Norcold 3-way auxiliary fan kit- my install in 2018 T@B 320S

rcuomo

Hi Folks, I just received the fan kit from Elsie without any instructions.  So I have a fan, switch and three wires. When I reached out to Creed in tech support the response I received was I should have also received “some pictures”. I’m looking for assistance before I start removing the stove top. Anybody out there installed the kit?  For example, what size drill hole for the switch?  Looks to be in range of ⅝” to ¾”. How did you attach the fan to the exhaust vent cover?  For now I plan on using white zip ties but I’m looking for alternative suggestions. I have the schematic so I plan to tap 12v from the wire block on the top of the fridge. If anyone has the instructions or pictures I would appreciate a copy. Thanks all!

ScottG

I've got 'em somewhere, but I can't access them at the moment. if nobody else chimes in in the meantime, I'll look for them when I get home.

rcuomo

Thanks Scott!  I’ll start tearing apart the stove top and hanging my cargo nets and door nets. 

jgram2

Here’s one video of the installation, I’m looking for another one I found after I had a dealer do it. The dealer insisted the fridge had to be removed but that was false.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=afQqYz88RpM

jgram2

Where’s a photographer when I need one? I think I received these 2 pages of instructions with the fan. If these Are indecipherable, just call nüCamp and ask for them, maybe via email?

rcuomo

Thanks John!  They are fuzzy and for the earlier model with the different vent, but still helpful.  I waiting for Marvin or another nuCamp tech to get on the phone as I type this. 

jgram2

@rcuomo Oops, should have signed as Judi, really don’t want shoddy photos to reflect on DH. And it was for our 2015.

ScottG

Thanks, Judi! That was the same instructions I received that I was about to go looking for.

@rcoumo, one thing I did a little differently is that I installed ring terminals on the leads from the new fan/switch and connected them directly to the terminal block on top of the fridge. That's certainly not necessary if crimping is not your thing, but I'm not a big fan of those connectors that actually cut into another wire so I avoid them if possible and convenient.

Also, I should add that mine is also a 2015, so it has the older Norcold. I doubt the electrical connections differ much, however, but i am not 100% sure. YMMV!

rcuomo

Agree not a big fan of the Scotch-lok connectors.

ScottG

If you do take the ring-terminal approach, note that you might have to file the sides of the rings just a teeny bit to get them to sit in the block. At least that's what I recall with mine. It wasn't a big deal--the harder part was getting at the terminal screws under the stove. I think I had to resort to one of those funny right-angle screwdrivers.

rcuomo

Okay I have completed my install while waiting for Marvin to send me the instructions.  No patience :-).  As I expected the stove top does need to be removed for access to the 12v wires and to mount the switch.  On the N180.3 there are spade terminals so I decided to use Scotchlok connectors.  Wiring is pretty simple, the switch is marked 12v+, A & ground.  Red wire to 12v+ and spliced into black 12v supply wire, yellow to A and then fed to the exhaust vent to red fan wire, white spliced to white 12v ground and then fed to fan blue wire.

rcuomo

Black is 12v+, white is ground

rcuomo

Back of switch- red on top, yellow, white.  Who has a 13/16" bit?  Not me so I used a 3/4" hole saw and rat tail file to notch where needed.

rcuomo

rcuomo

Fan mounted with aviation quality ty-wraps looped around fin supports mounted against the bottom and centered.

rcuomo

Simple wire nuts before shrink wrapped.

rcuomo

rcuomo

Fan peeking through it's new home.

MuttonChops

rcuomo said:

. . . just received the fan kit from Elsie without any instructions. 

While an extra fan can be a plus for the older front vent Norcold installations I thought the 180.3 model Norcold with the vents on the passenger side no longer required an additional air circulation fan for best operation.

So far my unit seems to work fine . . . what am i missing ?

 

ScottG

My understanding (which may have been incorrect) was that the older models did not require the fan for proper operation, as there is a thermostatically controlled already mounted near the fins.

The extra fan was to help mitigate heat that would build up under the counter top and raise the cabin temperature--more a human comfort thing than an operational concern.

I believe the newer models have a closed plenum on the outside wall, so excess heating of the cabinet space should be reduced.

That said, extra ventilation certainly wouldn't hurt anything.

rcuomo

Mutton, you aren’t missing anything.  The newer models do have the cooling fins on the outside but I recently experienced countertop temps above 100 degrees on an extremely hot, humid day. Like Scott mentions, I figured the extra air flow couldn’t hurt. And there is a school of thought that increased air circulation across the evaporation fins assists in the cooling process. I had an order in for the cargo nets and door nets so I figured might as well get the fan kit.  BTW after speaking to Marvin he said this is the first time he has heard of a later model with high countertop temps.

rcuomo

Verdict- is this fan needed in the later model T@Bs with fridge side mounted intake and exhaust vents?  Probably not.  Does it work? Absolutely. Yesterday in 88-90 degree temps the countertop temp dropped 8 degrees in less than 30 minutes.

ScottG

Technically, it wasn't needed with the old fridge, either, but I'd say an 8 degree drop is pretty compelling. Anything you can do to get that heat out of the cabin in the summer is worthwhile in my book.

Good work and thanks for following up with some real numbers!

rcuomo

Thanks Scott.  My next task will be to take IR temp measurements chilling it down with and without the aux fan.  But that will have to wait until my next trip.

BrianZ

Interesting stuff.  I'm wondering if this heat issue depends on which power source is being used?  Also, what is the current draw of that fan?  Is it the same fan used for the A/C unit?  What are the specs (for checking availability on amazon)?

Dalehelman

I have installed a metal screen to improve air flow. Removing excess heat will put less stress on cooling unit and increase efficiency. Which should also increase life span.

rcuomo

Brian, as I recall the draw is 235ma. So quiet you can’t hear it. I was thinking the same think about temps varying on different power sources, gas or AC. I’ll know better when I test on my next trip.

rcuomo

Dale, your post was the main reason I decided to add my fan even though I have the newer model. 

George101

How much did the fan kit cost?

rcuomo

$0. I called the warranty department and they directed me to Elsie in parts. There may be a shipping charge as they sent my fan with another order I placed so the shipping was combined. 

sqrpeg

On hot days when running the Norcold 180.3 on propane, we have definitely noticed the hot countertop and side panel in our 2018 320S Boondock (built 10/2017), and also very poor cooling performance.

I've been planning to do my own fan mod but will call Elsie tomorrow for details on the nuCamp kit.

In the meantime, do you (or others) have any tips or suggestions on lifting the stovetop?