- How RV Refrigerator Fans Work
- Strategically Place High-Performance Fans
- Consider Fan Size, Sound Level, and Power
- Troubleshoot the Primary Refrigeration System First
- Find the Right Balance of Airflow
- Get to Know Your Refrigerator's Sweet Spot
- Organize Your Fridge to Make the Most of Limited Space
- Maintain Your RV Refrigerator
- Know When It's Time to Replace Cooling Fans
One of the trickier aspects of RV living can be getting your refrigerator to work just right.
Unlike the fridge in your sticks-and-bricks home, RV refrigerators have to deal with all sorts of variables – power fluctuations, extreme outdoor temperatures, sloped or uneven terrain, and road vibrations. So keeping your perishables fresh and preventing costly appliance repairs takes a bit more when you’re on the road.
The cooling fans on RV refrigerators play a key role in keeping everything running smoothly. But how exactly do they work? And what can you do to make sure they’re operating at peak efficiency?
How RV Refrigerator Fans Work
Before we dive into optimization strategies, let’s look at what these fans actually do.
RV refrigerators are typically absorption style units that run on LP gas, 12-volt DC power, or 120-volt AC electricity. Unlike the compressor fridges in our homes, absorption refrigerators don’t have a compressor and refrigerant. Instead, they use an ammonia-water solution in a pressurized system to create a chemical reaction that draws heat out of the fridge.
The key is that this cycle has to stay cold enough to keep working properly. That’s where the fans come in. They’re designed to enhance airflow across certain components like the condenser and coils. This prevents the system from overheating so your fridge can keep pumping out cold air.
If the fans aren’t running right, the fridge may not effectively shed heat. You’ll notice it not cooling properly or the freezer not freezing.
So what are some ways to optimize those fans for peak operation? I’m glad you asked!
Strategically Place High-Performance Fans
One of the best things you can do is install auxiliary fans to give your RV refrigerator a cooling boost. I prefer to use fans specifically made for RV refrigerator ventilation. You can find them at most RV parts stores or online.
Some good brands to look at are Atwood, Camco, and MaxxAir. Make sure the fans you select are DC powered so you can run them directly off your RV battery.
Here are a few strategic locations to position auxiliary fridge fans:
External Vents or Fins
Many RV refrigerators have vents or heat release fins on the exterior. Clip powerful fans directly onto these fins to help actively pull heat away. I find this makes a dramatic difference compared to just relying on passive airflow.
Inside Ventilation Compartment
Near Thermocouple
Adding a small fan near the thermocouple behind the fridge helps ensure accurate temperature readings. This allows the fridge to cycle on and off appropriately. Without enough airflow here, the fridge may struggle to reach and maintain the right temperature.
Consider Fan Size, Sound Level, and Power
Not all RV refrigerator fans are created equal. Here are some key factors I take into account when selecting fans:
- Size – Match the fan size to the available space. Smaller 40-50 mm fans work well for constrained areas like behind the unit. Go with larger 80-120 mm fans if you have the room.
- Sound level – RV wall thickness is no match for a noisy fan motor. Seek out ultra-quiet fans rated under 25 dB so you don’t have to listen to whirring all night.
- Power – More powerful fans move more cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air. Look for a minimum of 50 CFM for smaller fans, up to 150 CFM for larger fans. Variable speed settings are nice too.
- Power source – As mentioned earlier, opt for 12V DC powered fans you can connect to your RV battery. Some include a cigarette lighter plug for easy installation.
- Mounting – Fans that mount with included hardware or clip onto fins are ideal for DIY installation.
With top-notch fans ready to go in optimized locations, you’ll keep air circulating and prevent hot spots around the sensitive components of your RV refrigerator.
Troubleshoot the Primary Refrigeration System First
Before going all-in on fans, it’s a good idea to rule out any underlying issues with the refrigerator itself. Fans can improve things somewhat, but they’re just a band-aid if the core cooling system isn’t operating correctly.
Absorption refrigerators require careful installation and maintenance. The pressurized ammonia solution needs to circulate properly between the generator, condenser, evaporator, and absorber. Kinks in lines or a weak pump will hamper performance quickly.
So if your fridge runs constantly but won’t get cold, don’t just assume it needs more airflow. Have a technician check these key areas first:
- Refrigerant charge level – Low ammonia solution reduces cooling capacity.
- Ventilation obstructions – Make sure exterior vents aren’t blocked.
- Door seals and latch – Leaks let cold air escape.
- Unit leveling – 1-3 degrees off level prevents proper refrigerant flow.
- Sediment buildup – Can block lines and restrict cold cycle.
- Pump efficiency – Weak pumps don’t circulate solution well.
- Boiler corrosion – Reduces heat transfer.
- AC/DC heating element operation – Needed to control ammonia condensation.
- Thermostat calibration – Make sure control board is calibrated properly.
Repair any issues found with the refrigeration system itself before investing in fans and gadgets. Get that critical chemical process back up to spec first and foremost!
Find the Right Balance of Airflow
While RV refrigerator fans can certainly help, more airflow isn’t necessarily better. Here are a few tips to hit the sweet spot:
Don’t Overdo It
Too much airflow, especially directly on the fins, can disrupt the delicate refrigeration cycle. The fins are releasing heat intentionally. If they’re force cooled too much by high-powered fans, the ammonia solution won’t condense effectively.
