Loud Refrigerator Fan

[chrisopy]

I didn't use either. The fridge had the factory fan because of no roof vent (fridge in the slide) so there is a thermostat attached to the condenser coil. By using the factory connector the fans operate off of the factory thermostat. I am assuming the included thermostats would be used if you had a roof vent on your fridge and there was no fan factory installed. If you are adding/installing the fans on either the vents or in the shaft and NOT replacing an already existing fan you would need to use one of the two thermostats.

Here in Florida it wouldn't matter which one I used, the fans would always be on.

Thanks, my fridge isn't in a slide, but there is no roof vent.

[OurNewEra]

Thanks, my fridge isn't in a slide, but there is no roof vent.

In that case I would probably go with the lower rated thermostat that came in the kit. I figure the cooler the fridge runs the better the results. But I am not an absorption fridge or regular fridge expert. It seems the hotter it is outside the less effective the absorption fridge is so the goal would be to keep it cool.

[chrisopy]

In that case I would probably go with the lower rated thermostat that came in the kit. I figure the cooler the fridge runs the better the results. But I am not an absorption fridge or regular fridge expert. It seems the hotter it is outside the less effective the absorption fridge is so the goal would be to keep it cool.

Yeah, I can't say I've really noticed a problem with my fridge cooling, but I just ordered thermometers to keep inside to check. I more or less wanted to add another fan to keep the fins cooler and not wear out the single fan to quick. I think I read the factory thermostat is set at maybe 135.

[scdock]

Tigger1 I finally got my fans in. How can I tell which wire is speed control, the hot wire, and ground? Of course nothing is labelled.

[Tigger1]

Tigger1 I finally got my fans in. How can I tell which wire is speed control, the hot wire, and ground? Of course nothing is labelled.

The solid line symbol on the connector was the ground on mine. The middle wire was hot. If all else fails clip the black connector, strip all three wires, then hold them to a 12v battery and see which two power the fan then label them. That’s how I figured it out.

When you install them make sure they’re pointed in the correct direction, the side with the detailed info. up.

[howson]

Tigger1 I finally got my fans in. How can I tell which wire is speed control, the hot wire, and ground? Of course nothing is labelled.

It's possible the fan can run in two different directions depending on how it's wired, so look (and feel) to ensure the air is moving in the direction intended.

[scdock]

Tigger1 , howson Thanks for the feedback. After some trial and error I was able to determine the middle wire was hot. Both fans are connected and working well. I can't believe how quiet they are compared to the one that came with our unit. Thanks again for the assistance.

[Tom in PGH]

I hadn’t seen this thread before tonight. Which refrigerator model seems to making the noise? The reason I ask is that we have the Dometic 1350. It was fairly quiet at first, but became louder as time went by. After a few months, it was quite loud. Of course, when it wasn’t running and the fans were not operating, it was totallu quiet.

While it was still under warranty, we took it in for a couple of issues and had them check the fridge fans. It turned out that the mounting bracket for the fans had cracked and was getting worse. That was replaced and we don’t even hear the fridge any more. If it’s running and the fans are on, you can just hear them if you stand by the fridge and listen carefully.

Just a thought...

[Tigger1]

I hadn’t seen this thread before tonight. Which refrigerator model seems to making the noise? The reason I ask is that we have the Dometic 1350. It was fairly quiet at first, but became louder as time went by. After a few months, it was quite loud. Of course, when it wasn’t running and the fans were not operating, it was totallu quiet.

While it was still under warranty, we took it in for a couple of issues and had them check the fridge fans. It turned out that the mounting bracket for the fans had cracked and was getting worse. That was replaced and we don’t even hear the fridge any more. If it’s running and the fans are on, you can just hear them if you stand by the fridge and listen carefully.

Just a thought...

It’s not the fridge model, it’s the fan that is installed in back of the fridges which are in slides. Since the fridge is in the slide, there is no permanent roof vent for cooling. So cooling is achieved with a small, single, OEM 12v fan behind the fridge.

I have read other threads suggesting the fan may not be tight and thus causing vibration. I checked mine before doing any mods and the screws were so tight I couldn’t tighten them any further. As a matter of fact when I replaced the OEM fan I had to bear down to loosen the screws.

The problem as I see it is high RPM fans that cause vibration that can be heard inside and outside of the trailer. It’s annoying. Once I installed the two new fans that run at 1900 RPM rather than 2500 RPM, the noise went away. Plus each fan moves more air individually then the OEM fan.

[scdock]

Agree with Tigger1 I had a hard time removing the OEM fan as well, especially in the tight space where it is located. After I added the 2 fans I can barely hear them when on a ladder with the top vent off. The only downside is I'll now have to check them occasionally to make sure they are still working. They are rated for 8,000 hours but that's in an enclosed computer cabinet so not sure what the longevity will be in a travel trailer. Regardless, it was definitely worth the upgrade.

[Tigger1]

Agree with Tigger1 I had a hard time removing the OEM fan as well, especially in the tight space where it is located. After I added the 2 fans I can barely hear them when on a ladder with the top vent off. The only downside is I'll now have to check them occasionally to make sure they are still working. They are rated for 8,000 hours but that's in an enclosed computer cabinet so not sure what the longevity will be in a travel trailer. Regardless, it was definitely worth the upgrade.

I agree about they’re so quiet it’s a little difficult to know they’re running. What I did is in the morning when it’s cooler open the freezer and listen. Then when it gets warmer with the sun out do the same thing. You’ll be able to tell the difference and can hear them.

[scdock]

Thanks for the tip Tigger1

[Susan192]

We just returned from our first outing, a shakedown outing really. Three nights at a nearby state park. That is the one thing we found was the refrigerator fan was way too LOUD!. I ordered a replacement pair from Appliance and Air off Ebay. Here is the URL https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-RV-Boat-Refrigerator-Cooling-Fans-ON-OFF-Thermostat-Wiring-Hardware-FAST-Ship/123239868851?epid=2221036107&hash=item1cb1ab29b3:g :BmYAAOSwNmhes2PC
I ordered them on Tuesday afternoon and they were delivered today. I will be working on this replacement/upgrade this weekend.

I located these after researching on forums and a couple YT videos. The kit seems to be very complete with all the parts that would be needed.

That's actually a good choice! It's not that loud, imho

upd. Didn't see the page 2, sorry