Refrig fan
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14160
Printed Date: 26 May 2025 at 12:40am
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Topic: Refrig fan
Posted By: pedwards2932
Subject: Refrig fan
Date Posted: 25 Oct 2020 at 11:37am
| My rp189 has a fan in the refrig vents on the outside of the 189. Whenever I turn my 12 volt switch is on the fan runs even if the refrig is off. I think the fan helps with the efficiency but not sure why it would need to run all the time as it is a battery drain? Any reason I couldn't add a switch to turn it off when not needed? My understanding in cooler weather isn't needed? |
Replies:
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 25 Oct 2020 at 12:09pm
No reason not to turn the fan off if the fridge is running cold enough without it. You could put it on a thermostat if you wanted to so you didn't need to remember to switch it on and off. These little 12V single board programmable thermostats are really versatile, I used one to control the temp on my water heater. They have a remote temp sensor you could put inside the fridge compartment. https://www.amazon.com/Temperature-Controller-Display-Thermostat-Waterproof/dp/B07H2X4NNR/ref=pd_sbs_60_1/134-4078344-2225341?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07H2X4NNR&pd_rd_r=4d76c130-99cf-4a13-b9c4-2b861369925c&pd_rd_w=Yi8xf&pd_rd_wg=MaPr3&pf_rd_p=b65ee94e-1282-43fc-a8b1-8bf931f6dfab&pf_rd_r=HP1RQ6NJBXS0CKHM8S18&psc=1&refRID=HP1RQ6NJBXS0CKHM8S18 ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: pedwards2932
Date Posted: 25 Oct 2020 at 12:45pm
| That would work....thanks |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 25 Oct 2020 at 1:34pm
|
It sounds like this was not a factory fan which would be connected to a thermal switch on the condenser coil, but perhaps something added in and wired directly to 12V. It should be wired in parallel with the other fan so it too would be controlled by the thermal sensor. That way, it would only turn on when needed instead of running all the time.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: pedwards2932
Date Posted: 25 Oct 2020 at 1:39pm
| that is entirely possible. Where is the factory fan located? this fan is in the outside vents and is hot wired because when I turn the battery on it comes on even if fridge is off. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 25 Oct 2020 at 4:21pm
|
On mine, there is a small fan mounted horizontally above the bottom set of fins. I added fans to the top vent, but wired them in parallel with the original fan.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 25 Oct 2020 at 7:04pm
|
You should be able to trace the fan from the bi-metal switch which is located near to the top of the silver exhaust chimney. Look for 2 red wires that are attached to the switch and from there go down to where they end, which will be at the muffin fan itself. ------------- 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." |
Posted By: pedwards2932
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2020 at 10:41am
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Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2020 at 10:56am
|
Obviously the previous owner felt it was necessary. These absorption fridges vary in how effective they are. That’s because they don’t have excess capacity in hot weather, unlike standard vapor compression fridges, so they stay on continuously. Why not disconnect it but leave it there till you have a chance next summer to see if you really need it? ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: pedwards2932
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2020 at 11:07am
| Great idea will do, I had thought about just putting a switch on so I could turn it off. I am not sure how necessary it is since we haven't had real hot weather. Previous owner was using the rPOD as permanent living quarters while working remotely so he may of had different requirements. So far it has kept everything cold with no issues. |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2020 at 3:28pm
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I added a second fan that was wired to the original fan. both come on/off together as needed. they do help remove hot air from the refrigerator compartment and make the refrig more efficient. I would suggest that you wire them together and use both Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
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