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Topic: 2-way Refrigerator replacement (suggestions) (Read 789 times) previous topic - next topic

2-way Refrigerator replacement (suggestions)

Hey All,

After Limping through the end of last season with no refrigerator, it's time to start shopping for a new one!

I have looked on line and there seems to be issues with them ALL!

Has anyone replaced their refrigerator with a new 2 way or 3 way?  If yes, which brand and model.

I know Norcold and Dometic are the most common, but I also found a brand called Crystal Cold and Unique....both more expensive than the other two brand's. I Just want quality. I am so sick of purchasing name brand items which turns out to be junk.

Note: residential is not an option for us because we like to boondock.

Thank you,

Heather

1995 GV 280



1995 U280
Grandvilla Unihome

3600 ORED
Engine: Cummins 8.3
Build 4680

Buxton, Maine

Re: 2-way Refrigerator replacement (suggestions)

Reply #1 –
When I bought this coach it had a new Norcold N811 in it. It works great on propane or 120v.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: 2-way Refrigerator replacement (suggestions)

Reply #2 –
First decision is how much drycamping do you do?

If only occasionally, a residential refrigerator is a valid consideration.

Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: 2-way Refrigerator replacement (suggestions)

Reply #3 –
Not sure what is the cause for failure of your fridge, but ours was a cool failure allowing the ammonia to escape evidenced by yellow powder in back of fridge. We had a new Amish fridge unit from JC Refrigeration shipped to Risch RV in Nacogdoches and Keith pulled existing fridge out, removed broken elements, and replace with the new cooling unit. Then put fridge back in.  allowed us to keep the original fridge with propane capabilities as we boondock occasionally also. This was done in our last coach. We found it a more affordable option as it allowed us to basically have a new OEM fridge without having to refit cabinetry and get new fridge into coach. Repair was done in kitchen floor inside unit... still not cheap. New coils were $1700 plus labor to install...
Keith and Dawn Hudson #18766
Current- 1999 U295 DFGE 40ft. - Build #5405
Coach Name: 4BUS4US
Previous- 2008 Nimbus CE338: 40th Anniversary Edition- Build #6486. 
Toad: 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

 "I know something about a lot of things..a lot about something's..and everything about nothing "

Re: 2-way Refrigerator replacement (suggestions)

Reply #4 –
I almost only boondock or drycamp and I have a residential fridge. I would never go back to
a propane fridge, 
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: 2-way Refrigerator replacement (suggestions)

Reply #5 –
Quote from: oldguy –
I almost only boondock or drycamp and I have a residential fridge. I would never go back to
a propane fridge,

No problem, BUT (yes, large BUT) that would require quite an upgrade to the whole electrical system on the OP's coach.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: 2-way Refrigerator replacement (suggestions)

Reply #6 –
The original fridge in our U240 had been replaced with another Dometic and was a few years old when we got it.  It worked flawlessly for the nearly 10 years that we had it.  Our U295 was converted to a residential by the PO.  It is very nice and I considered it an advantage when looking to buy.  After having it, I have come to the opinion (which admittedly may change again) that unless I had or plan to have solar or was connected to shore power all the time, I would not convert to a residential.  When boondocking in moderate temps, your huge lp tank would run the fridge and water heater a long time.  I do apologize for the continued sidetrack of your post and hope someone can help you with your question :)
Dave and Kelli
1997 U295 40' Build #5188 CSGI
1995 U240 36' Build #4621 SBID-SOLD
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Re: 2-way Refrigerator replacement (suggestions)

Reply #7 –
2 panels on the roof and a decent battery will run a small residential .
My van has onev370 watt and one 185 AH batt powering the 4.3ft dorm fridge

Re: 2-way Refrigerator replacement (suggestions)

Reply #8 –
Heather, do you know what has failed on the refrigerator?  If the refrigerant has leaked it's toast, but there are other, repairable, failure points. 
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: 2-way Refrigerator replacement (suggestions)

