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I Want To Install a 12 Volt Fan And Thermostat In My RV's Refrigerator

by joe boczon
(new jersey)

I have a 12 volt fan I would like to install to aid in refrigerator cooling. the fridge is a Dometic RM2351. Can you tell me what type of thermostat to use to control the off and on temps. This fan will be mounted in the back of the frige to blow across the coils.

Thank You

ANSWER: Hi Joe thanks for submitting your question on our Ask An RV Question Page.

You are probably going to be surprised by the answer I give you. I would not go to the trouble of doing what you are planning on doing.

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I, like a lot of RVers keep the air circulating in my RV's Fridge/Freezer by using a couple of battery operated Fridgemate Fans. I just set the refrigerator thermostat to the temperature I want to maintain and place a Fridgemate fan in the refrigerator and the freezer and I have never had a problem maintaining the proper temperature even on the hottest of days.

The Fridgemate requires two D cell Batteries and they run a long time without having to be changed. This way I do not have to try and tap into a 12 volt DC source in the fridge.

Now if you really want to help increase the efficiency of your RV's refrigerator you would be better served by installing a Fridge Vent Exhaust Fan. These exhaust fans remove heat build-up in condenser fins, allowing more efficient operation and they are Thermostatically controlled to go on and off at the proper temperatures. Depending on the model you get they can be connected to the RV's 12 volt system or some also come with their own small solar panel and do not draw any power from your RV.

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I hope this helps.

Happy RVing

RVing Al

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starstarstarstarstar 		Tower Fans
by: Dick Reed

We purchased a new, to us, rv with a large side-by-side refrigerator. I installed two computer tower fans, I bought at the local flea market for five dollars, so they would blow up through the condensing coils. I wired them to the gas valve. I always run my refrigerator on the gas setting. They work great and the current draw on the coach battery is minimal.

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