Covering fridge inlet duct - dust.

We have just returned from a trip which included around 400klms of dirt road travel around the Pilbara. We didnt cover or tape over the fridge inlet or the aircon although had thought about it. When we returned home my husband unscrewed all the "bits" - see how technical I can be, LOL - there was only light dust which could even have been there from previous adventures away. I must admit we where surprised since there had been heaps of dust thrown up and at us from passing stock trucks! We did leave the pressure vent on the roof up as that always seems to keep the inside almost dust free.

Sue
Jeep Rubicon Wrangler & Coromal Pioneer 541

I know that, on a really hot day, and if the van side panel is in direct sun, the fridge does not work properly, precisely because the air flow past the vanes etc. is not strong enough. (Incidentally, that's why quite a few people construct sun shades to cover that part of the van).
So, if you are going to stop the air flow altogether by blocking the inlet, you may as well turn the fridge off anyway! At least that would solve the over-heating problem!! Either way, your food ain't going to keep cold without an adequate air flow.

we sealed around the fridge with foam rubber as dust did come in,this stopped it getting into the van in general and then fitted a 12 volt fan to the rear which was a great help to the fridge ,the fan was used mainly when stopped or on very hot days.
Vic

All that comes to mind when I hear or read about covering up the fridge vent is to remember to uncover it especially if you are free camping and intend to use the fridge on gas as you may go to bed forgetting it and not ever wake up,I don't mean to scare you its just what stuck in my mind when I red it once before ,and yes a pressure vent works well in my van as well .


Cheers.

Hi,
We just recently bought a Jayco swan(about a 85-87 model that's been Modified) and it has been around the Block twice, and a lot of gravel roads. I've had the vent covers off to sus out what was behind them, to my surprise there was not a lot of built up dust. The previous owner had, however put a plastic sheet, duct taped to the inside of the door vents. He said that caused a problem with dust coming into the camper.
I wouldn't cover up the outside vents at all around the fridge area.
If you're worried about dust, I would suggest that you vacuum out that area if you believe it's warranted after you've been down dusty roads.

jeep cherokee
Is it a good idea to cover/tape up,the fridge inlet duct on the side of the caravan while travelling on a dirt road ?
I was under the impression if this was done, it would cause the fridge to over heat. Any comments would be appreciated.'
Hi
IF you are referring to a 3way fridge.
I would not under any circumstance run fridge with rear air vents blocked . Overheating can do serious & permanent damage to the fridge system As can running out of level

hi
i have just read all these forums on the the dust and fridge vents and shuddered at some of the advice given
it is absolutely essential that the fridge vents be left open at all times when the fridge is on, travelling or stationary as the fridge will struggle to stay cold especially up north, whether it be gas or electric powered as it will overheat and cause permanent damage and or a fire and a gas burning fridge should be turned off at all times when refueling at the bowser unless you intend to be the next suicide bomber because petrol fume will ignite some distance from where it sourced from especialy on a hot day kaar-booom!!!
the gas flame needs air to allow it to burn properly in the restricted cavity behind it
there are small solar powered fans on the market and are availuble from solar shops and some caravan outlet that do an excellent job keeping the fridge area cavity cool.
i have used one for many years on a viscount 1969 model and never had any more fridge overheating problems from there on in i have travelled 75000km including around oz with vans so do have a good base of knowledge
the fans cost about $6o and come complete and anyone with at least half a brain should be able to fit it
pressure vents work well and work the same as the vents in your vehicle
hope this clears up the confusion happy frudges
mazcan barry

G'Day,

Not sure what van your fridge is in but mine (Jayco) is sealed from the front of the fridge to the back except for the vent inside above the fridge. I have made a cover that goes over this while travelling but the 2 external vents are left open. What dust gets in behind the fridge shouldn't get into the van if the internal vent is covered. Every 6-12 months I pull the bottom external cover off and vacuum/wipe up the dust (maybe 1-2 mm) off the floor and it takes no more than 5 minutes.

No need for the fans running while driving either (I have 4 fitted) as the 80km/h+ wind going past the vents is moving more air then any fan setup will do. The heat while runing off 12v (or 240v for that mater) is minor compared with running off gas. I only use fans in very hot weather (35+).