I'm in the process , of doing exactly both these modifications myself . The only difference is , i'm using twin extractor fans on my upper vent , which on my european van is in the side . Again it is fully automatic , but does have a manual override , and i've taken the trouble of rubber mounting the vents to prevent any vibration . I have seen it noted this can happen with some installations . Oh and by the way , the third terminal on the switch , it's ground (earth/negative) . That must be a lit switch , that illuminates when it's functioning . If you run a wire to ground from that terminal , the light will work when the fans are working . The internal fans , are basically a twin system again , but this is pure custom , i've not found a kit for my fridge over here (i'm over the pond). Basically , i got hold of two waterproof computer fans , and to all intents glued them to the cooling fans with sealant . I mounted on top of the cooling fans too , as i have the space to do this . That in effect blows the air directly down to the bottom of the fridge through the evaporator plates . In my case i did run the wiring outside , alongside the thermostat exit . I discovered this was uncovered , so when i've finished i'll plug it back up . Incidentally i have the bowl type drain . I've also run the fans to a switch , which just so happens to be exactly the same type as yours , illuminated with the three terminals . I've chosen to function this , and that's how i know what it is .
Not sure you're even monitoring this old post, but #1 THANKS! This is exactly what I needed. I'm completely new to this RV DIY stuff, so lots to learn. I'm a little confused by the connectors. My fan did not come with the stacked connector yours did. Isn't it the same connector you used on the hot side?
Nice install. The manufacturer's suggestion of going down the condensate drain hose is for the majority of RV fridge that don't have the inside light. Also, you can still do the 'bug guard' by making a notch in the plug or make an exit for the wires in the hose near the end. I would have done the same with the powered light.
Thanks Silas! Yeah, despite plenty of naysayers and doomsdayers, powering the fans with the light inside the fridge has given us zero troubles for the last year we've been back on the road. These fridge fans draw so little power I just can't understand how people are burning out there control boards and blaming it on the fan?🤷🤦 Thanks for watching and the tips for alternate power routing! - Dennis ✌️
hi E trailer single fan uses 50ma at 12.5 cfm . Most use computer fans with a minimum of 60-70cfm each and 200ma consumption each. Qty used is at least 2 ,size between [3.25 in] 80-125mm [5in] . There are quiet mag lev fans versions of above ,there very quiet.
My Dometic refrigerator has fans already what helped me was blowing the dirt off the fins in the back fans have not come on sence much cooler during the day
Great video on the installs. I was surprised to see you cutting that hole for the switch with a sabre saw and not your Dremel tool. I have a Sonic Crafter that is the contractor version of the Dremel and I use it to cut small openings such as that. Glad you showed all the steps to both installs, some might think this is an easy job but you made it look easy.
Thanks! Lol, yeah I started to cut the switch hole with the punch saw on the Dremel but it turned out easier with the jig saw. The installs were actually pretty easy. The hardest part was deciding where to mount the fan & switch. Thanks for watching! - Dennis 😁
1 amp to run the fan doesn't sound like a lot but that's 288 watts per day and most RV's come with batteries that provide only 600 to 1200 usable watts so if you are burning 288 watts per day just on your fridge fan that takes away from other 12 volts items that could use the extra watts when 3 fans are not needed. If you have solar &/or extra battery power it may not be an issue but if you boondock and don't have solar or extra batteries these fans should be used as needed.
I upgraded our 30 year old Norcold with the internal fans only we have been in South Florida since installing the fans this winter. The fans work great and we had to turn the fridge down to about the 50% point as our eggs and other items freeze. we average about 34 degrees all day long in direct sunlight.
it appeared from your video looking up, that there was a lot of space around your fins. Really that gap should be less than 1" for proper airflow through the fins. Also i did not see from above, but if there is a large area there (you mentioned wanting airflow from above the fridge) you should block that area off. the top of the fridge you don't want airflow, that's the cool area you want insulated.
why the Dicor down the 4 screw holes that attach the vent top? seems it makes it near impossible if you need to remove it. Why not just a small patch of Eternabond, about the size of a quarter? I ask because I'm doing roof work now (adding adhesive to address slight 'bubbles' and lift from vortex when towing) - and since I have vents off, might look at doing this fridge fan mod as well.
Did you know that refrigeration does not cool things off. Refrigeration and air conditioning removes heat. Just a little engineering knowledge for ya'll. Great topic and video. Thanks
Yeah, its kind of wild to think about! I didn't want to explain the entire absorbtion cooling system in this video though, because I felt like it would take over the conversation. There are a few videos on UA-cam that explain it quite well & those videos are what convinced me that these fridge upgrades are truly necessary. Especially the Valterra vent fan! Thanks for watching & dropping some knowledge Mark! - Dennis ✌️
Great video! Gave me the confidence to make both of these upgrades. The roof fan comes with metal ribbon. Make sure to have extra self leveling lap sealant and silicone to seal things back up. Spent 90% removing old sealant. Otherwise quick project with huge benefits. Ps - the fridge fan instructions specifically say to not install it to the light. I did it anyway. Didn’t need the double make adapter. Just used the supplied pieces and some electric tape. (Although I did order those 1/4inch double male adapters)
*_Awesome Tip: using drain tube to run wire "outside" box._* My application is a non-frost-free home 120v refrigerator and the tube would allow me to connect the fan "return" to the actual neutral from the line cord. My concern is that using the "chassis" for the "return" is actually flowing current into the Ground, not the Neutral. (If this was not the case, if someone took the grounded plug and reversed the neutral and line, the chassis would become Hot which would then be a short circuit with the chassis ground - so the case cannot be the Neutral - it is the Ground.
What kind of fan did you use since yours is a 120v refrigerator ? Mine is also a 120v it has no fans inside the actualy fridge area so stuff in the fridge takes a VERY long time to cool.. I wanted to add a fan to help circulate air throughout the fridge but wasnt sure how to power a fan from within the fridge?? Any ideas? I do have a light inside the fridge so could i possibly attach it to that light or maybe there is a way to run wires from a 120v plug outside the fridge to thru into the inside?
