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  1. #1
    Seasoned Camper DECelt's Avatar
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    Where to grab 12 volt power on Norcold 2118?

    Hi...a related question to my fan question...where is the best place to take 12 volt power for a set of Titan or similar add on exterior fridge fans?

    Thanks...Celt

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    DECelt
    2021 Solitude 310-GK
    2022 Ram 3500 CCLB diesel

  2. #2
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    Quote Originally Posted by DECelt View Post
    Hi...a related question to my fan question...where is the best place to take 12 volt power for a set of Titan or similar add on exterior fridge fans?

    Thanks...Celt

    Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk
    Off the control board on the back, near the bottom of the refer.

    Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk
    Mark & Mary. Full-timing across the USA (and Canada)!
    Current Coach: 2021 Grand Design Reflection 320MKS
    Current Rig: 2019 Ford F350 SD Crew Cab, w/8' box, Lariat, SRW, 6.7l Diesel

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by DECelt View Post
    Hi...a related question to my fan question...where is the best place to take 12 volt power for a set of Titan or similar add on exterior fridge fans?

    Thanks...Celt

    Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk

    I wired in two computer fans on my 310Gk w/2118. For power, I simply followed the wires to the thermal switch on the condenser(?) located in the upper left corner of the refrigerator. This thermal switch controls the stock exterior fans. One side of the thermal switch will have 12v (hot) whenever the refrigerator is on. The other side will only have power when the evaporator is above the switch threshold (i.e. temp is hot). This supply is protected by the fuse on the control board. Depending on the current draw (amps) of your additional fan, you may need to slightly increase the size of the fuse. For my two Cougar computer fans, the stock size fuse was fine.

    I went a little fancier. I tapped into the wires on both sides of the thermal switch and added a selector switch (mounted behind the lower exterior cover). So my fans are controlled either 1) by the thermal switch (my fans come on only when the exterior fans come on) or 2) they are on all of the time (when the refrigerator is on). If it is hot (>80F) during the day or the refrigerator is in the sun I generally run the fans all the time. If it is cool (<45F) at night, I iwll typically use the thermal switch to control my fans.

    One other thing to note. I found on our 2118 that it will go into a "defrost mode" every two days. According to Norcold tech I talked to (not very helpful) the defrost will stop and return to standard operation when the refrigerator (not freezer) section hits 40~42F. I have found that my refrigerator goes into defrost mode roughly every 53 hours (not a nice even every two days ) after it is turned on AND it stays in defrost mode (i.e. all cooling turned off) for multiple hours allowing the refrigerator to get well into the 50s. Norcold (and the dealer) says this is "how it should work". I disagree. It is a very poorly implemented system in my opinion. To "correct" this, the first night after turning the refrigerator on (yes, I precool it a day before putting cold food in it), I power cycle it before going to bed. This resets the 53 hr clock. Then, every two days I power cycle the refrigerator (turn it off for 30 seconds, then back on) before bed. If it does start a defrost cycle, it is at night and hopefully the sun is down and it is cooler outside - i.e. it has a chance to recover/cool down. Depending on the humidity, I have to defrost the refrigerator every week~10 days.

    Hope this helps and gives you some ideas

    Chris
    Chris & Karen
    Fort Collins, CO
    2017 F-350 SRW 6.7 Lariat Value CC LB 4x4
    2018 Solitude 310GK - Sold 7/2023

  4. #4
    Seasoned Camper DECelt's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MoonShadow_1911 View Post
    Off the control board on the back, near the bottom of the refer.

    Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk
    Is there a 12 volt busbar? I haven't taken the cover off of the control board yet...that would be too easy[emoji1]

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    DECelt
    2021 Solitude 310-GK
    2022 Ram 3500 CCLB diesel

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by DECelt View Post
    Is there a 12 volt busbar? I haven't taken the cover off of the control board yet...that would be too easy[emoji1]

    Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk
    Not a bus bar, just two terminal quick connects, 10 or 12 gauge wire, black and red, side by side. I used a terminal splice to splice into those lines.

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    Mark & Mary. Full-timing across the USA (and Canada)!
    Current Coach: 2021 Grand Design Reflection 320MKS
    Current Rig: 2019 Ford F350 SD Crew Cab, w/8' box, Lariat, SRW, 6.7l Diesel

  6. #6
    Seasoned Camper DECelt's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MoonShadow_1911 View Post
    Not a bus bar, just two terminal quick connects, 10 or 12 gauge wire, black and red, side by side. I used a terminal splice to splice into those lines.

    Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk
    Can you clarify on a terminal splice? I'm not particularly up to speed on splicing techniques. I have been looking at posi tap products....is this the same thing?

    Thanks!

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    DECelt
    2021 Solitude 310-GK
    2022 Ram 3500 CCLB diesel

  7. #7
    Long Hauler
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    Quote Originally Posted by DECelt View Post
    Can you clarify on a terminal splice? I'm not particularly up to speed on splicing techniques. I have been looking at posi tap products....is this the same thing?

    Thanks!

    Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk
    These are the simplest and cheapest ones.

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    Mark & Mary. Full-timing across the USA (and Canada)!
    Current Coach: 2021 Grand Design Reflection 320MKS
    Current Rig: 2019 Ford F350 SD Crew Cab, w/8' box, Lariat, SRW, 6.7l Diesel

  8. #8
    Seasoned Camper DECelt's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by MoonShadow_1911 View Post
    These are the simplest and cheapest ones.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Thanks so much!

    Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk
    DECelt
    2021 Solitude 310-GK
    2022 Ram 3500 CCLB diesel

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by DECelt View Post
    Is there a 12 volt busbar? I haven't taken the cover off of the control board yet...that would be too easy[emoji1]

    Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk
    No buss bar. Here is the control box with the cover off.
    Ignore my yellow circle. That was just to show the 5A 12V fuse.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Chris
    Chris & Karen
    Fort Collins, CO
    2017 F-350 SRW 6.7 Lariat Value CC LB 4x4
    2018 Solitude 310GK - Sold 7/2023

  10. #10
    Setting Up Camp
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    I have the 2118x in my 2021 310Gk and run it 24/7 in east texas and have only defrosted 3 times in a year. We stay on the RV at least 8- 10 days every month. I was not aware of the timing on the defrost cycle. Good to know.
    2021 GD solitude 310GK. Cooper roadmaster tires 17.5” w/ washer/dryer. Carry Honda 2200 for those emergencies. 2019 F250 Platinum longbed 6.7L,w/ ultimate tow pkg and airbags, 3.55 gear ratio, 48 gal.

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