Cooling fan installation for Thetford fridge

Canalsman

Canalsman

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I've just installed this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F93WRP9D?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

It's well made, good value and works well. It fits exactly where the original frame and vent was installed.

The hole positions don't match those in the Thetford installation and I needed to remove and replace the fans in the new installation to route the wires to the rear.

I have fitted a remote control switch so I can disable the fans if required.

Recommended.
 
Completed installation.
20260426_180105~2.jpg
 
r4dent said:
About 10 years ago I installed two 12v PC cooling fans fixed to the vent with cables ties as a proof of concept to see if the idea worked.

Still in use and still effective
Click to expand...
I did the same but after many years I wanted a neater installation with higher flow rate fans.
 
Now here's a funny thing. I have a Bluetooth fridge thermometer and I did a little experiment last year to see what happens with and without my fan running......no difference whatsoever 🤔.
I did the test whilst the van was layed up so the results weren't skewed by opening the fridge door, I also tried it several days running including on 2 consecutive very hot days and no difference whatsoever. We have a PVC and the sliding door obstructs the fridge flue, this is why the fan was originally installed. So, I repeated the process with the sliding door over the flue......no difference.
Same cool down times, same response, same cycle times. No difference whatsoever. Go figure 🤔
 
I fitted 2PC fans to mine a few yrs back, then arrived home one day to see the vent and fans all missing!! Either fell off on the way home or someone nicked it on the last nights stopover., with 2 clips the only thing holding then in place, Either-way I decided not to replace the fans as I didn't notice any improvement
 
Canalsman said:
I've just installed this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F93WRP9D?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

It's well made, good value and works well. It fits exactly where the original frame and vent was installed.

The hole positions don't match those in the Thetford installation and I needed to remove and replace the fans in the new installation to route the wires to the rear.

I have fitted a remote control switch so I can disable the fans if required.

Recommended.
Click to expand...
Looks good. I haven't seen an "off the shelf" kit like that which is ready to fit.
 
That looks a great idea. On hot days the spare power from the solar panels can help keep the fridge cool and save some gas.
 
I have 2 PC fans to install to cool down the batteries and associated equipment and ironically the Diesel heater as well, I will also install a switch.

They all reside under the 'L' shaped sofa at the front of the van.
 
YeoBlade said:
I fitted 2PC fans to mine a few yrs back, then arrived home one day to see the vent and fans all missing!! Either fell off on the way home or someone nicked it on the last nights stopover., with 2 clips the only thing holding then in place, Either-way I decided not to replace the fans as I didn't notice any improvement
Click to expand...
In hot weather, removing the vent cover completely is probably the best aid to cooling there is (assuming the Sun is not shining directly on that side of the van).
 
I have three fans fitted in the vent on my fridge, unlike other comments on here I found that the fridge is significantly cooler in hot weather. In the South of France/Spain in July and September my fridge was useless before I fitted the fans, with the fans I could make ice cubes and keep frozen food safely.
If there are any gaps around the fans they don't work efficiently, so the ones pictured in the OP should give an improvement but I am sure Chris will give us an update
 
exwindsurfer said:
There is something to be said for compressor fridges no extra fans needed.
Click to expand...
I fitted a fan kit to my compressor fridge!

No massive reason to, but if the fridge side of the motorhome is on the sunny side, the area around the compressor CAN get very warm indeed and outside the official operating window.
TBH, my main reason was to just to install a kit and try it out (I like to test these things on my own stuff before I do it to other peoples vans :) )

Canalsman said:
I've just installed this:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F93WRP9D?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I have fitted a remote control switch so I can disable the fans if required....
Click to expand...
What you could add if you had a mind to is a simple temp controller that will turn the fans on and off at certain temperatures (that you chose). These are literally just a few pounds in price, would use the existing wiring you have in place and if you replaced your switch with a 3-way switch, you could select the fans to be ON, OFF or Temp Controlled.
I can give you more info and a link if this is of interest?
 
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wildebus said:
What you could add if you had a mind to is a simple temp controller that will turn the fans on and off at certain temperatures (that you chose). These are literally just a few pounds in price, would use the existing wiring you have in place and if you replaced your switch with a 3-way switch, you could select the fans to be ON, OFF or Temp Controlled.
I can give you more info and a link if this is of interest?
Click to expand...
I mounted our microwave in a fairly enclosed space and used a temp controlled fan to stop it overheating. ( similar to the one you fitted in Annie's van). It works very well, thanks for the idea.
 
wildebus said:
What you could add if you had a mind to is a simple temp controller that will turn the fans on and off at certain temperatures (that you chose). These are literally just a few pounds in price, would use the existing wiring you have in place and if you replaced your switch with a 3-way switch, you could select the fans to be ON, OFF or Temp Controlled.
I can give you more info and a link if this is of interest?
Click to expand...

Now you mention it David I remember buying one to fit with my PC fans but as usual I haven't got round to doing it yet. 😊
 
Robmac said:
Now you mention it David I remember buying one to fit with my PC fans but as usual I haven't got round to doing it yet. 😊
Click to expand...
YeoBlade said:
It Probably has as much dust as the one I bought 😕
Click to expand...
When you get round to actually fitting them they work very well :D

I have one in my electrics locker where the Multiplus is located, set to kick in the fan at something at 32C and it is very effective at stopping the temperature rising so quickly when the Multiplus is running full pelt at either charging or inverting.
 
MERL said:
I did the test whilst the van was layed up so the results weren't skewed by opening the fridge door,
Click to expand...

Thing is that if the doors aren't opened the fridge doesn't switch on and thus heat isn't generated so fans make no difference.

Next time do it on a really hot day in Spain and have a can of beer every 30 minutes. (or leave the door open)
sfun.jpg
 
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