I do have one question. I have read a lot about the fans inside the fridge generating enough heat that they actually raise the temperature inside. Have you seen this? I think with the three fan rack it would circulate the air very well. Also am going to look at the vent fan. Here in Texas temperatures in the 95-105 range and our fridge had a hard time keeping the temperature down in a workable range.
We installed the 3 fan version just like the one in this video. We live in Texas too. You can run 1, 2 or all 3 fans. On a four month trip, the running of the fan raised the temperature of the frig in every instance. No help!
@@JJs-ClassC-Adventures I got the 3 fan bank installed inside and with my temperature sensor on bottom shelf it ran at 38-40 degrees but pretty steady. That was not a lot of change from what it had been. I moved the sensor up on top of the condensation drain pan and the temp dropped to 32 degrees. I think these keep the temperature more stable but the drain pan keeps it from pushing the cold air down into the lower parts. It’s a toss up to me whether it helped. You would think once it cooled off it would be the same throughout but I’m finding not the case.
Anytime! Knowing something in one of my videos helped you out makes me feel great & makes the effort of filming the installation worth it! Thank you for watching! - Dennis ✌️
random question - any issue with the fridge cooling "too much" and freezing things - relative to the freezer ? I'm thinking the roof vent fan improves the efficiency of the entire fridge, where the fan only addresses the fridge portion. Just curious of the results and any update. THANKS for the video.
Oh really? Thanks for letting me know! I still had no clue what that extra connection was until you told me, lol! I probably won't hook it up though. The last thing I need is another glowing switch in here. - Dennis ✌️
Great video I added my 4 outdoor fans on a thermostat No on and off switch. I also added the four fans inside the refrigerator like you have an on top of that I added a it was called clip the tip. Those improvements made my fridge raider stay ice cold all the time
I added the triple fan to our 12quft 4 door fridge. My fridge is in my living room slide so I dont have a roof vent. I have to figure out where to put the vent fans. I am adding two of those Valera vent fans to the back of my fridge.
Regarding Dometic refers under warranty: I was told that adding cooling fans that are hardwired to a 12-volt line would void the warranty, and that the 12 volt line to the refer light or other 12-volt wire would exceed the power limits of that wire(s). Anybody have thoughts?
I can't speak to warranty restrictions regarding these fans. Our fridge is over 10 years old and well beyond it's warranty period. I find it hard to believe that 2.4 amps will overload the wires for the light. I've had these fans installed and ruining nonstop for about 7 months since this video was recorded without any issues. But, I'm not a certified technician and accept zero responsibility for anything other than my own personal experience. You can always run your power leads down the condensation drain tube and connect to external 12v power at the back of the fridge. Hope this helps. - Dennis ✌️
Thanks, nice video. I just got my 3-fan system today and plan to do the install next week after my Double Male to Female connectors get here so I can power the fans from the refrigerator lite as you have done in this video. Any updates or suggestions since you made the video? Any recommendations on how to best hook up the middle pole of the light switch to get the lights on the fridge fan to work? Thanks!
Well, glad I could shine some light on how to improve your fridge! Stay tuned I'll be doing an update on how they perform for us once we're back on the road. Thanks for watching! - Dennis ✌️
Hi dennis What do you suggest doing if your refrigerator is a 110v ? Mine is 110v it has no fans inside the actual fridge area so stuff in the fridge takes a VERY long time to cool.. I wanted to add a fan to help circulate air throughout the fridge but wasnt sure how to power a fan from within the fridge?? Unfortunately most fans are 12v. Any ideas? I do have a light inside the fridge so could i possibly attach it to that light or maybe there is a way to run wires from a 110v plug outside the fridge to thru into the inside? I noticed amazon does sell 110v fans that move a lot of air that could seriously help!!
The wires to the light look very thin. Are you sure they can take the load of the fans running 24/7 year round? I read down below that you said they were still working fine in May 2021, but they still look thin to me :-)
I was looking at the fin fans but the video I watched looked like it was very cheesy, can you let us know how it works done the road, you made it look like it was a decent product. They should put your video on their site!
Thank you so much! 😊 I definitely want to do a real life application update video. So I Will definitely let you know how we like them. But, for now check out this video 👇 ua-cam.com/video/lfKL22KL5Dw/v-deo.html He installs the same fin fans I did & gets a 8° improvement! Thanks for the compliments! It really gives me a breath of fresh air to continue creating videos like this. - Dennis ✌️
Hi Dennis and Group. I bought the 3-fan internal cooling fan and planned to power from the interior refrigerator light. However, my fridge has a different style light...just two poles with a light bulb between each pole. No other wiring in the light area. I can see if I can get behind the light socket, but hesitate to tear into that. Do you know of any other options to wire for 12v without going down the drain tube? My drain tube also has a "critter cap" on the end and actually vents to outside the lower ventilation cover area. Any suggestions on an alternate way to power the fans would be helpful as my fridge definitely needs the help to stay cold. Thanks!
Great video on the installs.I wanted to ask you, do the fans you have installed in the refrigerator blow the air on the radiator or do they suck it in and send it towards the door? Thank you.
I am sitting here wondering why you didn't use the existing hole under the blanking plate, just to the left of the one you are cutting. I would have mounted it sideways right on top of the solid blanking plate. I try real hard to not make more holes.
Thanks so much for your video! I have the same fridge as you and order the double male adapter you provided the link for, but the quick disconnect end from the black and red wires on the fridges are much smaller than the receiving adapter - did you have this problem? Did you have to pry open the ends of the fridge wires to slide into the adaptor? Thanks for your time!
I ordered this same fan set. I don't see how it can do any good mounted to blow straight at the door can do much good. Also, everyone says, DO NOT connect the power to the fridge light circuit. It can burn out the printed circuit board for the light. Be careful when installing these fan sets and get more info than this fellow offers.
