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Installing a RV Refrigerator?

PostPosted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 6:44 pm
by 225
I see that all RV refrigerators us LP and electric.

There is usually a vent on the sides of all RV's for the fridge. And sometimes I see one with a vent on top too. If I were to buy/install a RV fridge on a cargo trailer conversion, what all would I have to do?


Thanks.

Re: Installing a RV Refrigerator?

PostPosted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 6:57 pm
by MtnDon
The vent on the roof makes for a better draft to get rid of the heat than making the air make a turn and exit through the wall. But both work.

The propane / electric fridges need a narrow space behind it and a btm & top vent to allow air to circulate through and get rid of the heat. That should be sealed from the interior. That's the general idea... any specific areas you need detailed help with?

If the back wall is more than one inch away from the refrigerator coils, an added baffle will greatly improve the efficiency, because a large gap will allow the air drawn in by convection to bypass the coils, but if you put a baffle in to force the air to pass over the coils, the refrigerator will cool much more efficiently.

Re: Installing a RV Refrigerator?

PostPosted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 7:07 pm
by MtnDon

Re: Installing a RV Refrigerator?

PostPosted: Tue Mar 04, 2014 7:09 pm
by 225
Thanks. Yes that what what I was wondering. If I needed just the 2 vents (on side, not side and roof) to give it proper ventilation. I'm not putting a stove in my CT. But I would like a fridge/microwave, A/C (the freestanding type), and shower/toilet combo.

I'll mostly be boondocking and want everything to run off LP or my Honda EU2000i generator.

Re: Installing a RV Refrigerator?

PostPosted: Sat Mar 29, 2014 7:31 pm
by Glenlivet
I did it in my cargo trailer, installed an RV fridge on 12v, 120v, propane.
He's right, convection is enough to draw away the coil heat and combustion gases when propane fired. I opted for a roof vent. The manifold of sheet metal at the top never becomes too warm to comfortably lay a hand upon. I used the minimum 1" specified gap to the rear wall and flush on sides and top.
viewtopic.php?f=42&t=46134&start=45
It's seen on this page of my thread on the cargo build. I bought the compartment door on eBay and painted it to match the trailer skin.

The RV fridge was from a wrecked pickup truck camper I happened upon on a back overgrown road, and then it spent a couple of years working in a small travel trailer I had before this latest incarnation. It still works just fine. :D

Re: Installing a RV Refrigerator?

PostPosted: Sat Dec 28, 2019 6:31 pm
by pontdog
i am glad i read this post i am just finishing up,i cleaned the back and painted it and built a metal shroud around it and bubble wrap the fridge160678160677160675160673160675160675160631

Re: Installing a RV Refrigerator?

PostPosted: Sat Dec 28, 2019 6:51 pm
by featherliteCT1


Until I clicked and read this web page, I had no clue about the need for baffles. Thanks!