Improve Cooling: How To Add A Fan To Fridge Of Rv Now

How To Add A Fan To Fridge Of Rv
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Improve Cooling: How To Add A Fan To Fridge Of Rv Now

You want to know how to make your RV fridge cooler? Can you add a fan to your RV fridge? Yes, you absolutely can add a fan to your RV fridge, and it’s one of the most effective ways to improve RV fridge cooling. RV fridges work differently than home fridges; they are often called RV absorber fridge units. They use heat to create cold, and this process creates a lot of waste heat that needs to get away. When that heat gets trapped, the fridge struggles to cool well, especially when it’s hot outside. Adding a fan helps move air, which helps the fridge work better.

Grasping Why RV Fridges Need Help

RV refrigerators are not like the ones in your house. Home fridges use a compressor and refrigerant gas under pressure. RV fridges, or absorption fridges, use a mix of water, ammonia, and hydrogen. They use a heat source (either electric or propane flame) to start a process that creates cold inside.

This heat source is key, but it also makes a lot of heat that must escape. The fridge is usually put in a space with vents, often on the roof or the side of the RV. These vents let air flow behind the fridge to carry the heat away. Hot air naturally rises, so the design relies on this air movement, called convection.

But this natural airflow is often not enough.
* When it’s hot outside, the air moving past is already warm.
* When the RV is parked without wind, air doesn’t move much.
* The space behind the fridge can get very hot.

When heat builds up behind the fridge, the cooling process inside slows down or stops. This means your food and drinks don’t get cold enough. This is why adding a fan to improve RV fridge cooling is a popular upgrade. It forces air movement where natural flow fails.

Breaking Down Fan Locations for RV Fridges

You can add fans in two main spots to help your RV fridge cool better. Each spot does a different job, and some people even add fans in both places for the best cooling.

Inside the Fridge Box

Adding a fan inside the part where you keep food helps move the cold air around. Cold air is heavy and tends to sink. This can mean the bottom of your fridge is colder than the top, or food packed tightly blocks airflow.

Adding a small fan inside helps:
* Circulate cold air evenly.
* Stop cold spots and warm spots.
* Reduce frost build-up on the cooling fins.

These fans are usually small, quiet 12V fan for RV refrigerator units. They are often designed to attach right onto the cooling fins inside the fridge. They help add circulation fan RV fridge space.

Behind the Fridge (Outside the Box)

Putting fans in the outside compartment behind the fridge is common. This area contains the parts that get hot during the cooling process, like the condenser coils and the absorber. Getting hot air away from these parts is key.

Fans here help by:
* Pulling hot air out through the top vent.
* Pushing cooler air in through the bottom vent.
* Stopping heat from building up in the space.

These are often stronger fans than the inside ones. They can be standard computer fans or fans made just for RV fridge vents. Using an RV refrigerator vent fan pulls hot air up and out, helping the whole absorption process work better. These are also usually 12V fan for RV refrigerator systems, powered by the RV’s 12-volt system. They are helping the RV absorber fridge fan area work right.

Benefits of Adding a Fan

Adding one or more fans to your RV fridge brings several good things.

Better Cooling Performance: The most important benefit. Your fridge will get colder and stay colder, even on hot days.
Faster Pull-Down: The fridge will reach its cold temperature faster when you turn it on.
Reduced Food Spoilage: Keeping a steady, cold temperature means your food stays safe and fresh longer.
More Efficient Operation: When the fridge can get rid of heat easily, it doesn’t have to work as hard to make cold. This can slightly reduce power use (though the fan itself uses a little power).
Less Frost (Inside Fan): Moving air inside the fridge helps reduce ice and frost build-up on the cooling fins.
Improved Performance in Hot Climates: Fans make a big difference when the outside temperature is high.

Adding a fan is a simple upgrade that has a big impact on how well your fridge works, especially in challenging conditions. It helps improve RV fridge cooling reliably.

Picking the Right Fan for the Job

Choosing the best fan depends on where you want to put it and what you need it to do. All fans for RV fridges will be 12V fan for RV refrigerator use because RVs run on a 12-volt DC electrical system when not plugged into shore power.