The fans don't blow toward the door, actually the opposite. They blow the warm air that rises to the top of the fridge box towards the evaporator fins, cooling it much more efficiently. If your fans are blowing air toward the door, as you stated, you have installed the positive and negative wires incorrectly at whatever power source you chose. I would suspect that reverse polarity Installs like yours are most likely what is burning out peoples boards. I have had these fans installed for 9 months and counting without a problem. Hope this helps. - Dennis ✌️ PS - Who is "everyone"? If you're going to cast fear and discredit the info that I offer in this video, please don't do it so vaguely. Give us some links to the forum threads or videos that you found your info from and let those you are "trying" to warn research and decided for themselves.
Hi Dennis, something to consider in the future would be the Amish Fridge conversion. Excellent cooling and will eliminate almost all the fire risk inherent absorption fridges. When the day comes your fridge bites the dust consider marine type compressor fridges. Check out Nova Kool which is a direct fit into the opening. No worry about leveling your rig and no fire worry. They are made for the rough life at sea. It would be my first choice........plus it would give me even more excuse to go larger solar. Great VID!!!!!
Richard, I would love either an Amish conversion or brand marine compressor fridge! But, these two upgrades are much more friendly on the wallet 😂 I've read stories about absorbtion fridge fires... Scary stuff! Would you happen to have the name of the marine fridge brand you spoke of? Thanks! - Dennis ✌️
@@EatSeeRV Hi Dennis. I sure do. It is Nova Kool. Widely used in marine applications and they're expanding going for the RV market now. I personally will not have a absorption fridge because of the fire risk. The Amish conversion is fairly wallet friendly while the Nova Kool is harder on the funds but very well worth it. Here is a link: www.novakool.com/products/two_doors/rfu6200_6800_8000_9000.htm
So many people have issues with the norcold or dometic refrigerator stayng cold. These manufacturers just say they aren't design to cool above 5500 ft elevation...REALLY! You are installing fans that helped, right? Why doesnt these manufacturers install these fans? We bought beNd new for the first time and norcold Only said, it's in the book. NO ONE reads the manufacturer book before you buy your RV. We only use our RV in the mountains. Would you recommend this mod for all refrig not cooling?
Not sure about the use of butyl tape on a horizontal surface. Generally used on window or other vertical installs. Dicor (or other sealant) is a much safer bet for the roof where even a small leak will potentially ruin your roof.
Hi Michael, thanks for sharing your thoughts. If you're not sure about using butyl tape horizontally on the roof of a RV, I would suggest doing a bit of google'ing. While definitely not mandatory, I use both butyl tape and self-leveling sealant on my roof accessory installs. In my experience butyl tape will ooze and sag when installed in a vertical location. There are better options than old school butyl for vertical installs, like 3M Windo-weld or comparable RV branded products. The best thing about DIY is you can do the job however you want. Thanks for watching! - Dennis
I didn't realize you used Dicor on top once you set the hood. That sounds really good to me. But you'd got to be careful not to get any under the Dicor because I don't think it will adhere to it. Butyl does do a nice job of filling irregular surfaces so I agree with you in that. I haven't seen it ooze on vertical surfaces, but could see it happening. Its gets very soft when hot and on the sunny side of the RV it could be an issue. I also do all my own work. I think we get a much better job and you're right, we get to do it our way too....Keep up the good videos. My next project is the refer fan upgrade. Our Norcold is a nice fridge, but is just not working well when it get over 85 degrees in the sun in the afternoon.
Yeah bud! The valterra fridge vent fan in the roof is definitely a nice addition. The internal temps still fluctuate depending on how hot it is outside, but not much. I've seen a ton of nice DIY fan installs on the internet but I'm too lazy to peace it together, lol. I really like the internal fin fans I installed and think they made a huge difference in efficiency. Have fun with your installs and thanks for watching! - Dennis
@@EatSeeRV Going to start with the fin fan inside and see how it works. Don't really want to tackle the roof fan but if I need to I will. I just don't like the temps I've seen in the fridge during the heat of the afternoon. Nice and cold after dark and until noon, but the afternoon is a struggle for the Norcold.
@@EatSeeRV Couldn't find internal fin fans in stock so I installed a pair of Titan roof vent fans yesterday. Also did some sheet metal work to improve air flow in the back of the refrigerator. There was a large void above the refrigerator that I filled with fiberglass insulation and covered with sheet metal. Together the fan and insulation/sheet metal have made a big difference. Much colder and it runs colder at lower settings too.
Awesome video. Where did you buy the fin fans from? I am in Canada and it is not available on Amazon at the moment. I can't seem to find the manufacturer online to buy it directly from there as well.
Hi, was wondering where to get the interior fan for the evap coils. Love the look of those and they look like they would really do the trick. Thanks so much!
Hi thank you for your reply. I forgot to ask how hot of temperature are you camping in. I am planning a trip to Florida and Tenn. I am thinking of doing these mods before I go. I leave in June so i have time and will be in my trailer for 3 weeks for both trips. Thanks for all your help.
Woah, June in Florida will be HOT! Although we installed these in August, and it's just as hot. We were plugged into shore power while this ran. Let us know how it works out! - Liz
I have the fan that goes inside the fridge , and it works great , I was asking about the fan that you put in the roof vent , how is it working for you ?
That fan is kind of behind the scenes and I haven't done any testing to gather hard data, like turning the fan off to see if temps in the fridge fluctuate. But, I have been on the roof and I can feel it pushing warm air up and out of the fridge roof vent. With that said it is definitely working and the job it is doing to exhaust hot air from cooling system behind the fridge is a huge plus over letting it vent "naturally". I would definitely install this fan again. I've seen more videos highlighting more elaborate DIY setups but those just seem like they would be more maintenance and a bigger job to install. Hope this helps! - Dennis ✌️
Nice install video very clear directions on electrical connections was great. How much improvement did you notice in terms of cooler refrigerator temperatures after install?
So given the exhaust fan is automatic, why do all the extra work to add a switch? I have the same fan and not once have I ever cared to turn it on or off. It is designed to do that itself.
