Looking for a Refer Recommendations

Previous owner installed a 120/24v marine refer in my 2011 2551. A battery eater for sure. It stopped cooling well enough a couple of weeks ago and adding coolant hasn’t helped. It’s not leaking and the compressor runs a lot so the thermostat is working. I’m of the opinion the compressor has just weakened over time. I’m not going to spend money to fix it no matter what the problem is and I’ve been wanting to revert to a 120/gas refer anyway. I’m using the freezer section as the refer if that tells you anything.

So I’d be delighted to hear other’s experiences with 120/gas refrigerators; good and bad to help me pick out a new one.

Since the original was a Norcold 6 cu ft model. (N621 I *think*) why not put one of them back in there?   I know they had problems with the door hinges but they seem to have fixed that as my 2014 model year Norcold has the improved hinges.

The only "problem" I have had with a propane/120v refrigerator is getting them fixed when they have been recalled.  And that was finding a shop that could get me in and out in a reasonable amount of time (a week or so).

I have had either a Dometic or Norcold in my RV since 1998, zero issues.

Don

Our 2007 original Norcold has been decent.  I did add THESE HINGE REINFORCEMENTS 4 years ago as a precautionary measure given all the complaints of fridge doors breaking on other RV forums at the time.  I also hear that the Norcold is not a great performer when temps exceed 95 degrees, especially in the cases where the fridge is inside the slide out.  It has to do with less than ideal "chimney effect" for the exhaust.  I have read a few people adding a computer fan to address the situation.

It sounds like I am talking you out of a Norcold, but we like ours very much.

Our 2007 original Norcold has been decent.  I did add THESE HINGE REINFORCEMENTS 4 years ago as a precautionary measure given all the complaints of fridge doors breaking on other RV forums at the time.  I also hear that the Norcold is not a great performer when temps exceed 95 degrees, especially in the cases where the fridge is inside the slide out.  It has to do with less than ideal "chimney effect" for the exhaust.  I have read a few people adding a computer fan to address the situation.

It sounds like I am talking you out of a Norcold, but we like ours very much.

The more recent PC's like my 2015 have a fan in the exhaust vent that's controlled by the temp in the exhaust.   Now, that's the way mine is because the Norcold is in the slide and the exhaust vent is just like the exhaust inlet.. About 4 or 5 feet above the inlet.

If the refrigerator isn't in the slide, no Idea if there is an exhaust fan.

Don

Replaced mine this year.  Norcold no longer makes fridge that came with PC, but their NA7LXR fits in the space perfectly and has a little more cu ft.  Had to remove PC door and doors on new fridge to get it inside, but installation was easy.

Anyone tried out a three way model? AC/DC/LP

Norcold has the NA8LX.3.

The previous owner upgraded the 6cf to 8cf. Looks like I'll have to go 8cf again to fill in the hole.

I am surprised they still make a 3 way refrigerator.   As you have found out, the 12v eats the heck out of the battery.   It would only be needed if you run out of propane and gasoline (to run the generator when no shore power is available).

Just my own experience, but in over 20 years of RV camping, I have never had a time where I wished I could run the refrigerator via 12v.

Don

I am surprised they still make a 3 way refrigerator.   As you have found out, the 12v eats the heck out of the battery.   It would only be needed if you run out of propane and gasoline (to run the generator when no shore power is available).

Just my own experience, but in over 20 years of RV camping, I have never had a time where I wished I could run the refrigerator via 12v.

Don

I agree with you Don.

I look at it similarly to a 3-way hot water tank.  In that case, you need to run the coolant line from the main engine to the tank.  That is a complexity that is ripe for trouble over time.  In both case, the fridge and hot water tank, I feel the K.I.S.S. rule applies.  But then again, I feel similarly to many of the other extra fancy things many PC owners have.  It comes down to what is important to you, not me.  What works for one may never get utilized by another.

I use the 12v fridge when driving long distances. Free power, safer than having the propane on while driving. I wish I had 12v on our PC...yes, you have to remember to switch it if you shut off the engine. And the small fridge in our old Aliner works great on solar and 12v.

I have never had a time where I wished I could run the refrigerator via 12v.

Don

LOL Thanks. I’ve had a million where I wish I hadn’t had to. 12v refers are a battery salesman’s dream. 😁