridge fan? Thanks.

Sorry, no I don't.

 

[garysd]

Thanks for the feedback! I'll check with Sarah to find out what model fan they use.

Gary

 

[tractors1]

We almost have our Build Sheet decisions made, and ready to head up to Chilliwack between Christmas and New Years to finalize everything. But there's one item that we're still undecided on, and that's the External Fridge Fan for $175.00. I asked Sarah about it, and she said it increases the performance of the fridge which is particularly important in hotter climates. Does anyone feel that it would be useful in more mild climates? We live in Oregon and we really don't anticipate doing much travelling in really hot areas, but you never can tell where you'll end up once you're on the road.

We've had zero issues with our Dometic 8x replacement fridge in our 2014 - 21 in California warm areas; haven't been to the SW hot areas. Did fine at near 100 degrees though.

Another Escape in Oregon! Yay!

 

[garysd]

Another Escape in Oregon! Yay!

Thanks, Charlie! You're still on our Build Sheet as our Customer Referral. So glad we moved up to the 21'.

Gary

 

[padlin]

I never had the fan actually turn on, at least till I put in a manual switch for it. Granted I don't travel in real high temps, but I did try it up to about 90 and it never kicked on.

 

[Kountrykamper]

but you never can tell where you'll end up once you're on the road.

I had to remove a fridge on our old 19' to install one. This one will come from the factory with the $175 fan. Hopefully with the new model fridge I will not need it but I don't want to ever pull the fridge again.

 

[Zardoz-ESC]

I had to remove a fridge on our old 19' to install one. This one will come from the factory with the $175 fan. Hopefully with the new fridge I will not need it but I dont want to ever pull the fridge again.

Me either! I think I'll have them run a switched, 12V line into the cavity behind the fridge. If it's needed, I'll install a bank of 3 or 4 computer-style fans near the exhaust port on the roof.

 

[cpaharley2008]

I had to bypass the thermocouple in my old one to activate the fans and have them run, so for $175 I went with the option on the new one. There is a switch inside the compartment for you to activate it, it is a fairly big computer fan. IFINM once on it is automatic, so I plan on turning it on in the spring and let the automatic take over, I'll have to listen to insure it is operating. It is covered by the warranty for any issues. Any air movement back there once it is on should help, regardless of the outside temperature. Think of having a fan in your chimney at home, your fires would burn better would they not?

 

[jennykatz]

fridge fan

So you have to open back panel then turn on switch for fridge fan? Or is it automatic ? escape 21 in Florida

 

[cpaharley2008]

I open the fridge compartment, there is a switch, I turn it on, close the compartment, and it will operate automatically if needed. Similar to those with the electric option on the water heater.

 

[Jim Bennett]

If you decide to forgo it, and find you do wish to have it later, it is an easy thing to add. Reace just talked me out of getting one, though I was not set, just curious on it.

I thought I would elaborate on this, as it seems I left it a little open ended.

Reace had meant for my situation, and that if I was not camping in the southern states in the heat of the summer, it would not likely be needed. Plus, knowing I am a handy guy, said the retrofit would be an easy thing to do if I ever determined it necessary.

I believe that now going to the Americana series fridges most of the previous problems will be eliminated, but only time will tell.

 

[escape artist]

I open the fridge compartment, there is a switch, I turn it on, close the compartment, and it will operate automatically if needed. Similar to those with the electric option on the water heater.

Hi: cpaharley2008... We won a small wire shrouded RV fan that plugs into 120V. Knowing the fridge has a receptacle in the rear compartment I just plug it in, and leave it there, aimed it up the flue. As soon as we're attached to the current bush it's on. Free is a good solution!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

 

[Mike Lewis]

I had Escape replace my single door 8-series fridge with the double door model. It helped, but the newer fridge still gets too warm when I'm towing. Doesn't matter if I'm on propane or 12V.

This is the only persistent problem I've had with my trailer, and I'd like to get it resolved before my next long trip. Would the external fan you are discussing in this thread help with my situation? It's obviously a question of airflow when towing.

 

[cpaharley2008]

Mike,
There are several threads here where those who switched out their refrigerators under the Domestic recall had the same issue, the fans would not come on. Very easy to bypass the heat thermocouple on the the rear and switch on the fans that ar already there. The issue is the heat thermocouple is too high and not allow the fans to come on, just by pass it with a switch and you will hear the fans come on.

 

[cpaharley2008]

See here for some info http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f9/rmd8555-fan-8269.html

 

[jennykatz]

fan fridge

My fan switch was on and it was working when plugged into 110AC .Does this fan still work on 12 volt or propane.the fan did not recycle on and off ? So maybe it only works on 110AC ?