Switch from Norcold to another brand refrigerator?

[rbgntx]

The Norcold 1210T fridge in our 2020 303RLS has shut down again. We've replaced the cooling unit 3 times already. Twice under warranty. We paid for the last one because I got tired of haggling with Norcold over the warranty. I don't know yet if this is the issue this time but am considering biting the bullet and investing in a new fridge from a different manufacturer. I don't want to go residential since we need the propane option. I may be stuck with Norcold if I can't find a replacement that fits the space.

 

[Soundsailor]

Have you considered the JC Refrigeration route? Many on the forum swear by their work on the Norcolds.

 

[rbgntx]

Have you considered the JC Refrigeration route? Many on the forum swear by their work on the Norcolds.

Thank you I'll take a look at the link you sent.

 

[Captcolour]

JC converted my Norcord 2118 to the dual compressor 12V system. It has been awesome. You now have independent controls of the refrigerator and freezer. I set it and forget it, unlike the absorption style that you constantly have to monitor and adjust. Well worth it. I only live 4 hours from Northern Indiana, so just drove up there and back for them to do the installation.

 

[Scousers]

JC is great . Here in Southern AZ temps are as follows

Outside 101
Freezer -1
Refrigerator 34

What else would you want? This was a 4 door Dometic conversion I did myself

Len

 

[huntindog]

The Norcold 1210T fridge in our 2020 303RLS has shut down again. We've replaced the cooling unit 3 times already. Twice under warranty. We paid for the last one because I got tired of haggling with Norcold over the warranty. I don't know yet if this is the issue this time but am considering biting the bullet and investing in a new fridge from a different manufacturer. I don't want to go residential since we need the propane option. I may be stuck with Norcold if I can't find a replacement that fits the space.

As a confirmed boondocker, I fully understand why you want the propane option.
My Norcold performs great, and I am in Phoenix.
I have the infamous 2118. Not sure why there are so many people with poor experiences.
I think it may be many miss diagonosing the problems, and giving up.
I had an issue early on. I pin pointed the problem to be cheap 3.00 fans. I replaced them with 20.00 fans rated for 50,000 hours and water resistant.

What is interesting to me, is that I have not read of anyone else fixing theirs this way.
All manner of added fans, baffles etc have been tried with limited sucess.

I have no advice for your model of fridge, other than perhaps changing the fans out for better quality

 

[Redapple63]

The Norcold 1210T fridge in our 2020 303RLS has shut down again. We've replaced the cooling unit 3 times already. Twice under warranty. We paid for the last one because I got tired of haggling with Norcold over the warranty. I don't know yet if this is the issue this time but am considering biting the bullet and investing in a new fridge from a different manufacturer. I don't want to go residential since we need the propane option. I may be stuck with Norcold if I can't find a replacement that fits the space.

I have the same fridge same year, but in a tt.
First year we had lots of issues with it. Never a problem with the cooling coils. O sealed the back and created a true chimney effect to the vent and added a fan at the bottom with an automatic thermal switch. Fridge has been awesome ever since.

Also to take into consideration is whether or not it’s installed in a slide. Ours is in a slide so air movement is I bit harder to achieve. Additionally if in a slide it is a bit unprotected from heat sources. Adding a slide topper to help keep direct sun also helps performance.

1. Are you sure it’s the coils that are failing. Do you have the telltale signs such as the sulfur smell and yellow green deposits on the area of failure?

I have had heat coils fail too.

2. Where did you get your replacement coils from. That also makes a difference.

I replaced the coils in my prior rig (35 ft class a) after 7 years and fridge was still going on year 15 when I sold it.

Bill

 

[Redapple63]

As a confirmed boondocker, I fully understand why you want the propane option.
My Norcold performs great, and I am in Phoenix.
I have the infamous 2118. Not sure why there are so many people with poor experiences.
I think it may be many miss diagonosing the problems, and giving up.
I had an issue early on. I pin pointed the problem to be cheap 3.00 fans. I replaced them with 20.00 fans rated for 50,000 hours and water resistant.

What is interesting to me, is that I have not read of anyone else fixing theirs this way.
All manner of added fans, baffles etc have been tried with limited sucess.

I have no advice for your model of fridge, other than perhaps changing the fans out for better quality

I added a single 200mm fan at the bottom as a pull fan. Made sure I had excellent upward chimney draft with a thermostatic switch. Kept the cheap fans in place. They do work and haven’t failed just yet. Get great air movement. I do feel proper air movement is key on these fridges.

Bill