Both fans help an RV absorption fridge stay colder, but they solve different problems. A vent fan works outside the fridge, getting rid of heat. A fin fan works inside, spreading the cold around. Here's how to pick.
Side by side
| Vent fan | Fin fan | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it goes | Behind the fridge, at the exterior side or upper vent | Inside the fridge, clipped to the evaporator fins |
| What it does | Pulls hot air off the cooling unit and out the vent | Circulates cold air through the food compartment |
| Fixes | Fridge warms up on hot or still days | Warm door shelves, uneven temps, ice on the fins, slow cool-down |
| Install | Remove the vent cover, mount with brackets, wire to fused 12V | Clip to the fins, route the lead so the door seals |
| Beech Lane example | Dual 5.5" 12V vent fan with remote, $99.99 | 3-fan 12V fin fan, $43.99 |
The vent fan: for hot weather
An absorption fridge's cooling unit sheds heat through fins on the back of the fridge, and that heat has to rise out through the vents. In hot, still weather, it doesn't escape fast enough and the whole fridge loses cooling. A vent fan forces that air out. The Beech Lane vent fan uses two 5.5" (140 mm) fans, fits American RV vents with the included brackets, is waterproof, and has a remote with an auto mode so it doesn't have to run all the time.
The fin fan: for even temperatures
Inside the box, cold air collects around the fins at the top back. A fin fan pushes it toward the door and lower shelves and helps cut ice buildup on the fins. The Beech Lane fin fan has three 2.5" 12V fans on alligator clips and a lifetime warranty. For a cheaper option, the Beech Lane 3,000 RPM fridge fan ($28.99) sits on a shelf and has an on/off switch.
Which to buy first
- Fridge is fine in mild weather but warm on hot afternoons: vent fan.
- Top shelf is cold, door and bottom are warm: fin fan.
- Fins ice up or the fridge takes ages to cool after loading: fin fan.
- Full-time or summer camping in the heat: both. They work on different parts of the problem.
Neither fan fixes an unlevel RV, blocked vents or a failing cooling unit. Rule those out first with do RV fridge fans help? and 7 airflow fixes for hot weather.
Ready to fit one? Follow how to install an RV refrigerator fan, or browse the Fridge collection.