DIY Caravan Fridge Fan Extractor: Keep Cool on the Road
- IDS Camping & Leisure
- 15 hours ago
- 2 min read
Warm weather is great for touring—but not so great for your caravan fridge. If your fridge struggles to stay cold, especially in hot conditions, the issue may not be the fridge itself, but the airflow behind it.
A simple and effective solution? A DIY fridge fan extractor to help draw out hot air and improve cooling performance.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make one yourself using affordable parts — and how it can make a big difference on your next trip.
🧊 Why Your Fridge Needs Better Ventilation
Most caravan fridges (especially absorption types) rely on natural air circulation to move heat away. But in warm weather or still air, hot air can get trapped behind the fridge, reducing its efficiency and increasing power usage.
Installing a fan extractor pulls that warm air up and out through the fridge vent — helping your fridge stay cooler with less effort.
🛠️ What You’ll Need
Here’s a simple shopping list for building your own 12V caravan fridge extractor fan:
Parts:
1–2 12V computer fans (80mm or 120mm recommended)
On/off switch (optional: a thermostat or manual switch)
12V wiring (enough to reach from the fan to your power source)
Inline fuse holder + 2A fuse
Cable ties or mounting brackets
Heat shrink or electrical tape
Optional:
Thermostatic switch to automate fan based on temperature
Grill cover to protect the fan blades from debris
You can find many of these components in the electrical accessories section at IDS Camping & Leisure.
🔧 How to Build and Install It
Step 1: Plan Your Setup
Decide where to place your fan — ideally near the top fridge vent so it pulls hot air upwards and out. One fan may be enough, but for larger fridges, two fans in a line can improve airflow.
Step 2: Mount the Fan(s)
Secure the fan inside the upper vent frame using brackets or cable ties. Make sure the fan is blowing outwards, not in.
If installing a second fan near the lower vent, have it push air in — this creates a nice airflow path across the fridge coils.
Step 3: Wire It Up
Connect your fan(s) to a 12V power supply, such as the caravan’s leisure battery or a fused distribution block, or use a 230/ 12v Power supply unit
Add a fuse (around 2A) to protect your circuit.
Add an on/off switch to control it manually, or use a thermal switch that activates at 30–35°C.
Use heat shrink tubing or tape to seal your connections.
Step 4: Test the System
Turn on the fan and check airflow direction. It should be strong and consistent. Listen for any vibration — mount it securely to reduce noise.
💡 Bonus Tips
Add a mesh or grill to protect the fan from bugs or leaves.
Use a fan with ball bearings for longer life and quieter operation.
Mount your fan with rubber grommets to reduce vibration noise.
If your caravan has solar power, consider running the fan via a small solar controller for automatic operation.
The video below may help you install a fridge fan
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