Compressor Refrigerator Venting

[trailrider]

I have an Isotherm CR85 compressor refrigerator. It is mounted in a factory All Terrain Camper refrigerator cabinet. It has no venting to the outside of the camper. I like it that way so dust does not get in. Since 2013 it sat on it's legs in the cabinet to provide an air gap at the bottom. The top of the refrigerator has a grill to let hot air out. Also there is space behind the refrigerator for air to draft up from the bottom and out the top front grill. I was recently reviewing my refrigeration manual and I discovered I did not have enough gap at the bottom for ventilation. The refrigerator has been working fine but more ventilation would make it more energy efficient. Here is what the manual indicated. See pictures from manual below.

I enlarged my opening in the refrigerator cabinet to "jack" it up in order to provide a larger air gap on the bottom. I installed a vent in the top of my cabinet. I also installed a vent in the top side of the cabinet to vent when the camper is down.

To further improve energy efficiency I insulated the top, bottom and sides of the refrigerator with reflectix insulation. Last trip out I was parked for 4 days in upper 70s temperatures. Battery voltage was still good at 12.5 volts. I have two golf cart batteries in series. Sorry no power monitor.

Mike

 

[camelracer]

The Isotherm / Truckfridges have the compressor mounted in the right rear corner of the fridge and don't get much airflow in a tight cabinet. I added a vent similar to yours to the side of my cabinet next to the compressor which helps airflow over the condenser coils. Since my camper has the external vents I didn't need upper vent you installed.

 

[ski3pin]

Nice idea and installation! Thanks for posting.