Well, this is a long-time hack to try to improve the performance of an absorption fridge during hot periods. Nothing particularly original here but time-consuming and fiddly. This is another project I actually completed last year (Autumn 2022).

I chose to mount two silent, good quality computer fans on an aluminium angled bracket (Wickes) attached to the sides of the fridge exhaust vent housing.

In addition to the fans, this little project required a thermostatic controller and a variety of connectors; I used Wago 240v connectors (available from Screwfix, TLC Direct Electrical and many other electrical outlets). These are my go-to screw-less electrical connectors.

The most difficult part was the lack of space in which to secure the brackets to the caravan, I could not fit the finished product in place so eventually I made it in two halves, using the fan body to secure the two halves together. I could then fix each half in place and join them at the centre.

The temperature controller is available from eBay for a few quid and there are 240v and 12v versions. Obviously I used the 12v version for this install. There are some basic instructions included with the unit written in the finest Chinglish! Essentially you program a high temperature for operation of the relay (I think I chose 28C but will refine this based on experience) which turns on the fans. When the temperature drops below 24C then the relay switches the fans off.

Now… be careful. I connected this up and thought it wasn’t working. It powered up but no voltage on the output pins; You need to know that the 12v input to the unit operates the unit and the relay; It does not switch the 12v input to said relay. You need to provide the relay with its own power which is then switched. Essentially the relay is isolated from the input supply which powers the unit, allowing you to switch different voltages and currents (subject to the unit’s ratings).

The thermostatic controller is attached to the Sargent caravan controller box using 3M VHB tape.

I tapped into and spliced some 12v cables which I use for my “Pump and Sump” system.

Waste Water – Sump and Pump – Caravan Ramblings