The switch is for when you put your RV into storage and you're not running the fridge, so you don't kill your batteries cycling the fan for nothing. - Dennis
Hi Great video. Would it help out to put a fan at the side of the fridge and top to help keep things cooled down? Also your inside vans were they n an angle at all? Are the fans noisy at all? Thanks for a great how to video.
Hi Roy, yes I do! Double Male-Female Adapters 5pk Marine Grade amzn.to/2kFEPHT P.S. - I thought I had already replied to you days ago through my creator studio app on my cell phone but... it looks like it didn't post for some reason! Sorry about that! - Dennis ✌️
@@EatSeeRV thanks for the reply. I went through all your other comments and see that you answered this queation several times. I will be doing this. Thanks!
Yes, the inside refrigerator (evaporator fin) fan assembly works amazingly! It's one of the best upgrades I've done to the RV so far. It's been running full-time in the fridge since we posted this video with zero issues. Highly recommended of you have an absorption style fridge like we do. - Dennis 🥶
Hi Ray, looks like it's still for sale on the manufacturers website. Hope this helps! - Dennis ✌️ rvcoolingunit.com/Dometic-3-fan-Special-Deluxe-Fan-with-LED-lights-13-inch-wide-P5672097.aspx
It's confusing to me that the RV manufacturers, knowing about this super obvious and well known problem, don't make these fans a standard feature, or even an upgrade.
How's the Valterra cooling fan working for ya? I need to get one for my fridge. Freezer works, but not the fridge as of yesterday. Would love to hear how your set up is going. Glad I found your channel.
It's working well! We're very happy with it. It seems to keep up and stay cool even in really hot weather currently (90 degree +). Glad you found us as well!
The spacing behind your fridge is way too big. That will have a major effect on cooling power because the air goes around the cooling unit rather than through the fins. You can get the specifics in your installation manual. Manufacturers just suck at installing fridges!
Yeah, unfortunately there's nothing I can do about that now, lol. Another reason why the Valterra vent fan is a necessity. Thanks for watching! - Dennis ✌️
Whoa, that's dedication man! If & when I pull the fridge out I'll be replacing it with a compressor style setup. But, in the mean time I'm really excited to see how this old fridge performs with these new modifications! Thank you for sharing! - Dennis
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I dont know why you decided to insult me with your correction, but I hope whatever is really bothering you works out for you. I personally know that carrying that amount of emotional weight around with you everyday is very draining on the physical body & dulls the shine of your soul. Safe journeys. - Dennis ✌️
That 3rd terminal is probably for a ground for the "Switch on lamp" on the lighted switch to remind you when it''s in the on position.
I'm in the process , of doing exactly both these modifications myself . The only difference is , i'm using twin extractor fans on my upper vent , which on my european van is in the side . Again it is fully automatic , but does have a manual override , and i've taken the trouble of rubber mounting the vents to prevent any vibration . I have seen it noted this can happen with some installations .
Oh and by the way , the third terminal on the switch , it's ground (earth/negative) . That must be a lit switch , that illuminates when it's functioning . If you run a wire to ground from that terminal , the light will work when the fans are working .
The internal fans , are basically a twin system again , but this is pure custom , i've not found a kit for my fridge over here (i'm over the pond). Basically , i got hold of two waterproof computer fans , and to all intents glued them to the cooling fans with sealant . I mounted on top of the cooling fans too , as i have the space to do this . That in effect blows the air directly down to the bottom of the fridge through the evaporator plates . In my case i did run the wiring outside , alongside the thermostat exit . I discovered this was uncovered , so when i've finished i'll plug it back up . Incidentally i have the bowl type drain . I've also run the fans to a switch , which just so happens to be exactly the same type as yours , illuminated with the three terminals . I've chosen to function this , and that's how i know what it is .
Not sure you're even monitoring this old post, but #1 THANKS! This is exactly what I needed. I'm completely new to this RV DIY stuff, so lots to learn. I'm a little confused by the connectors. My fan did not come with the stacked connector yours did. Isn't it the same connector you used on the hot side?
Nice install. The manufacturer's suggestion of going down the condensate drain hose is for the majority of RV fridge that don't have the inside light. Also, you can still do the 'bug guard' by making a notch in the plug or make an exit for the wires in the hose near the end. I would have done the same with the powered light.
Thanks Silas! Yeah, despite plenty of naysayers and doomsdayers, powering the fans with the light inside the fridge has given us zero troubles for the last year we've been back on the road. These fridge fans draw so little power I just can't understand how people are burning out there control boards and blaming it on the fan?🤷🤦
Thanks for watching and the tips for alternate power routing! - Dennis ✌️
The third terminal on the switch is for ground so the switch lights up when on.
hi E trailer single fan uses 50ma at 12.5 cfm . Most use computer fans with a minimum of 60-70cfm each and 200ma consumption each. Qty used is at least 2 ,size between [3.25 in] 80-125mm [5in] . There are quiet mag lev fans versions of above ,there very quiet.
My Dometic refrigerator has fans already what helped me was blowing the dirt off the fins in the back fans have not come on sence much cooler during the day
Great video on the installs. I was surprised to see you cutting that hole for the switch with a sabre saw and not your Dremel tool. I have a Sonic Crafter that is the contractor version of the Dremel and I use it to cut small openings such as that. Glad you showed all the steps to both installs, some might think this is an easy job but you made it look easy.
Thanks!
Lol, yeah I started to cut the switch hole with the punch saw on the Dremel but it turned out easier with the jig saw.
The installs were actually pretty easy. The hardest part was deciding where to mount the fan & switch.
Thanks for watching! - Dennis 😁
1 amp to run the fan doesn't sound like a lot but that's 288 watts per day and most RV's come with batteries that provide only 600 to 1200 usable watts so if you are burning 288 watts per day just on your fridge fan that takes away from other 12 volts items that could use the extra watts when 3 fans are not needed. If you have solar &/or extra battery power it may not be an issue but if you boondock and don't have solar or extra batteries these fans should be used as needed.
