Outside Refrigerator Vent

[Jeffmurkin]

Had a leak on the inside of our Redwood next to the refrigerator. Appears to be coming from the outside vent as the wood under the refrigerator was wet near the outside vent I removed. We had strong wind and rain so I was guessing that may have been the issue. When I removed the top vent I found someone had used a piece of tin and a LOT of foil tape in what appears to be an attempt to keep rain from coming in. I bought this Redwood used last year so I don't't know if the previous owner monkey rigged this, or if it was done at the factory. I can't believe the factory would have done this. I'll try posting pics, but anyone else have this leaking problem, or have pics of their upper vent they can share?

[r time soon]

Varies how it is done, but the baffle needs to come almost to the top of the coils, If it doesn't get rid of the heat, you don't get the cold inside the refer. It has its purpose. You can look up the installation manuals for the Norcold 1210 series, it's probably in the technical library on this forum. Secure it back in there.

Chris

[r time soon]

Jeff, You might want to look inside the bottom refer vent also. The wood platform should be coated with Anti-Wick compound or some other protection to keep the water from rotting out the wooden platform. Make sure there is silicone seal around too to keep the water from entering inside your coach. We use the Anti-Wick at work. Some other brands of RV's also use the anti-wick, but not all do. I also run the condensate drain hose through the holes in the lower vent, instead of allowing it to accumulate in the plastic pan on the back of the refer. There is no heat source there so it takes quite some time to evaporate. I prefer to have it drain outside where there is less chance of the water entering inside the coach.

Chris
2012 36RL

[Jeffmurkin]

Thanks Chris. I'll have to get some of that wicking seal as it does not appear has it on the wood below the refer. Does your Redwood have that tin and foil tape on the upper vent also? I have a 2013 model. I can probably manufacturer a better fix than the "baling wire and duct tape" method that was on there.

[r time soon]

Jeff,

Not sure but I recall mine is actually a piece of luan or paneling and pretty sure it is partially secured or sealed with the foil tape. You probably won't find the Anti-Wick coating, so I would look for another good water/ weather resistant product. Where I work they buy it by the 5 gallon bucket, pour into paint roller trays and roll or paint it on the refer platforms before the refer is even installed. They also use it around all slide out openings and cut outs for windows, compartment doors, etc to prevent wicking of water and prevent delamination. Delaminated walls get costly to change. Easier to coat the wood to prevent the damage.

Chris

[hoosierguy]

Originally Posted by Jeffmurkin

Thanks Chris. I'll have to get some of that wicking seal as it does not appear has it on the wood below the refer. Does your Redwood have that tin and foil tape on the upper vent also? I have a 2013 model. I can probably manufacturer a better fix than the "baling wire and duct tape" method that was on there.

My 2012 Redwood 36RL has a luan panel to help force the air up past the fins to get the maximum cooling effect. That panel has to be there for proper operation. Your previous owner was probably trying to improve upon whatever was there from the factory. I actually added some sheet metal to that panel to improve the air flow past the fins.

[travelin' texans]

Mine DOESN'T have the wood coated & I took that luan panel out when the RW was about 5 months & it has worked flawlessly since, also the only water I've ever gotten in there was last week when the line to the ice maker broke where it connects at the top.

[5th_Time]

I've seen several photos over time of owners installing a 12v fan (like a computer fan) inside the lower vent to help with overheating (like on days when your street side faces the sun.) But now I can't locate a picture. Anyone here have any experience doing this?

[Jeffmurkin]

I'll check my water line just to be sure. Thanks.

[Jeffmurkin]

My upper vent cover has two small fans in it, and the lower has one fan plugged into the outlet. I'm guessing the previous owner had an air flow problem and that was why it is this way. Thank you all for the responses.

[rob_fla]

I put two fans in my upper vent area with a Thermostat to turn them on and off.
They help with the air flow on those hot summer days and keeps the refrigerator cooler