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Bigoil76 –
Not sure what is the cause for failure of your fridge, but ours was a cool failure allowing the ammonia to escape evidenced by yellow powder in back of fridge. We had a new Amish fridge unit from JC Refrigeration shipped to Risch RV in Nacogdoches and Keith pulled existing fridge out, removed broken elements, and replace with the new cooling unit. Then put fridge back in.  allowed us to keep the original fridge with propane capabilities as we boondock occasionally also. This was done in our last coach. We found it a more affordable option as it allowed us to basically have a new OEM fridge without having to refit cabinetry and get new fridge into coach. Repair was done in kitchen floor inside unit... still not cheap. New coils were $1700 plus labor to install...
We did a new Amish cooling unit and it works well. We are also at the door to Hell in the summer months. Southern nevada. I literally start the fridge several days before using. If you go that route I would also change the heating elements to the new ones. If you have a fridge Defend and IMO you should it will need the set temp  set hotter or it will shut down with the Amish cooling unit.

Re: 2-way Refrigerator replacement (suggestions)

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Chuck Pearson –
Heather, do you know what has failed on the refrigerator?  If the refrigerant has leaked it's toast, but there are other, repairable, failure points.

We replaced the circuit board last year and got it working for two months, then it stopped working again...honestly, we're tired of trying to trouble shooting it...and you can barely find parts for it...the icemaker stopped working for the previous owner and takes up freezer space...there are other "ascetic issues"...so I just want to move on to a newer model...
1995 U280
Grandvilla Unihome

3600 ORED
Engine: Cummins 8.3
Build 4680

Buxton, Maine

Re: 2-way Refrigerator replacement (suggestions)

Reply #11 –
Have you considered a DC Compressor conversion by JC Refrigeration  (Amish Cooling)?  They build complete, perfectly matched  systems that will replace the existing "barely cool" junk on the back of the box.  Can be shipped to you for install (yes, a DYI if you are not faint of heart) or you can travel for a fun filled day to northern Indiana and they will do the install in about 2 hours for $250....  I am about to convert our Dometic 1492 to one of their dual compressor systems.  It eliminates the need to rebuild the electrical, need for additional inverter capacity, cabinetry changes and all the other little things that can bite with a change of box.  Runs on about 7 amps DC max, less once cooled down. 

There are a couple folks on the list who have gone this route with good results.  I know of one member who did his recently....DYI with only moderate "bad thoughts"....  but happy with his choice....
2002 U320
3620 PBDS
Build 5985
2021 Equinox Toad
Motorcade 19006 & all those "other" clubs too!

Re: 2-way Refrigerator replacement (suggestions)

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Heather T –
We replaced the circuit board last year and got it working for two months, then it stopped working again...honestly, we're tired of trying to trouble shooting it...and you can barely find parts for it...the icemaker stopped working for the previous owner and takes up freezer space...there are other "ascetic issues"...so I just want to move on to a newer model...
Amazon.com: KITCHEN BASICS 101: 241798224 Ice Maker Replacement for Electrolu...

May have to do a little wiring but super easy install

Re: 2-way Refrigerator replacement (suggestions)

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Heather T –
We replaced the circuit board last year and got it working for two months, then it stopped working again...honestly, we're tired of trying to trouble shooting it...and you can barely find parts for it...the icemaker stopped working for the previous owner and takes up freezer space...there are other "ascetic issues"...so I just want to move on to a newer model...
I took the ice maker out of my Norcold's freezer. It was fairly simple and doing so created a lot of space. I sold the icemaker on ebay.
I've been in AZ the last 3 summers and my Norcold works like a charm in temps as high as 120 with the help of computer fans to help move air through the cooling unit and out the top vent. I don't recall who posted them, but there are instructions on this forum on how do do that.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: 2-way Refrigerator replacement (suggestions)

Reply #14 –
Fridge Fans:  SEE POSTING #29

Any tips for getting fridge to run more efficiently on AC power?

Fans in two outside locations move air for propane or electric fridges. . . Turn them on with kitchen manual lighted 12v switch.