jbrowning
Colorado Springs Co.
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U.P. BLDR wrote:jbrowning wrote:Can I put insulation on top of the fridge? Because there is nothing there but open space leading to the vent door.
Thanks
Jim
You can, but you need to keep the back open up to the roof vent.
Thanks I appreciate it.
Jim
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CincyGus
Cincinnati
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Yes, Jim and from what I see, I would. Insulate the sides and top the best you can. Most that are insulated just have normal fiberglass, paperbacked insulation around them like would be used in an attic or wall at home but the solid panel insulataion looks like it would work much better if you can remove a few pieces of molding to get access to the sides.
Just make sure you have open flow from your vent into the camper so that air can pass through the frigs cooling coils and up through the frig's roof vent. When your frig is running, those coils will get pretty hot and that air circulation is what cools them and lets your frig cool. Increasing the airflow though there to some extent improves the cooling ability of your frig, especially when it's hot outside. Google "RV Frig cooling mod" and you'll see a bunch of posts showing people putting little computer fans and such in the vent to draw air in or out to help move air over the coils. Can make about a 10-15 degree difference in how cold your frig gets when the temps outside are 90+ degrees and also helps it get cold faster when first plugging it in or starting it up on propane.
Camping world also sells a stack fan for putting inside the vent tube from the roof side.
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Hi,
The best insulation to use is probably closed cell foam.
Regards, Don
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AtomicChicken
Central Louisiana
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Is the door metal of some sort? If so you can also use JB Weld to secure a screen mesh to it for keeping the wasps out. I went that route on my water heater door. It'll hold it more securely than hot glue and double-sided tape will.
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rgolding
Southern Illinois
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jbrowning wrote:Thank you. But how do I attach the screen to the metal door? I don't think I want to use any screws.
Thanks
Jim
I used plastic wire ties.
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JBarca
Dublin, Ohio, USA
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pianotuna wrote:Hi,
Actually cold below freezing *can* damage the fridge.
Hi pianotuna,
Can you expand on this? What and where is the damage and how does it occur?
I have not heard this before.
John
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Hi John,
I wrote the Dometic company and asked about cold weather operation of the Fridge. Their reply was don't use it below freezing.
Why? Because part of the Ammonia cycle for cooling involves a liquid phase that is water. Water can freeze in the tubes (not the ones in the freezer but the ones intended to radiate heat in the "chimney"). If the water does freeze, it can cause the system to malfunction and may permanently damage the fridge.
The solution is to add a light bulb to the exterior of the fridge to keep it above 0 C (32 F). I intend to add a thermostat to my system, because I do RV in extreme cold.
JBarca wrote:pianotuna wrote:Hi,
Actually cold below freezing *can* damage the fridge.
Hi pianotuna,
Can you expand on this? What and where is the damage and how does it occur?
I have not heard this before.
John
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JJBIRISH
Butler, PA, USA
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I wonder what the freeze point would be… it is always a ammonia water solution
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aftermath
Washington State
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JJBIRISH wrote:I wonder what the freeze point would be… it is always a ammonia water solution
That is what I would like to know as well. I have never heard of this and I do camp in the cold. I would like to know what their definition of "extreme cold" is.
As far as the screening, I personally wouldn't do it. The real problem for the operation of the fridge is heat in the compartment. That is why they have louvers in the outside. Putting screening will restrict the air flow.
Unless you live in your trailer I would suggest that when camping leave it as it is. When you return home and park the trailer, cut a piece of cardboard and tape it to the inside of the door.
I have been camping for many many years and have never had problems with wasps while out on the road. I have had some minor issues during those weeks while it is at the storage yard.
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Hi aftermath,
All I can say is Dometic emailed me and told me not to use the fridge below freezing. i.e. 0 C or 32 F.
I have boondocked at -37C (-34 F). At those temps heating the outside of the fridge is necessary. Some folks also restrict the air flow by taping off most of the vents. Both Moving Sue and PhotoMike have me beat on the lowest temperature.
One freeze up probably won't "kill" the fridge (but it might). See the "sticky" on winter camping for lots of cold weather camping ideas and modifications.
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