I upgraded our 30 year old Norcold with the internal fans only we have been in South Florida since installing the fans this winter. The fans work great and we had to turn the fridge down to about the 50% point as our eggs and other items freeze. we average about 34 degrees all day long in direct sunlight.
That's AWESOME! So glad to hear it worked well for you.
it appeared from your video looking up, that there was a lot of space around your fins. Really that gap should be less than 1" for proper airflow through the fins. Also i did not see from above, but if there is a large area there (you mentioned wanting airflow from above the fridge) you should block that area off. the top of the fridge you don't want airflow, that's the cool area you want insulated.
why the Dicor down the 4 screw holes that attach the vent top? seems it makes it near impossible if you need to remove it. Why not just a small patch of Eternabond, about the size of a quarter?
I ask because I'm doing roof work now (adding adhesive to address slight 'bubbles' and lift from vortex when towing) - and since I have vents off, might look at doing this fridge fan mod as well.
Did you know that refrigeration does not cool things off.
Refrigeration and air conditioning removes heat.
Just a little engineering knowledge for ya'll.
Great topic and video.
Thanks
Yeah, its kind of wild to think about!
I didn't want to explain the entire absorbtion cooling system in this video though, because I felt like it would take over the conversation.
There are a few videos on UA-cam that explain it quite well & those videos are what convinced me that these fridge upgrades are truly necessary.
Especially the Valterra vent fan!
Thanks for watching & dropping some knowledge Mark! - Dennis ✌️
Great video! Gave me the confidence to make both of these upgrades. The roof fan comes with metal ribbon. Make sure to have extra self leveling lap sealant and silicone to seal things back up. Spent 90% removing old sealant. Otherwise quick project with huge benefits.
Ps - the fridge fan instructions specifically say to not install it to the light. I did it anyway. Didn’t need the double make adapter. Just used the supplied pieces and some electric tape. (Although I did order those 1/4inch double male adapters)
Great video, this is my next RV project, thanks for helping me give the service guy a day off.
*_Awesome Tip: using drain tube to run wire "outside" box._*
My application is a non-frost-free home 120v refrigerator and the tube would allow me to connect the fan "return" to the actual neutral from the line cord.
My concern is that using the "chassis" for the "return" is actually flowing current into the Ground, not the Neutral. (If this was not the case, if someone took the grounded plug and reversed the neutral and line, the chassis would become Hot which would then be a short circuit with the chassis ground - so the case cannot be the Neutral - it is the Ground.
What kind of fan did you use since yours is a 120v refrigerator ? Mine is also a 120v it has no fans inside the actualy fridge area so stuff in the fridge takes a VERY long time to cool.. I wanted to add a fan to help circulate air throughout the fridge but wasnt sure how to power a fan from within the fridge?? Any ideas? I do have a light inside the fridge so could i possibly attach it to that light or maybe there is a way to run wires from a 120v plug outside the fridge to thru into the inside?
I just bought that same 3 fan system, now I know how to stall. I will get the other fan also.
Nice, I'm sure you will enjoy them as much as we have! - Dennis ✌️
I do have one question. I have read a lot about the fans inside the fridge generating enough heat that they actually raise the temperature inside. Have you seen this? I think with the three fan rack it would circulate the air very well. Also am going to look at the vent fan. Here in Texas temperatures in the 95-105 range and our fridge had a hard time keeping the temperature down in a workable range.
We installed the 3 fan version just like the one in this video. We live in Texas too. You can run 1, 2 or all 3 fans. On a four month trip, the running of the fan raised the temperature of the frig in every instance. No help!
@@JJs-ClassC-Adventures I got the 3 fan bank installed inside and with my temperature sensor on bottom shelf it ran at 38-40 degrees but pretty steady. That was not a lot of change from what it had been. I moved the sensor up on top of the condensation drain pan and the temp dropped to 32 degrees. I think these keep the temperature more stable but the drain pan keeps it from pushing the cold air down into the lower parts. It’s a toss up to me whether it helped. You would think once it cooled off it would be the same throughout but I’m finding not the case.
Awesome video, well done! Perfect way to wire it up, with links provided! Very very good job!
We installed roof vent frig fans, but we were unaware of the fin fans. Thanks so much.
Anytime!
Knowing something in one of my videos helped you out makes me feel great & makes the effort of filming the installation worth it!
Thank you for watching! - Dennis ✌️
random question - any issue with the fridge cooling "too much" and freezing things - relative to the freezer ? I'm thinking the roof vent fan improves the efficiency of the entire fridge, where the fan only addresses the fridge portion.
Just curious of the results and any update. THANKS for the video.
Great video. Your audio comes across clean your points come across clean. I’ll be doing this in the future.
If you hook the bottom connector of the switch to ground, the switch will light up when on.
Oh really? Thanks for letting me know!
I still had no clue what that extra connection was until you told me, lol!
I probably won't hook it up though. The last thing I need is another glowing switch in here. - Dennis ✌️
Looks like practical upgrades to enhance cooling.
It's definitely helped. We're happy with it after 6 months on the road
Thanks for the video! I'm installing the 5 fan model inside the frig. Not sure why it has 4 switches for 5 fans and a light.
Great video I added my 4 outdoor fans on a thermostat No on and off switch. I also added the four fans inside the refrigerator like you have an on top of that I added a it was called clip the tip. Those improvements made my fridge raider stay ice cold all the time
That's awesome!
I can't wait to use ours when we hit the road once the renovation is done.
Thanks for sharing & watching Ron! - Dennis ✌️
I added the triple fan to our 12quft 4 door fridge. My fridge is in my living room slide so I dont have a roof vent. I have to figure out where to put the vent fans. I am adding two of those Valera vent fans to the back of my fridge.
Awesome! Let us know where you end up putting the vent
Very helpful. Wanted to connect yo to light but wasn't sure how.
Oh yay glad it helped! - Liz
Clean install.
Thanks
Great explanation and install of parts used! Thanks for the update. Good job!
Great video if you had your choice would you rather install the fans on the exterior of rig or inside the fridge? Thanks
If this is always a problem why doesn’t the manufacturer install fans?