For Inside the Fridge:
- Type: Look for small, quiet computer fans (like 40mm, 60mm, or 80mm sizes) or fans made specifically for RV fridge fins.
- Mounting: Many come with clips or magnetic mounts to attach to the cooling fins. You can also use zip ties.
- Power: These need a 12V source, often wired to the fridge’s internal 12V power, sometimes through the light circuit.
- Noise: Since it’s inside your living space, choose a low-noise model.
For Behind the Fridge (Vent Area):
- Type: Larger computer fans (like 120mm) are popular and cheap. You can also buy ready-made fan units designed to mount in the RV fridge vent space. RV refrigerator vent fan kits are common.
- Airflow (CFM): This number tells you how much air the fan moves. Higher CFM means more air. For hot outside spaces, more airflow is better. Look for fans with good CFM for their size.
- Mounting: Fans can be mounted on brackets, the wall of the fridge compartment, or inside the vent cover.
- Power: These are wired directly to the RV’s 12V system or sometimes to a 12V connection near the fridge.
- Durability: Fans in the outside compartment face heat and sometimes dust. Look for fans rated for continuous use.
Considering Control Options:
- Always On: Simplest wiring, but the fan runs all the time the 12V power is on. Uses a little more power.
- Manual Switch: You turn the fan on and off yourself. Simple control.
- Thermostat Control: The fan turns on only when the temperature in the fridge compartment or on the coils gets hot. This saves power and only runs the fan when needed. A thermostat control RV fridge fan system is very energy smart.

Getting Started: Tools and Parts

Before you start your DIY RV fridge fan project, gather everything you’ll need. This makes the job go smoother and safer.

Tools You Might Need

Screwdrivers (Phillips head is most common)
Wire strippers
Wire crimpers (if using crimp connectors)
Voltmeter or multimeter (useful for finding 12V power and checking connections)
Drill and drill bits (if making holes for mounting or wires)
Wire cutters
Heat gun or lighter (if using heat shrink connectors)
Zip ties or mounting screws/bolts
Flashlight or headlamp
Safety glasses

Parts and Materials

The 12V fan for RV refrigerator (or fans) you chose
Electrical wire (appropriate gauge for 12V DC, usually 16 or 18 gauge is fine for fans)
Wire connectors (crimp connectors, wire nuts, or solder and heat shrink)
Inline fuse holder and fuse (important safety item!) – matched to the fan’s power draw
Toggle switch (optional, if you want manual control)
Thermostat control RV fridge fan switch (optional, if you want automatic control)
Mounting hardware (brackets, screws, nuts, washers, zip ties)
Electrical tape or liquid electrical tape
Wire loom or plastic conduit (to protect wires)
Silicone sealant or caulk (to seal any holes made)

RV Fridge Fan Installation: Step-by-Step Guide

The steps for RV fridge fan installation differ slightly depending on whether you’re putting the fan inside the fridge box or in the outside vent area. We will cover both. Remember safety first!

Safety Checks Before Starting

Disconnect Power: Turn off the fridge completely. Turn off the propane supply at the tank. Turn off the 120V power supply to the RV (unplug from shore power). Turn off the 12V main power switch for the RV. You want absolutely no power going to the fridge or the area you are working in.
Let it Cool: If the fridge has been running, the parts behind it, especially the absorber coil, can be very hot. Let everything cool down for a while before you start working.
Ventilation: If working in the outside compartment, ensure good airflow, especially if the fridge uses propane.
Know Your RV: Understand where your 12V power comes from and how to safely disconnect it. If you’re not comfortable with basic wiring, consider getting help from someone who is.

DIY RV Fridge Fan – Installing an Inside Fan

This fan goes inside the cold section of the fridge, usually on the cooling fins. This adds circulation fan RV fridge air.

