Increase air flow for early 3 way fridges

Dalehelman

RollingBnB

Does that run the risk of carbon monoxide venting back into the trailer when on propane?

Dalehelman

RollingBnB said:

Does that run the risk of carbon monoxide venting back into the trailer when on propane?

No all exhaust gases exit through round vents on front of trailer. This just allows more air movement to improved heat dissipation under counter top. It should improve efficiency with less stress on the fridge.

ericnliz

@RollingBnB, I have to agree with @Dalehelman. If you have ever taken the stove top off, you'll see there are two hoses attached to the front vents that take all the exhaust gases out of that compartment. Nice job on that mod @Dalehelman. We just talked about that yesterday. 
Where did you get that grate, and what did you use to cut that cover? Glued in, screwed in, or otherwise attached?
That should give that area quite a bit more ventilation, as the fridge fins sit almost directly behind that cover. Nicely done. Let me know what the materials are, and how you feel it helps. I've found even with the upgraded auxiliary fan the counter top still gets quite hot, especially in the summer heat. 

Dalehelman

@ericnliz
I cut the hole with one of these 
https://www.harborfreight.com/variable-speed-oscillating-multi-tool-63111.html

The metal screen was from Home Depot. I secured it with RV Goop from Walmart.

Ratkity

The propane flame for the frig is enclosed in two boxes (don't ask how I know) and the venting is through hoses that run to the outside. That is an amazing job! Love the pattern too.

Dalehelman

Before some eagle eye  comments. The metal screen is straight. It’s the cameraman that’s crooked.

ericnliz

@Dalehelman, As long as you don't leave any DNA behind, no one will ever know!
Thanks for the info Dale!

ChrisK

Great idea! I was looking at this too this weekend. We were having trouble keeping the fridge cool on propane. First problem I noticed was that a couple of tags on the power lines had slipped down right on top of the internal fan. I removed those and this allowed better flow but still not enough. every time I pulled that cover off, the little fin cooling fan was running. After I removed the cover, the fan rarely came on. I figured It would be wise to vent that cover too. Then, I had an even better idea. I'm going to put a small computer fan on the cover and use it to push the heat out in to the camper to see if it will supplement the ALDE on really cold nights. I'll put it on a 3 way switch so I can either have it operate all the time or along side the internal fan or just turn it off to save power.

Dalehelman

@ChrisK
Do you have the exhaust fan in the vent behind the door?

ChrisK

Dalehelman said:

@ChrisK
Do you have the exhaust fan in the vent behind the door?

Nope. Mine was built before this was added. I will be adding that very soon. Just need to order the fans and draw up and print the fans mount. I know the factory sells one, but I can make one for much less. 

Dalehelman

@ChrisK
The factory use to provide the fan, switch, and instruction up grade free. All you had to do was call.

ericnliz

I agree with Dale @ChrisK. It would at least be worth a phone call.

ChrisK

I didn't know that. I'll give them a call tomorrow. Thanks!

ChanW

Nice mod @Dalehelman! 

ChrisK

Bingo! Called NuCamp and they are sending me out the kit for free. Thanks for the info!!!

ericnliz

@ChrisK, Made me smile! Nu Camp is awesome & I'm more impressed with their customer service/satisfaction every time I hear a story like yours! And, you're welcome. Glad to help.

GDawg

What year were the fans installed? Mine is a 2016 320  S. 

Verna

Mid production year of the 2016’s

GDawg

I guess I'll need to call and get info using the VIN. (I have to store the T@B off site). Thanks

ChrisK

@Dalehelman this mod really works well. I'm doing some testing on the fridge with regards to some mods I'm doing. Its about 100 outside and I've got the fridge on 110v and the vent fan on. I was getting about 49 degrees in the fridge. I removed that front panel and the temp dropped down to 44 within an hour. I'm going to design and print a vent cover for it and cut the front out like you did. 

Dalehelman

@ChrisK
Lucky is the guy who owns a 3D printer. Not fair to the rest of us.😁😁

ChrisK

I have 4 of them. I love tinkering.

cbarnhill

Dale: not only is it functional, it looks cool. Is that a picture in a frame on the fridge door?

Dalehelman

@cbarnhill
Yes it is.