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Old 07-08-2015, 08:52 PM   #1
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Refrigerator/Freezer not keeping cold enough

We have a 2010 Cardinal 3450RL. Overall we love the Cardinal. Sometimes the fridge foes not stay cold enough and the freezer does not keep ice cream frozen ( yea I known, a lot of sympathy for a camper with ice cream problems ). I have it set on 5. The only thing I could find is the when I removed the outside covers I only saw one cooling fan running. Are they both supposed to be running?
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Old 07-10-2015, 03:01 PM   #2
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Fans will run when the temp gets up there. Check the spacing between the wall and the refridg. It should only be one inch. You may have to install baffles to direct the air to the coils. Also check the burner box in the outside compartment. If you see green dust, your refer is going out.
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Old 07-10-2015, 03:12 PM   #3
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Put in bigger fans!

I put three fans on the outside and one in the inside
180 mm computer fans.

What a difference!

Also if one is running they both should be running.

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Old 07-10-2015, 03:23 PM   #4
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My outside fans run when ever the disconnect is on. Cured my all my cooling problems
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Old 07-10-2015, 04:50 PM   #5
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Installing 1 pulling in and 2 pushing out of vent this weekend. Got package deal on Amazon for 5 120mm fans for 20 bucks!

Anyone need a fan?😜
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Old 07-10-2015, 08:16 PM   #6
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Thanks all. Mine only has 2 fans and only one was runningClick image for larger version

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I attached a picture of one of my fans. Do you know what size that is? I think 3 would be a great idea.
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Old 07-10-2015, 08:44 PM   #7
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be sure to be level. gas side may need service. be sure resettable thermodisc with the 2 red wires is present on burner chamber.
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Old 07-10-2015, 08:50 PM   #8
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I believe those are 92mm fans. If you google the model number and make of fan the web site will tell you.
I have 2 of those fans on back side I also added 5 more fans near the fins and have then on a thermostat connected to the fins. Now fridge stays at 32 degrees no matter how hot it is outside.
Also I have 3 sets of fans mounted inside my fridge to move air around.


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Old 07-11-2015, 01:14 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by cfiowa View Post
I believe those are 92mm fans. If you google the model number and make of fan the web site will tell you.
I have 2 of those fans on back side I also added 5 more fans near the fins and have then on a thermostat connected to the fins. Now fridge stays at 32 degrees no matter how hot it is outside.
Also I have 3 sets of fans mounted inside my fridge to move air around.


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those fans ought to reduce core temperatures and increase life too. how about an 180 degree ECO to cut them off in the event of a fire? your furnace and your water heater has one.
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Old 07-11-2015, 02:46 PM   #10
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I'm going to go a different direction here. I used to own a resort with lakeside housekeeping cabins where folks came and stayed for a week. Most folks checked in midday and loaded the full size kitchen refrigerators full -- both freezer and refrig sides. I could almost guarantee in the evening or the first thing the next morning at least one would be in the office complaining that their refrig wasn't keeping things cold enough. Nothing was wrong with the frig -- it just took the poor thing hours to catch up with all of the semi to warm stuff they had jammed in it. Worst culprits were usually a case or two of beer and soft drinks. All of the other suggestions are certainly valid, but be considerate of your refrig and whenever possible -- start it a day before and load it with cold or frozen things to start the trip.
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Old 07-11-2015, 04:51 PM   #11
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Thanks. All. Really great help. I will update after our next trip.
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Old 07-11-2015, 05:50 PM   #12
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Mine stopped working well, ended up being the sensor fell off the adjuster.
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Old 07-12-2015, 06:55 AM   #13
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Do all fridges have fans installed in outside compartments? I do not see any in mine...J
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Old 07-12-2015, 07:00 AM   #14
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Jim, ones in slides have them for sure. Others not so sure.

Also if you are having cooling problems switch over to Propane. I my experience works much better than electric operation.
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Old 07-12-2015, 07:03 AM   #15
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Originally Posted by Jim in Halifax View Post
Do all fridges have fans installed in outside compartments? I do not see any in mine...J
Some do and some don't, but it's an easy, cheap mod. I put two in the outside compartment just above the burner and blowing up across the entire coil assembly. Also put 2 inside the frig for circulation. Our Norcold freezer maintains -5°- +0° and the frig maintains 31°-34° with the control on 3 in all weather from 35° to 100°, in shade or direct sun.
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Old 07-12-2015, 07:36 AM   #16
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Jim, ones in slides have them for sure. Others not so sure.

Also if you are having cooling problems switch over to Propane. I my experience works much better than electric operation.
My Silverback 20RE fridge is in a slide ....I do not see or hear any fans outside unless they are in middle section between the two side vents???????.J
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Old 07-14-2015, 08:00 AM   #17
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I went ahead and ordered 2- 120mm fans yesterday. I tried testing it last night by "temporarily" installing a 12 cooling fan from a motorcycle. The fan moves a lot of air and in about 4 hours the freezer was down to 15 degrees but the refrigerator was only down to 60. How cold should the freezer and the fridge get? How long should it take to get there? Thanks
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Old 07-14-2015, 09:16 PM   #18
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Jim. That is where my fans were. Remove the top vent and look down inside.
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Old 07-15-2015, 07:09 AM   #19
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Mine gets to 32 in fridge and about 10 in freezer if I had to guess what freezer was.


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Old 07-15-2015, 07:44 AM   #20
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Thank you. That will help in knowing when I get this fixed. From a warm startup how long does it take to get to working temperature? Thanks
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