keeping the fridge cold

[GVWRLOL]

Im relatively new to truck camping, ive always been a tent kinda dude so this might come off as a stupid question.

how are yall keeping your refrigerators cold when the ambient temps get up there? its 101 today and will only be getting hotter from here, my 3 way is struggling and ive seen temps as high as 60... lots of waste. what can I do (if anything) to lower the temps behind that louvered panel?
I can hang a fan from it like this and it helps but obviously this isnt a long term solution

 

[FAW3]

Our approach over several campers and refrigerators:

Try to improve the refrigerator installation itself with additional insulation (we used 1/2 closed cell sleeping pad mat material) on the sides and the back where possible. Second improvement area is ventilation. Add a switched computer fan to the inside of the upper exhaust vent to improve the air flow. About every other season remove vent covers and clean/inspect the coils...insect nests and dust removal.

Shield the refrigerator from direct sunlight by parking in shade or use awning.

Make sure door gasket is sealing well. Close the door on a dollar bill and pull it out - should be somewhat tight. An additional door latch that holds the door tightly closed can be very helpful to ensure a good seal. These door seals strips are replaceable if cracked/stiff.

Minimize excess air space. Fill as much air space in refrigerator with food or drinks...even just water bottles.

Try a small battery powered fan in the box itself to increase the internal air movement over the cooling fins.

Really hot...like deep south in June: Use a Tupperware type of container and buy some dry ice. Wrap the ice with paper or cloth and put in sealed container. Only need a very small block of the dry ice.

For electric compressor units switch to Lithium batteries - the "in use" voltage profile IMO maintains ideal voltage to the compressor much better than lead acid/AGM.

Head North and/or find higher altitudes.

 

[GVWRLOL]

Our approach over several campers and refrigerators:

Try to improve the refrigerator installation itself with additional insulation (we used 1/2 closed cell sleeping pad mat material) on the sides and the back where possible. Second improvement area is ventilation. Add a switched computer fan to the inside of the upper exhaust vent to improve the air flow. About every other season remove vent covers and clean/inspect the coils...insect nests and dust removal.

Shield the refrigerator from direct sunlight by parking in shade or use awning.

Make sure door gasket is sealing well. Close the door on a dollar bill and pull it out - should be somewhat tight. An additional door latch that holds the door tightly closed can be very helpful to ensure a good seal.

Minimize excess air space. Fill as much air space in refrigerator with food or drinks...even just water bottles.

Try a small battery powered fan in the box itself to increase the internal air movement over the cooling fins.

Really hot...like deep south in June: Use a Tupperware type of container and buy some dry ice. Wrap the ice with paper or cloth and put in sealed container. Only need a very small block of the dry ice.

For electric compressor units switch to Lithium batteries - the "in use" voltage profile IMO maintains ideal voltage to the compressor much better than lead acid/AGM.

Head North and/or find higher altitudes.

very much appreciated, i can try a few of those things this weekend at no expense (which is my favorite kinda expense by the way, LOL)
yeah, were talking HOT!! middle of phoenix in July hot, im expecting to see 150 in the camper at least a couple times this year.

 

[craig333]

The easiest though not the cheapest way, is to ditch the 3way and get a compressor fridge. Mine maintains a consistent temperature no matter what the outside temp is. Franks ideas are all good especially shading the fridge and adding a fan to exhaust the hot air away from the fridge.

 

[CPT Davenport]

The easiest though not the cheapest way, is to ditch the 3way and get a compressor fridge. Mine maintains a consistent temperature no matter what the outside temp is. Franks ideas are all good especially shading the fridge and adding a fan to exhaust the hot air away from the fridge.

These are indeed proven and effective methods. And a big + 1 for shading the unit. We always park with fridge on the north side. The difference in efficiency is remarkable.

 

[rjap]

Somewhere in the compressor refrigerator compartment of my 2025 Hawk is a fan that is controlled by a switch. I’ve never felt the need to use it in the PNW. Good suggestions above.

 

[buckland]

Love my Isotherm. Quiet and cold. Uses little juice.

 

[GVWRLOL]

A temporary solution until the fans arrive. That cloth is soaked in water with a lil desktop fan behind it. Acting as an evaporative cooler of sorts.
Went with nactua for the fan because well the best is just the best

 

[pvstoy]

Hot air rises. The bottom vent has cool air input and as a chimney effect , cool air wicks hot air off the coils. Then exiting out the top vent.

Looks like you are trapping hot air with the towel blocking the top vent.

 

[GVWRLOL]

Hot air rises. The bottom vent has cool air input and as a chimney effect , cool air wicks hot air off the coils. Then exiting out the top vent.

Looks like you are trapping hot air with the towel blocking the top vent.

Well shucks, thanks for the heads up on that one.
I only feel mildly embarrassed for not thinking about that.

 

[GVWRLOL]

So I should wire the fan in the lower compartment as a puller?

 

[rjap]

I don’t know if it matters, but the one in my Hawk is at the upper vent and pushes air out.

 

[craig333]

I added another vent with fan. Fan is wired into the fridge so it only runs when the compressor is running.

 

[Smokecreek1]

I had 2 3way fridges before I got my compressor frig! Two ways to keep the 3way running are don't overload and never park with your fridge exposed to direct sun for long periods, oh, get a cooler for your beer and lunch goodies so you don't open your fridges door to much!

Smoke

 

[FAW3]

Something I forgot to mention on a propane refridge: take a look inside your lower vent and look for the flame. The gas flame should be BLUE. Anything but the smallest trace of yellow flame is an indication of poor combustion. Inspect the draft tube for any spider webs/insect/dirt. Clean gently.

You often will see a small screw on a sliding tube or plate in the area of the flame, this controls the amount of air mixing with the gas. It is not uncommon to have to adjust this slightly for a good blue flame...especially if you range in altitude. A gas/air setting for sea level to 3000' is going to be off at 9000'.

This hold for propane furnaces and hot water heaters also.

Many videos of this general type of adjustment on Youtube. A good tell-tale is black soot on the exterior vent...a sign of a too rich mixture. Example:

 

[craig333]

Also not uncommon for tiny critters to make a home there.

 

[GVWRLOL]

Something I forgot to mention on a propane refridge: take a look inside your lower vent and look for the flame. The gas flame should be BLUE. Anything but the smallest trace of yellow flame is an indication of poor combustion. Inspect the draft tube for any spider webs/insect/dirt. Clean gently.

You often will see a small screw on a sliding tube or plate in the area of the flame, this controls the amount of air mixing with the gas. It is not uncommon to have to adjust this slightly for a good blue flame...especially if you range in altitude. A gas/air setting for sea level to 3000' is going to be off at 9000'.

This hold for propane furnaces and hot water heaters also.

Many videos of this general type of adjustment on Youtube. A good tell-tale is black soot on the exterior vent...a sign of a too rich mixture. Example:

This was just the ticket, got it adjusted and it's cooling much better on gas, guess it's a good time to measure consumption and hope its not near as much as the furnace lol.
Thanks for the tip, it is very much appreciated.

 

[GVWRLOL]

Also not uncommon for tiny critters to make a home there.

The hornets nest I pulled out of there when I got it was gnarly, hope I never have to deal with that again.