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Topic ClosedMuffin Fans on back of Refrigerator
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jato View Drop Down
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Joined: 23 Feb 2012
Location: Kewadin, MI
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Posts: 3346 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Muffin Fans on back of Refrigerator
    Posted: 07 Aug 2016 at 8:58pm
Just returned from Lake Huron where temps were in the 90's.  Freezer compartment stayed cold but fridge was around 50 degrees with the setting at the lowest temp.  Noticed that the 2 'muffin fans' located on the back of the fridge never came on.  Is there a way to test these to see if they are any good or has anyone rewired them so they can be manually turned on and off with a switch?  After taking both covers off, to get better air flow, the temp in the fridge did come down but would like to have these 2 fans come on to increase air flow.  We have had our 177 for over 5 years and this has never been an issue since we normally don't camp during warmer temps as we had this past weekend.
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Nov 2015
Location: Wake Forest, NC
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Posts: 6429 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Aug 2016 at 10:35pm
Two muffin fans? We only have one on our 2016 R179. I also have seen less than adequate performance in hot weather, even after adding an inside circulating fan. My next step after we get home from this trip will be to try to hook up a couple of fans to help exhaust the hot air, which should help.
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

ouR escaPOD mods
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Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS
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JandL View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Mar 2014
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Posts: 364 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Aug 2016 at 11:28pm
Here is a good post and pictures about the fans

fridge temp
http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8185

Edit: make link clickable - techntrek
JandL
2013 Honda Ridgeline
2012 177
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Nov 2015
Location: Wake Forest, NC
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Posts: 6429 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Aug 2016 at 4:40pm
Thanks. I will probably go ahead and add at least one additional fan after we return from this trip.
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

ouR escaPOD mods
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osage View Drop Down
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Joined: 13 Mar 2016
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Posts: 146 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Aug 2016 at 10:10pm
just got back from Branson today while there the temps were in the 90's fridge ran 38 after I took the vent covers off. also I have moved the switch for the fans to the right just out side of the vents now the fans come on.
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jato View Drop Down
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Posts: 3346 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Aug 2016 at 4:32pm
Thanks JandL for the link. 
Have had our 177 since March 2011 and have never heard those fans come on.  Just did a test 20  minutes ago to see if they actually work.  Took off the 2 spade connectors connected to the thermal switch and ran a jumper to connect them together.  Found out they actually work, should have seen the dust blow off those fans!  Anyway, I figured the thermal switch must be junk so took that off and tested that by holding a flame under it.  In about 3 seconds I heard a click so I immediately took my volt meter and tested for continuity, which I had.  About 25 seconds later it clicked off so it must work, just odd that with the 'warm' weather we have had that it doesn't activate.  Appears that the current location is best for the switch.
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
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bjk View Drop Down
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Joined: 23 May 2016
Location: Hillsboro, OR
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Posts: 65 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Aug 2016 at 8:59pm
In my most recent trip to North ID, I did hear my fans kick on.  However, it was hot out and the fridge was facing west for the entire time I camped there. I even had my freezer insert in it and the fridge stayed reasonably cold.  But I also learned long ago that the most optimal use of the fridge/freezer is a packed one.   Harvested several Muscles and what I didn't eat I threw in the freezer and was amazed when I did get home, they were frozen solid.
2016 HRE R-179 "CapPODccino"
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JandL View Drop Down
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Posts: 364 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Aug 2016 at 10:08pm
I made an update to my original post and pictures that I reference. I though the F70-10C marking on the thermo switch meant 70 degree Fahrenheit. I have found out it is 70 centigrade so that makes it 158F. Some other people on the internet have said the Dometic Refrigerator Thermodisc with Fan Clip #2412906204 is rated to turn on at 150F. Right now at my house it's 100F and I turned on the refrigerator and you can hear the fan turn on intermittently.
JandL
2013 Honda Ridgeline
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jato View Drop Down
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Joined: 23 Feb 2012
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Posts: 3346 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Aug 2016 at 10:14pm
So I would be a fool to complain that it is currently 71 outside in Northern Michigan with a low tonight of 62.  Thanks for the part #.  I may have to order a replacement if I find that this won't work the next time it gets warm/hot out.
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
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scentralmt View Drop Down
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Joined: 18 Apr 2015
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Posts: 24 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Aug 2016 at 8:54pm
I didn't know theire was a fan until I saw posts about cooling the frig.  Mine never came on in two summers of camping.  I found the switch and jumped the wires together and the fan worked.  I think the switch is set to high to work where it was.  I got a snap disc switch on at 130 and off at 115 degrees.  
My issue was that where the factory placement was doesn't get hot enough.  I wanted to put it at the far right but could  not figure how to attach it to the cooling fin.  I ended up going to Harbor Freight and got the smallest C clamp they had.  I cut and ground it down and used it to hold the snap disc.  The first placement was too hot so just moving it up 1/4" seems to be the sweet spot so it doesn't run all the time.
The clamp made it easy to adjust.

Curtis
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