Regarding Dometic refers under warranty: I was told that adding cooling fans that are hardwired to a 12-volt line would void the warranty, and that the 12 volt line to the refer light or other 12-volt wire would exceed the power limits of that wire(s). Anybody have thoughts?
I can't speak to warranty restrictions regarding these fans. Our fridge is over 10 years old and well beyond it's warranty period.
I find it hard to believe that 2.4 amps will overload the wires for the light. I've had these fans installed and ruining nonstop for about 7 months since this video was recorded without any issues. But, I'm not a certified technician and accept zero responsibility for anything other than my own personal experience.
You can always run your power leads down the condensation drain tube and connect to external 12v power at the back of the fridge.
Hope this helps. - Dennis ✌️
Thanks, nice video. I just got my 3-fan system today and plan to do the install next week after my Double Male to Female connectors get here so I can power the fans from the refrigerator lite as you have done in this video. Any updates or suggestions since you made the video? Any recommendations on how to best hook up the middle pole of the light switch to get the lights on the fridge fan to work? Thanks!
Holy smokes I have been full time for over a year and a half, and I have never heard of either of these.. Very interesting!
Well, glad I could shine some light on how to improve your fridge!
Stay tuned I'll be doing an update on how they perform for us once we're back on the road.
Thanks for watching! - Dennis ✌️
Yet another use for Duct Tape. And yet another great video!
🤣 Thanks Mark! - Dennis
The triple fans are no longer available thru Amazon. Next best?
Hi dennis What do you suggest doing if your refrigerator is a 110v ? Mine is 110v it has no fans inside the actual fridge area so stuff in the fridge takes a VERY long time to cool.. I wanted to add a fan to help circulate air throughout the fridge but wasnt sure how to power a fan from within the fridge?? Unfortunately most fans are 12v. Any ideas? I do have a light inside the fridge so could i possibly attach it to that light or maybe there is a way to run wires from a 110v plug outside the fridge to thru into the inside? I noticed amazon does sell 110v fans that move a lot of air that could seriously help!!
How can you gain access to screws again?
Awesome video and clean install! Any data on temps using the fans vs not and the temps outside when doing so? Thanks much.
The wires to the light look very thin. Are you sure they can take the load of the fans running 24/7 year round? I read down below that you said they were still working fine in May 2021, but they still look thin to me :-)
Where did you get the evaporator fans and do you have a part number. Thanks
Love the video. Don't forget to let us know what kind of performance improvement you get!
Will do! - Dennis ✌️
@@EatSeeRV So what kind of difference did you see with the temp ?
Great vid. Do you know how many amps you are drawing now with the fans?
It's minimal. Not enough to impact our power consumption.
I was looking at the fin fans but the video I watched looked like it was very cheesy, can you let us know how it works done the road, you made it look like it was a decent product. They should put your video on their site!
Thank you so much! 😊
I definitely want to do a real life application update video. So I Will definitely let you know how we like them.
But, for now check out this video 👇
ua-cam.com/video/lfKL22KL5Dw/v-deo.html
He installs the same fin fans I did & gets a 8° improvement!
Thanks for the compliments! It really gives me a breath of fresh air to continue creating videos like this. - Dennis ✌️
Good information. Bet you guys can't wait to hit the road again
Thanks Bill!
You know we are so ready to hit the road!
Soon, very soon. - Dennis ✌️
Thank you for a great video and install that the average person can understand ! You are appreciated
Anytime gus!
I'm really glad you enjoyed & could understand it, lol.
Thank you for watching! - Dennis 😁
Great vid! Thanks for sharing the info, very helpful!
Anytime Steve.
Im glad you enjoyed the video! - Dennis ✌️
Can you list the refrigerator fans please.
Sweet shirt!
Hi Dennis and Group. I bought the 3-fan internal cooling fan and planned to power from the interior refrigerator light. However, my fridge has a different style light...just two poles with a light bulb between each pole. No other wiring in the light area. I can see if I can get behind the light socket, but hesitate to tear into that. Do you know of any other options to wire for 12v without going down the drain tube? My drain tube also has a "critter cap" on the end and actually vents to outside the lower ventilation cover area. Any suggestions on an alternate way to power the fans would be helpful as my fridge definitely needs the help to stay cold. Thanks!
Great video on the installs.I wanted to ask you, do the fans you have installed in the refrigerator blow the air on the radiator or do they suck it in and send it towards the door?
Thank you.
Another great video. Definitely not something I've ever considered, so thanks and cheers!
No problem.
Glad you enjoyed the video! - Dennis ✌️
I am sitting here wondering why you didn't use the existing hole under the blanking plate, just to the left of the one you are cutting. I would have mounted it sideways right on top of the solid blanking plate. I try real hard to not make more holes.
Are you asking about the way I mounted fan under the fridge vent cover on the roof? - Dennis
@@EatSeeRV No, the hole for the switch inside.
Thanks so much for your video! I have the same fridge as you and order the double male adapter you provided the link for, but the quick disconnect end from the black and red wires on the fridges are much smaller than the receiving adapter - did you have this problem? Did you have to pry open the ends of the fridge wires to slide into the adaptor? Thanks for your time!
I ordered this same fan set. I don't see how it can do any good mounted to blow straight at the door can do much good. Also, everyone says, DO NOT connect the power to the fridge light circuit. It can burn out the printed circuit board for the light.
Be careful when installing these fan sets and get more info than this fellow offers.
The fans don't blow toward the door, actually the opposite.
They blow the warm air that rises to the top of the fridge box towards the evaporator fins, cooling it much more efficiently.
If your fans are blowing air toward the door, as you stated, you have installed the positive and negative wires incorrectly at whatever power source you chose.
I would suspect that reverse polarity Installs like yours are most likely what is burning out peoples boards.
I have had these fans installed for 9 months and counting without a problem.
Hope this helps. - Dennis ✌️
PS - Who is "everyone"?