Access the Inside: Open the RV fridge door. Empty the fridge.
Identify the Cooling Fins: These are the metal plates inside the back of the fridge box. This is where the fan will attach.
Plan Fan Placement: Choose a spot on the fins where the fan can move air freely without blocking shelves or hitting food. Often, near the top center is good.
Plan Wiring Route: The wire needs to get from inside the fridge to the 12V power source, which is usually outside, behind the fridge.
- Option A (Through the Seal): The simplest way is often to carefully run a thin wire between the door seal and the fridge body. Use a very thin wire or ribbon cable if possible. Make sure the seal still closes tightly on the wire.
- Option B (Drill a Hole): You can drill a small hole through the back wall of the fridge box. This is more work and requires careful sealing later to prevent moisture or air leaks. If you drill, make the hole as high up and as hidden as possible.
Mount the Fan:
- If your fan has clips designed for fins, attach it carefully.
- If using zip ties, loop them around the fins and the fan body to hold it securely. Don’t pull them so tight they bend the fins sharply.
- If using a magnetic mount, attach it to the fins.
Run the Wire: Carefully guide the fan wire along your planned route (through the seal or through the hole). If going through a hole, use a rubber grommet to protect the wire edges.
Find 12V Power: Access the back of the fridge from the outside vent panel. Look for the fridge control board or wiring area. Find a source of 12V DC power.
- Easiest: Many RV fridges have a 12V connection for the interior light or control board. Use a voltmeter to check which wires have 12V when the fridge is supposed to be on (with 12V master on, even if the cooling is off). WARNING: Be very careful not to touch 120V AC wires which may also be present! Stick to the low-voltage 12V side.
- Alternative: Run a wire from a nearby 12V source in the RV, like a light fixture wire or a wire from the main 12V distribution panel.
Wiring RV Fridge Fan (Inside):
- Once you find a 12V source, wire the fan to it. Fans have positive (+) and negative (-) wires (often red and black).
- Wire the fan’s positive wire to the 12V positive source.
- Wire the fan’s negative wire to the 12V negative source (ground).
- Add a fuse! Install an inline fuse holder on the positive wire near where it connects to the power source. Use a fuse rated slightly higher than the fan’s power draw (e.g., a 1 amp or 3 amp fuse is usually plenty for a small fan). This protects the fridge wiring in case the fan wire shorts out.
- Use appropriate wire connectors (crimp, solder, or lever nuts). Make sure connections are tight and covered well with electrical tape or heat shrink.
Add a Switch or Thermostat (Optional):
- Switch: Wire a toggle switch into the positive wire line. This lets you turn the fan on or off from inside the RV or the outside compartment.
- Thermostat: Install a small 12V thermostat switch. Mount the temperature sensor on the cooling fins inside the fridge. Wire the fan’s positive wire through the thermostat switch (instead of directly to 12V). The thermostat will turn the power on when the fins get warmer than a set point and off when they are cold enough. This provides thermostat control RV fridge fan operation.
Secure Wiring: Use zip ties to neatly secure the wire run behind the fridge so it doesn’t touch hot parts or hang loose.
Seal Any Holes: If you drilled a hole, seal it completely with silicone sealant on both sides (inside and outside the fridge wall) to prevent air and moisture leaks.
Test: Turn the RV’s 12V power back on. If you used a switch, turn it on. The fan should start. If you used a thermostat, the fan may or may not run depending on the fin temperature. Check connections if it doesn’t run.
Tidy Up: Replace the outside fridge vent cover. Close the fridge door.

DIY RV Fridge Fan – Installing an Outside Fan

This fan goes in the outside compartment behind the fridge, often near the top vent or condenser coils. This helps the RV absorber fridge fan system and works as an RV refrigerator vent fan.

