Need advice on replacing our Norcold 2118 refrigerator……

[Crystal]

We bought the unit in March. Live in Ca and the refrigerator is not staying cold. The freezer works great….. My husband and I have decided we need to replace this refrigerator. I have read on here about people replacing them with a residential unit. Can I have recommendations on brand and unit model please. Thanks everyone in advance!

[howson]

Can I have recommendations on brand and unit model please.

I don't have a specific recommendation, but can convey the process I went through to replace the Dometic in my 315RLTS with a residential.

First, the maximum size and weight of a replacement should be no larger than the current refrigerator. Your Norcold's is as shown below ( from https://norcold.com/product/norcold-...-refrigerator/ ).



What I failed to consider as well is the space required around the Haier I installed. I've been fortunate to not have an issue, but check the installation manual for any refrigerator you're considering to ensure there's enough room for it to "breath".

Next, consider what you'll do to power a 120vAC residential when not hooked to shore power. Will you get an inverter and extra batteries to power the unit? This is not an insignificant expense to consider (as well as the cost to have someone install these components unless you're willing to do the install yourself).

If you go with a 12vDC model, there may still be the issue of additional batteries to ensure the refrigerator stays powered when disconnected from shore power. (The tow vehicle may or may not keep up with the refrigerator's power demand.) An upgrade to the wiring from the batteries to the unit may be required, too.

A third option: convert the Norcold to compressor technology. See https://jc-refrigeration.com/product...dc-conversion/ I looked at this for my Dometic but did not have the clearance. If I'd been closer to JC Refrigeration I'd have let them try the install but was unwilling to try myself.

Please keep the forum informed on what you decide and any lessons learned. The power of an owners' forum is the sharing of our experiences (good and bad).

Howard

P.S. If you'd like to read my install, see https://gdrvowners.com/forum/operati...a-2019-315rlts

[howson]

Crystal -- you and Paul and judy should compare notes! See https://gdrvowners.com/forum/operati...old#post115480

[Dale B]

We have a Norcold 2118, what a POS. Our situation has changed this season so the priority to repair or replace it has has dropped dramatically. As howson mentioned I was thinking of the JC conversion & for his reasons probably would not go that direction. Adding to that future servicing concerns.

Our situation now is we have purchased a recreation property with a shop, last season our fifth wheel was primarily off grid. The propane consumption of the fridge was 30lbs per week, combined with lack luster performance the Norcold was near the top of my POS list. Now we are shore power & the fridge had a broken fan. Replaced the fan & the fridge is working better, still junk.

My comment to replacing the Norcold, I've been thinking of a fridge for my new shop to supplement & back up the Norcold. The new shop is not finished inside so the temperature swings are dramatic. I've learned of garage ready refrigerator's, they are designed for larger temperature swings. Residential fridge's are designed for steady controlled indoor temperatures. I thought this might a consideration for a replacement of the Norcold should I ever get back to that.

[KamFlyer]

We replaced our 2118 2 years ago in favour of an LG counter depth unit.
I documented it at https://rctravels.rmcd.ca/p/residential-fridge.html.
So far no issues and we are totally happy with the decision.
We are full time and travel annually back and forth from Canada to Arizona and boondock extensively.
Good luck.
-Rob-