If you're going to cast fear and discredit the info that I offer in this video, please don't do it so vaguely. Give us some links to the forum threads or videos that you found your info from and let those you are "trying" to warn research and decided for themselves.
Awesome
Hi Dennis, something to consider in the future would be the Amish Fridge conversion. Excellent cooling and will eliminate almost all the fire risk inherent absorption fridges. When the day comes your fridge bites the dust consider marine type compressor fridges. Check out Nova Kool which is a direct fit into the opening. No worry about leveling your rig and no fire worry. They are made for the rough life at sea. It would be my first choice........plus it would give me even more excuse to go larger solar.
Great VID!!!!!
Richard, I would love either an Amish conversion or brand marine compressor fridge!
But, these two upgrades are much more friendly on the wallet 😂
I've read stories about absorbtion fridge fires... Scary stuff!
Would you happen to have the name of the marine fridge brand you spoke of?
Thanks! - Dennis ✌️
@@EatSeeRV Hi Dennis. I sure do. It is Nova Kool. Widely used in marine applications and they're expanding going for the RV market now. I personally will not have a absorption fridge because of the fire risk. The Amish conversion is fairly wallet friendly while the Nova Kool is harder on the funds but very well worth it. Here is a link:
www.novakool.com/products/two_doors/rfu6200_6800_8000_9000.htm
So many people have issues with the norcold or dometic refrigerator stayng cold. These manufacturers just say they aren't design to cool above 5500 ft elevation...REALLY! You are installing fans that helped, right? Why doesnt these manufacturers install these fans? We bought beNd new for the first time and norcold Only said, it's in the book. NO ONE reads the manufacturer book before you buy your RV. We only use our RV in the mountains. Would you recommend this mod for all refrig not cooling?
We were in Florida when we installed so it worked well for us regardless of elevation.
Not sure about the use of butyl tape on a horizontal surface. Generally used on window or other vertical installs. Dicor (or other sealant) is a much safer bet for the roof where even a small leak will potentially ruin your roof.
Hi Michael, thanks for sharing your thoughts.
If you're not sure about using butyl tape horizontally on the roof of a RV, I would suggest doing a bit of google'ing.
While definitely not mandatory, I use both butyl tape and self-leveling sealant on my roof accessory installs.
In my experience butyl tape will ooze and sag when installed in a vertical location. There are better options than old school butyl for vertical installs, like 3M Windo-weld or comparable RV branded products.
The best thing about DIY is you can do the job however you want.
Thanks for watching! - Dennis
I didn't realize you used Dicor on top once you set the hood. That sounds really good to me. But you'd got to be careful not to get any under the Dicor because I don't think it will adhere to it. Butyl does do a nice job of filling irregular surfaces so I agree with you in that. I haven't seen it ooze on vertical surfaces, but could see it happening. Its gets very soft when hot and on the sunny side of the RV it could be an issue. I also do all my own work. I think we get a much better job and you're right, we get to do it our way too....Keep up the good videos. My next project is the refer fan upgrade. Our Norcold is a nice fridge, but is just not working well when it get over 85 degrees in the sun in the afternoon.
Yeah bud!
The valterra fridge vent fan in the roof is definitely a nice addition. The internal temps still fluctuate depending on how hot it is outside, but not much. I've seen a ton of nice DIY fan installs on the internet but I'm too lazy to peace it together, lol.
I really like the internal fin fans I installed and think they made a huge difference in efficiency.
Have fun with your installs and thanks for watching! - Dennis
@@EatSeeRV Going to start with the fin fan inside and see how it works. Don't really want to tackle the roof fan but if I need to I will. I just don't like the temps I've seen in the fridge during the heat of the afternoon. Nice and cold after dark and until noon, but the afternoon is a struggle for the Norcold.
@@EatSeeRV Couldn't find internal fin fans in stock so I installed a pair of Titan roof vent fans yesterday. Also did some sheet metal work to improve air flow in the back of the refrigerator. There was a large void above the refrigerator that I filled with fiberglass insulation and covered with sheet metal. Together the fan and insulation/sheet metal have made a big difference. Much colder and it runs colder at lower settings too.
You guys are such a cute couple.
Aw, thanks Rebekah! - Dennis ☺
Awesome video. Where did you buy the fin fans from? I am in Canada and it is not available on Amazon at the moment. I can't seem to find the manufacturer online to buy it directly from there as well.
Hi, was wondering where to get the interior fan for the evap coils. Love the look of those and they look like they would really do the trick. Thanks so much!
13" Triple Fan Deluxe RV Refrigerator Evaporator Fin Fans amzn.to/2mk8wi3
Awesome video!
Thanks!
Hi thank you for your reply. I forgot to ask how hot of temperature are you camping in. I am planning a trip to Florida and Tenn. I am thinking of doing these mods before I go. I leave in June so i have time and will be in my trailer for 3 weeks for both trips. Thanks for all your help.
Woah, June in Florida will be HOT! Although we installed these in August, and it's just as hot. We were plugged into shore power while this ran. Let us know how it works out! - Liz
Great video - one of your best.
Thank you so much James! - Dennis ✌️
I have the fan that goes inside the fridge , and it works great , I was asking about the fan that you put in the roof vent , how is it working for you ?
That fan is kind of behind the scenes and I haven't done any testing to gather hard data, like turning the fan off to see if temps in the fridge fluctuate.
But, I have been on the roof and I can feel it pushing warm air up and out of the fridge roof vent. With that said it is definitely working and the job it is doing to exhaust hot air from cooling system behind the fridge is a huge plus over letting it vent "naturally".
I would definitely install this fan again.
I've seen more videos highlighting more elaborate DIY setups but those just seem like they would be more maintenance and a bigger job to install.
Hope this helps! - Dennis ✌️
Nice install video very clear directions on electrical connections was great. How much improvement did you notice in terms of cooler refrigerator temperatures after install?
Thanks! It stays around 35 degrees and cools a lot faster if it was turned off for some reason. Definitely a noticeable improvement. - Dennis
So given the exhaust fan is automatic, why do all the extra work to add a switch? I have the same fan and not once have I ever cared to turn it on or off. It is designed to do that itself.