Access the Back of the Fridge: Open the outside vent panel for the RV fridge. This is usually held on with screws or latches.
Identify the Hot Areas: Locate the condenser coils (they look like black fins or a grid) and the absorber coil (a large black tube structure). These are the parts that get hot. The goal is to move hot air away from these.
Plan Fan Placement:
- Pulling Air Out: Mount the fan(s) near the top vent, blowing air out. This is very common.
- Pushing Air In: Mount the fan(s) near the bottom vent, blowing air up. Less common but can also help airflow.
- Consider mounting directly on the vent cover itself (if it’s suitable) or on brackets attached to the RV structure or the fridge frame. Avoid mounting directly onto hot fridge components if possible.
- You might use one large fan or multiple smaller fans.
Mount the Fan(s):
- Use brackets, screws, nuts, and washers to secure the fan(s) firmly in the chosen location. Make sure the fan blades won’t hit anything.
- If mounting on the vent cover, ensure the cover can still be attached and removed easily.
Plan Wiring Route: You need to connect the fan(s) to a 12V power source.
- Option A (Existing Fridge 12V): The fridge usually has a 12V input. You can often tap into the main 12V wires supplying the fridge control board. Use a voltmeter to confirm you have a steady 12V source. Be careful not to interfere with essential fridge wiring.
- Option B (Nearby 12V Source): Find a 12V power wire nearby in the compartment, like wiring for an outside light or existing vent fan if your RV had one before.
- Option C (Direct from Battery/Distribution): Run a new wire directly from your RV’s 12V battery or power distribution panel. This is more work but provides a dedicated circuit.
Wiring RV Fridge Fan (Outside):
- Connect the fan’s positive wire to the 12V positive source and the negative wire to the negative source (ground).
- Crucially, add a fuse! Put an inline fuse holder on the positive wire near the power source. Use a fuse size appropriate for your fan(s) (check fan specs, often 3-5 amps for multiple fans).
- Use reliable connectors like crimp connectors with heat shrink or solder and heat shrink tubing. These connections are exposed to more heat and potential moisture/dust, so make them robust.
- If wiring multiple fans, connect them in parallel (all positives together, all negatives together).
Add a Switch or Thermostat (Optional):
- Switch: Wire a toggle switch into the positive wire line. Mount the switch in an easy-to-reach spot, perhaps near the vent opening or inside the RV.
- Thermostat: Install a 12V thermostat switch. Mount the temperature sensor on or near the condenser coils or the absorber tube – this is where the heat builds up. Wire the fan’s positive wire through the thermostat switch. The fan will turn on when the coils get hot and turn off when they cool down. This provides thermostat control RV fridge fan function based on the heat behind the fridge.
Secure Wiring: Use zip ties and wire loom or conduit to neatly route and protect all wiring. Keep wires away from hot exhaust vents (if applicable) and moving parts.
Test: Turn the RV’s main 12V power back on. If you used a switch, turn it on. The fan(s) should run. If you used a thermostat, the fan(s) will only run if the area behind the fridge is hot enough to trigger the thermostat setting. Check all connections if the fan doesn’t work.
Tidy Up: Ensure all tools and materials are removed from the compartment. Replace the outside fridge vent cover and secure it properly.

Wiring RV Fridge Fan: Important Tips

Polarity Matters: DC fans must be wired with the correct positive (+) and negative (-) connections. Red wire is usually positive, black is negative. Double-check your fan’s wires. Wiring backward will prevent the fan from working.
Fuse It! Don’t skip the fuse. It’s a critical safety step to prevent electrical fires.
Proper Connectors: Don’t just twist wires together and use electrical tape. Use proper crimp connectors, wire nuts rated for the wire size, or solder and heat shrink for reliable, safe connections that won’t come loose.
Protect Wires: Use wire loom or conduit to protect wires running through walls or near potential pinch points or hot areas.
Keep it Neat: Secure wires with zip ties so they don’t hang loose, touch hot parts, or get caught on things when you access the compartment.

Adding a Thermostat Control RV Fridge Fan System

Using a thermostat to control your fan is highly recommended, especially for outside fans.

How it Works: A temperature sensor is placed in the spot you want to monitor (on the fins inside, or on the coils/absorber outside). When the temperature at the sensor goes above a certain point (often adjustable), the thermostat switch turns the fan on. When the temperature drops, it turns the fan off.
Benefits:
- Saves Power: The fan only runs when it’s actually needed to improve cooling.
- Quieter Operation: Fans aren’t running constantly.
- Automatic: You don’t have to remember to turn the fan on or off.
Installation: The thermostat switch is wired in series with the fan’s positive wire. The sensor wire runs from the switch to the monitoring location. Follow the specific thermostat kit instructions. Make sure the sensor is placed where it will accurately measure the temperature that affects cooling performance (e.g., on a cooling fin inside, or clamped onto the hottest part of the absorber coil outside).

