Refrigerator replacement and Exterior Access Panel

Old Grape · 10-22-2016, 10:21 AM

Hello all. I replaced my NORCOLD fridge with a residential one. I have been trying to figure out how to close off the exterior vent door for the fridge. The AC escapes out the vent part of the panel.I tried spray foam but that just made a mess. Anyone out there figure out a good way to seal it off?

dons2346 · 10-22-2016, 10:28 AM

I used the tape that duct work is taped together with. Put it on the inside and it can't be seen easily. I covered up all but a couple of holes on the ends.

You could cut a piece of foam insulation and glue it to the inside.

Selah · 10-22-2016, 10:49 AM

This is how a friend did his. Using a piece of plywood and some strips of wood he made a sliding door panel on the inside that covered the hole. If he needs access to the back of the fridge he can take off the outside grill and slide the door panel up to get to the back of the fridge.
I believe he is also going to glue or screw a piece of 1/4 inch plywood to the back of the grill, painted black, to give it a finished look.

Davel · 10-22-2016, 10:30 PM

I put a residential fridge in our coach and didn't close the vent. I wanted to make sure the fridge had plenty of ventilation. A friend closed his off and had issues that could have been caused by heat build up.

Good luck,
Dave

bgsc · 10-23-2016, 07:16 AM

I just taped up the openings on the inside of the vent, has been working fine for over 2 years

Stevegd007 · 10-23-2016, 09:36 AM

Like Dave, I have left my vents (yes I have 2 vent openings) open. For now I have no issues. Consider that you have a larger refer that is producing heat an from the inside of you RV there is very little openings for air to circulate an the refer manual does mention the unit needs to have air circulation. So I will keep my vents open...see what happens.

PORCHDOG · 10-25-2016, 06:14 PM

I attached a strip of aluminum over each row of holes on the inside with Liquid Nails. Weatherproof.