The switch is for when you put your RV into storage and you're not running the fridge, so you don't kill your batteries cycling the fan for nothing. - Dennis
@@EatSeeRV If properly installed it is only one when the fridge is on. Otherwise the battery disconnect will definitely kill the power.
Hi Great video. Would it help out to put a fan at the side of the fridge and top to help keep things cooled down? Also your inside vans were they n an angle at all? Are the fans noisy at all? Thanks for a great how to video.
The fridge fans work wonderfully so far, I don't know that additional fan would add to it performance. No the fans are pretty quiet.
sorry about that , I was wanting info on the fridge vent fan .
Did you get the info you needed?
Nice install, have you got a link to the double male electrical connection you used to wire inside fans?
Hi Roy, yes I do!
Double Male-Female Adapters 5pk Marine Grade
amzn.to/2kFEPHT
P.S. - I thought I had already replied to you days ago through my creator studio app on my cell phone but... it looks like it didn't post for some reason! Sorry about that! - Dennis ✌️
How did the evaporator fan end up working? Still going strong?
Still working great over a year later. It's also still one of my favorite upgrades I've done to the RV! - Dennis
Where can I get a fan like this for the inside of my fridge? Amazon does not have them...
We got ours from e trailer and have a link to it in the video description!
Hi Have you got into hot weather yet. How do your fans work on frig. Frig good and cold
The fridge has done great in both cold and hot weather. We were in FL's 90 degree + heat and it kept up fine.
What microwave is that? I’ve been trying to find a small one for my cougar that has a range built in
Not sure? It came stock with the RV. Have you looked online? I'm sure there are small micro-convections at Camping World or Amazon. - Liz
Any updates on how this has worked out for you? We live in Arizona and the fridge can't keep up!
It's worked wonderfully. 0 problems with our fridge so far and it cools really well!
@@EatSeeRV thanks for the reply. I went through all your other comments and see that you answered this queation several times. I will be doing this. Thanks!
Where did you find/get the piggyback pushon clips?
There's a link to them in the video description box. - Dennis
@@EatSeeRV thanks, learned something new. previously I had no idea what the description box was.
Lol, yeah it's kind of a catch all of info and links.
Update? Did it work as described for the inside fan assembly?
Yes, the inside refrigerator (evaporator fin) fan assembly works amazingly!
It's one of the best upgrades I've done to the RV so far.
It's been running full-time in the fridge since we posted this video with zero issues.
Highly recommended of you have an absorption style fridge like we do. - Dennis 🥶
@@EatSeeRV installing mine today!.
Sweet, enjoy!
Do you have a link to where you got both fans?
Yes in the description area of the video. Click show more!
You guys still go RVing? Get out there!
😂 🤣 We gotta get this remodel done so we can!
Soon, very soon. - Dennis
Where can I purchase these fans?
The links are in the video description. - Dennis ✌️
I want one of those triple fridge fans but can't find it anywhere. Can you advise where to buy one?
We bought ours from e-trailer! Valterra Fridgecool Automatic Vent Fan: www.etrailer.com/RV-Kitchen/Valterra/A10-2618VP.html?etam=a0003
13" Triple Fan Deluxe RV Refrigerator Evaporator Fin Fans: amzn.to/2mk8wi3
@@EatSeeRV no longer available
Even on etrailer? Is it just on back order I wonder?
@@EatSeeRV The only fridge fan they show is the blue one that uses D batts.
Hi Ray, looks like it's still for sale on the manufacturers website.
Hope this helps! - Dennis ✌️
rvcoolingunit.com/Dometic-3-fan-Special-Deluxe-Fan-with-LED-lights-13-inch-wide-P5672097.aspx
It's confusing to me that the RV manufacturers, knowing about this super obvious and well known problem, don't make these fans a standard feature, or even an upgrade.
🤷
how is the roof vent fan working out ? thinking about getting one
Works great! We love having it in cool climates instead of having to run the A/C.
what size were the screws you used
Which screws? The ones in the fridge roof vent? - Dennis
@@EatSeeRV roof vent yes sorry
I'm pretty sure they're *8 pan head. I removed one of them and took it to fastenal and matched it with stainless. - Dennis ✌️
Do these work on boats
I don't see why not. Do you have visible evaporator fins inside the chill box of your fridge? - Dennis ✌️
How's the Valterra cooling fan working for ya? I need to get one for my fridge. Freezer works, but not the fridge as of yesterday. Would love to hear how your set up is going.
Glad I found your channel.
It's working well! We're very happy with it. It seems to keep up and stay cool even in really hot weather currently (90 degree +). Glad you found us as well!
The spacing behind your fridge is way too big. That will have a major effect on cooling power because the air goes around the cooling unit rather than through the fins. You can get the specifics in your installation manual.
Manufacturers just suck at installing fridges!
Yeah, unfortunately there's nothing I can do about that now, lol.
Another reason why the Valterra vent fan is a necessity.
Thanks for watching! - Dennis ✌️
@@EatSeeRV I pulled the fridge and used 1x2's ripped to width and luan paneling to build the wall out to Norcold specs.
Good video!
Whoa, that's dedication man!
If & when I pull the fridge out I'll be replacing it with a compressor style setup.
But, in the mean time I'm really excited to see how this old fridge performs with these new modifications!
Thank you for sharing! - Dennis
@@EatSeeRV Yeah, I think there's a compressor conversion in my future as well.
Black is negative on DC dope
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I dont know why you decided to insult me with your correction, but I hope whatever is really bothering you works out for you. I personally know that carrying that amount of emotional weight around with you everyday is very draining on the physical body & dulls the shine of your soul.
Safe journeys. - Dennis ✌️
Nothing like spending $1500 for a refrigerator that doesn't cool properly. Only in the RV industry.
😂 🤣 - Dennis
These refrigerators are terrible I just put a residential unit in it's not worth messing with
Yikes! - D
Get some knee pads.
😂 For real! - Dennis