Use the minimum number of fans needed to maintain temperatures. Monitor fridge operation and food safety, increasing airflow only if the interior warms up.
Minimize Cold Air Leakage
While we want ample ventilation behind the unit, beware of fans that create too much suction and pull cold air out. Use tight-fitting fans and isolate ventilation compartments as much as possible. Avoid gaping holes that allow chilled air to escape.
Balance Inner and Outer Fans
Use inner ventilation fans and outer fin fans together to create a complementary airflow pattern. The inner fans draw heat off components and dispel it through the fins, while the outer fans keep air moving across the exterior.
Experiment with fan placement and directions until you find the right equilibrium.
Listen for Changes
Keep an ear out for changes in sound that can indicate airflow issues. Listen for fans straining or working harder than normal. That may signal excessive resistance from blocked vents or tangled condenser coils. Catch these problems early before they impact cooling.
Get to Know Your Refrigerator’s Sweet Spot
Every refrigerator has ideal temperature setpoints and environmental conditions where it operates most efficiently. Take the time to find your RV fridge’s happy place.
Let It Pre-Cool
Before loading it up with food, allow the empty fridge a few hours to reach its target temperature. Absorption fridges need this pre-cool time to stabilize rather than trying to overcome warm contents.
Find the Ideal Thermostat Setting
The best fridge temperature is around 35°F give or take a few degrees. Higher than 40°F and food won’t keep as well. Lower than 32°F and the freezer will suffer.
Adjust the thermostat gradually until you hit the sweet spot for your particular make and model. Mark this ideal setting so you always have a reference point.
Account for Outside Conditions
Consider how ambient temperature impacts your fridge’s performance. You may need to tweak the thermostat lower on hot days or higher in cold conditions to compensate.
Level Out Your RV
Make sure the RV is as level as possible when parked. Being just a few degrees off can prevent the refrigerant from flowing properly in an absorption unit. Use leveling blocks or a hydraulic auto-leveling system to handle uneven terrain.
By dialing in ideal settings and conditions for peak efficiency, you can maximize your RV refrigerator’s cooling capacity.
Organize Your Fridge to Make the Most of Limited Space
Having an overloaded, cluttered fridge makes it tough for air to circulate. Not only that, but it’s easier for cold air to escape every time the door opens.
Follow these tips to organize your RV fridge and make the most of the tight quarters:
Shelve Cold Air Sinks
The coldest spots in an RV refrigerator are the bottom bin and back wall. Reserve these prime zones for the most perishable items like meat and dairy.
Minimize Door Storage
Avoid storing much on the door besides condiments, butter, and drinks. The door bins allow lots of cold air to spill out when opened.
Let Air Move Freely
Leave some space between items on shelves so cold air can flow around. Tightly packed shelves create congestion.
Load Heavier Items Low
Keep heavy items like bottled water and soda down low. This keeps the center of gravity stable so the fridge doesn’t have to work as hard dealing with motion when the RV is in transit.
Use Strategic Dividers
Adjustable divider bars let you customize shelf sizes to make full use of the entire fridge cavity. Smaller compartments help organize all your stuff too.
Remove Unused Pieces
Many RV refrigerators come with random bins, drawers, and shelves you may not need. Remove unnecessary components to open up space.
With smart loading techniques, you can store the maximum amount of food and drinks in your RV refrigerator without impeding airflow.
Maintain Your RV Refrigerator
No matter how new or nice your RV fridge is, it needs regular maintenance to keep those cooling fans humming. Here are some key tasks to remember:
- Clean the condenser coils every three months using a coil brush or vacuum attachment. Dust and debris act as insulation, reducing heat transfer.
- Wipe excess moisture from fins and surfaces to discourage mold growth.
- Make sure slide-out fridges have enough play to extend fully.
- Lubricate door hinges and latches with silicone spray.
- Inspect door seals and replace if cracked or loose.
- Monitor LP gas flow and pressure. Clear obstructed orifices or jets.
- Check cabinet vents for air flow obstructions from bird nests etc.
- Level and shim units that have shifted out of position.
- Test and reset thermostat calibration annually.
Don’t wait until your RV fridge breaks down in the middle of a trip to pay attention to maintenance! Following a proactive schedule prevents many headaches down the road.
Know When It’s Time to Replace Cooling Fans
With regular cleaning and upkeep, those refrigerator fans should last for years. But they do wear out eventually. Watch for these signs a fan needs replacing:
- Loud rattling, grinding or squealing noises
- Visibly cracked or damaged blades
- Frozen or seized bearings
- Fan wobbling or shaking when running
- Weak airflow volume
Many RV refrigerator fan motors can be replaced individually if the blades are still intact. It’s an easy fix with basic hand tools. Just be sure to match specifications like voltage, power, and physical size.
For complete fan assemblies, bring the old fan along to find an exact replacement. Take pictures of the original installation for reference too.
With fresh cooling fans circulated air smoothly again, your refrigerator can get back to chilling at peak performance.
Maintaining an RV refrigerator is one of those never-ending maintenance tasks. But hopefully these tips give you a clear game plan for optimizing those crucial cooling fans.
Strategic fan placement, keeping fins and coils clean, finding thermostat sweet spots, and fixing underlying issues can make a huge difference in efficiency and cooling capacity.
About Author