Testing and Checking Performance

After completing the RV fridge fan installation, turn the RV’s 12V power back on.

If you installed a fan with a switch, turn it on. You should hear or feel the fan running.
If you installed a fan with a thermostat, the fan may or may not run depending on the temperature. You might need to let the fridge run for a while, or even apply a little heat near the sensor (carefully, with a heat gun on a low setting, for example, only if safe to do so and away from flammable parts) to test the thermostat.
Leave the fridge running on propane or electric (whichever you normally use). Place a thermometer inside the fridge box. Check the temperature after several hours, especially on a warm day. Compare it to how the fridge cooled before adding the fan. You should see a noticeable improvement in how cold it gets and how stable the temperature is.

Keeping Your Fan Working Well

Regular Cleaning: Fans, especially outside ones, can gather dust and dirt. Periodically check and gently clean the fan blades and housing to keep them moving freely.
Check Wiring: Every so often, inspect the wiring connections to make sure they are still tight and protected. Check the fuse.
Listen: If a fan starts making strange noises, it might be failing and should be replaced.

Adding a fan to your RV fridge is a valuable upgrade for any RVer, especially if you travel in warm places. It’s a manageable DIY RV fridge fan project that can greatly improve RV fridge cooling and keep your food cold and safe. By following these steps for RV fridge fan installation and paying attention to wiring RV fridge fan systems correctly and safely, you can enjoy better fridge performance on your trips.

FAQ – Your Questions Answered

h4> Will adding a fan drain my battery?

A single small fan uses very little power (often less than 0.5 amps). Multiple fans or larger fans use more, but still generally just a few amps total. While they do use power, the amount is usually small compared to lights or other RV systems. Using a thermostat control RV fridge fan system reduces the time the fan runs, saving battery power.

h4> How many fans do I need for the outside compartment?

It depends on the size of the fridge and the vent space. For smaller fridges, one or two 120mm fans might be enough. For larger fridges or very hot conditions, three or more fans pulling air out of the top vent is common. More fans move more air.

h4> Where is the best place to connect the fan wires?

The safest and often easiest spot is to tap into the 12V power supply wires that go directly to the fridge’s control board or the interior light feed (for inside fans). Always confirm the voltage with a meter and include an inline fuse. If you’re not sure, running a new fused wire from a nearby 12V circuit or the distribution panel is safer than guessing at existing wires.

h4> My fridge vent is on the roof. Does this change anything?

The principle is the same: move hot air away from the coils. Fans are still very effective. For roof vents, fans are usually mounted in the vent opening, blowing air out. Be extra careful working on the roof and ensure the fan setup doesn’t interfere with the vent cover closing properly or leak when it rains.

h4> Can I use AC fans?

No. RV fridges and their control systems run on 12V DC power when not connected to shore power. You must use 12V fan for RV refrigerator systems. Using AC fans would require an inverter or shore power connection and is not suitable for typical RV fridge fan upgrades.

h4> How do I know if my fan is moving enough air?

For outside fans, you should be able to feel warm air being pushed out the top vent when the fan is running, especially when the fridge is actively cooling. For inside fans, you might feel a gentle breeze inside the fridge box. The best test is measuring the temperature inside the fridge and seeing if it stays colder and more stable, particularly in warm weather.

h4> Will this void my fridge warranty?

Modifying anything can potentially affect a warranty. However, adding a fan is a common modification and usually does not affect the warranty unless your fan installation directly causes a problem with the fridge (e.g., you wire it wrong and short out the control board). Using an inline fuse greatly reduces this risk. If in doubt, check your fridge manual or the manufacturer’s website, or consider a fan kit specifically approved for your fridge model if available.