Muffin Fans on back of Refrigerator
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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8538
Printed Date: 26 Jun 2025 at 3:09am
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Topic: Muffin Fans on back of Refrigerator
Posted By: jato
Subject: Muffin Fans on back of Refrigerator
Date Posted: 07 Aug 2016 at 8:58pm
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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." |
Replies:
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 07 Aug 2016 at 10:35pm
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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,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: JandL
Date Posted: 07 Aug 2016 at 11:28pm
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Here is a good post and pictures about the fans
fridge temp http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8185 - http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8185 Edit: make link clickable - techntrek ------------- JandL 2013 Honda Ridgeline 2012 177 2 Paynes in a Pod |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2016 at 4:40pm
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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,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: osage
Date 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. |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 13 Aug 2016 at 4:32pm
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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." |
Posted By: bjk
Date Posted: 13 Aug 2016 at 8:59pm
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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" 2011 F-150 SLX |
Posted By: JandL
Date Posted: 13 Aug 2016 at 10:08pm
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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 2012 177 2 Paynes in a Pod |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 13 Aug 2016 at 10:14pm
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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." |
Posted By: scentralmt
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2016 at 8:54pm
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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  ------------- Curtis 2014 177 2001 F150 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 15 Aug 2016 at 10:06pm
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Nice work. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: Bcmckean
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2016 at 4:08pm
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I think I have a problem with my fan. I have a 2016 182G and it only has one fan. Camping last weekend I could only get the fridge into the mid to high 50s. I tried jumping as discussed above to see if the fan is working but I get nothing. Is there another way to test the fan? Also when should I expect the fan to come on? I.e. At what outside temp, etc Thanks!
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Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2016 at 9:51pm
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You don't say in what mode you were operating the fridge with. You can test the fan by disconnecting the leads and applying 12v to it. Testing the switch is a little more difficult, but it goes something like this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQWQQr9EWMk - How a Cooling Fan Switch/ ThermoSwitch Works I have not verified this, but the normally open thermo-switch for the fan should close at 90 degrees F. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Bcmckean
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2016 at 1:38am
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I had it in propane mode for most of the time... Tried on shore power as well with no difference. Will try to test fan with 12v power tomorrow and see how it goes. Thanks!
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Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2016 at 6:17am
Operating in the mid 50's on either mode tells me you have other issues. I doubt very much a singe muffin fan, even running full time, will drop your fridge temp into the high 30s. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Bcmckean
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2016 at 6:52pm
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What would be the other issues? Can I just add another fan to the same temp switch that is already there? If so, where should I locate it? The one that is there now is on the lower left of the fridge compartment.
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Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2016 at 11:06pm
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Usually good cooling with absorption refrigeration starts with system management. That is: Let it cool for 24-48 hours before heading out. Use cooler type ice packs to speed up the process. All products during the initial load should be pre-cooled and anything that is cooked on the road should be cooled some before putting it into the fridge. Of course minimize the time open. Some folks have reported success with a circulating fan inside the fridge picked at Camping World. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |