Isotherm Fridge warms, not cold all time? - Tab 400 2024 upgrade finished

vttj · May 4

I did a bit of searching and got a few ideas but thought to create a post to see if I am missing an easier fix on our fridge or its something I am not doing right. Our Isotherm 130 in the Tab 400 2024 at times we will loose the fridge temp (get near 50 deg F). To improve the issue I installed a fan inside the fridge, a wireless thermometer to monitor, turned dial all way up, and tried to keep door stacked with cold drinks but we still lost it again few weeks back. Also made sure the door is not in vent so it doesn't come open while driving. I notice the issue more when we get the sun on the driver side of the camper either when driving down road or at campsite on shore power. I am thinking to put a small fan at the top back of cabinet to assist with moving air off that back wall behind fridge to the front grill over fridge. Found an usb fan and temp controller on amazon for 16 dollars and reading online seems that 25 CFM is all I need to assist with the intended design of airflow and not short circuit the airflow. Also will keep a small fan inside fridge to keep air moving. Anyone already make a similar change and if it helped?

Anything obvious I am missing? I expected this fridge to keep up better but maybe they just don't have the power.

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B0atguy · May 4

Try removing the freezer drip tray when using the fridge . Make a world of difference . Just make sure you re-install it when the fridge is turned back off and emptied or the fridge compartment with get "rained on" when the freezer thaws . This trick worked wonders in keeping the Isotherm "cold" in or 2024 400 .

I think NuCamp needs to put a vent / fan to the outside in that Isotherm compartment to relieve the heat build up . The fridge does transfer a lot of heat to the cabin when it's hot out . That said , the drip tray removal trick really does help.

I also "pinned" the door closed while traveling . A few times I noticed that the door would crack open into the vent mode when traveling , especially when the door was loaded up with drinks.

vttj · May 4

Thanks @B0atguy

vttj · May 6

Finished the upgrade.

Amazon.com: ELUTENG USB Fan 120mm with Digital Temperature Controller, 5V USB Powered PC Computer Fan 1500RPM 3 Adjustable Speeds Electronic Cooling Lufter with Metal Grill for Laptop/TV Box/AV Cabinet/PS5/Router : Electronics
Used this controller but not the fan. Can buy controller only but its in Chinese and with out fan for only 3 dollars cheaper. This version is English but its easy and could have used the Chinese version They are both in deg C. I have it come on at 88 deg F and turn off at 84 deg F. Just laid it all behind stereo and if need to adjust fan speed or temp settings can just pop stereo out.

I used this fan instead as needed to fit above fridge. Did add some material and double sided tape above the outlet duct to act as part of air duct and limit recirculation.
Amazon.com: AC Infinity MULTIFAN S2, Quiet 120mm USB Blower Fan with Speed Control, UL-Certified for Receiver DVR Xbox Modem AV Cabinet Cooling : Electronics

Pic shows thermocouple in back but it is to high in this pic just near compressor. I went back after testing and lowered about 8 inches placing also more center of cabinet. Working much better giving more accurate read of cabinet. After a smoke test appears I am getting a good draw across top with fan on speed setting 2 which is aprox 20cfm. Hopefully this will help.

In addition applied some aluminum spaced about 1inch off back wall to try to cheat out a few more deg when sun is sitting on camper while going down road. Also found that the cut out in the wall for the antenna is a 3 inch cut out (not shown in picture but you can see it in top right if you stick your head in the cabinet). They removed the entire insulation for 3 inches. I added a 3 inch round hard foam board insulation back.

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vttj · May 6

Also added the 80mm version of ac infinity fan to the inside fridge to help with circulation and will just plug into stereo when going down road. Got tired of messing with batteries.

I still plan to follow others advice and remove the drip tray also when fridge is stocked and ready for next trip.

I keep you posted during the summer to see how it does.

SavvyNurseCamper · May 16

Hmm are you aware of the intelligent Temperature control kit? I spotted it in fisheriesssupply.com . It's made for the Isotherm 130 refrigerator . Supposed to use a soft start feature on the refrigerator and has a Econ mode that is Supposed to drop power consumption by 40 percent.

vttj · May 23

Hi thanks for sharing the info on the Isotherm ITC thermostat. I have come across that as well.

From what I understand, it improves temperature regulation and helps balance energy draw, especially for those running on solar. In my case, I’m almost always on shore power, so power efficiency isn’t really the issue.

The problem I’m seeing seems more related to heat buildup behind the fridge. When the sun hits that side of the camper, the temperature in the rear cavity gets quite high. At that point, the fridge is running continuously but still struggles to keep up with the temperature difference.

Isotherm Fridge warms, not cold all time? - Tab 400 2024 upgrade finished

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