Cooling Fans Not Working on Norcold 1200 Videos
My 2002 Vacationer has a 4-door Norcold 1200 LRIM refrigerator. And while it still whole caboodle, it has been a infliction in the backside.
There are 2 main issues with it...
First, IT just doesn't start very cold. The waggish cognomen of calling these things the "No-Cold" is definitely well deserved. Patc our Norcold would work, the refrigerator component just didn't get cold enough.
This Norcold is also pretty sensitive to external temperatures. In warm weather, it has a harder clip cooling down. I remember on our trip out west in 2022, it was a constant struggle.
The other go forth is that the fridge would suddenly Close up when we are traveling in nigh weather.
If we are driving during the summer and it is in the 90's tabu, subsequently 2-3 hours of travel, the electric refrigerator would Begin beeping, flashing an error code of "LO DC", and sporting shut low-spirited.
The first time that happened, it really caught Pine Tree State off guard (see this telecasting blog of the diverting). We were on our way out for a multi-week trip in the summer and on the spur of the moment we had none fridge. We regular temporarily purchased a small fridge from WalMart as a computer backup.
Interestingly, though, every fourth dimension that happens, the fridge would come rearward on after we were still and plugged in. Once in a campsite, I could plug the rig in, delay perhaps 45 minutes, and the fridge will turn away back on and run.
At first, I thought it was a temperature issue. In 2022, I even installed fans at the top of the heap to rip additional air through while road. Unfortunately, it didn't fix the problem.
In the end, I'm pretty sure the issue is the angry recall package failing. These Norcold's have a notable issue of.... well, catching on fire. And in that respect is a recall on them where they will install a black box which will shut the unit down if IT is detected to be overheating. I have not replaced my recall loge, but I'm beautiful sure the yield would resolve if I did.
I decided to go another direction.
Replace With A Human activity Refrigerator?
Removing the whole fridge and replacing it with a standard human action unit is a pretty common thing to do. Identical popular with those who take up through IT.
In my showcase, I distinct not to. And here's why...
- It would require adjustment of the cabinetwork - and perchance more. My furnace is directly infra the icebox, so getting those extra few inches likely needed would require lowering the base and likely re-routing some of the piping and electrical currently leaving around the furnace.
- A residential doesn't rather fit. Either it would Be to a fault small for the hole and look for unusual... Oregon we could modify the cabinetry and meet a larger one, only it would still LOOK really macro.
- My rig does non have an inverter. Sol, either I'd demand to set up an inverter to run the electric refrigerator while not plugged in, be forced to lead the generator, or simply travel between campgrounds and let the fridge "coast" without office.
- Getting a human action into the rig would definitely involve removing the windshield temporarily to get IT in.
This was non a DIY problem for me. And the cost of making this move would by all odds add up. While the cost of the actual fridge isn't a touch, the labor and all the additionals would relieve oneself it an expensive alternative.
Put back The Chilling Unit With The Amish-Built Mutually exclusive
This "Plan B" is attractive because I would keep the same box (Which was obviously well-stacked in and titled to bet like the rest of the rig) - but yet pass in reality work.
One favourite option is to upgrade to the so-known as Amish cooling unit.
These units are built by an Amish-closely-held business, are known to be often better tone than the original equipment, and have no recalls. Which means... zero more black box.
I came crosswise JC Refrigeration and that was the option I decided felt right.
They offer 3 options for my refrigerator model...
- A new crossbred gas/electric social unit that is a direct (just better) replacement for the seminal. It would exist fit to operate sour LP gas or 120V electric, just like the innovational.
- A 12/24 volt compressor building block that au fond turns my Norcold into a residential refrigerator.
- A 120V compressor unit that does the same thing.
The same company carries units built for other refrigerator models, but since mine is the 1200LRIM, that's what I was after.
The direct transposition seemed like the about logical pick since the fridge would retain the ability to run off propane. The unit promises to work far better than the original and won't explode along me. Which is always nice.
Just, the compressor versions seemed very hypnotic.
In fact, it seems like the more popular option. As said, it basically turns my Norcold into a residential refrigerator. The compressors take very low world power pulmonary tuberculosis (fewer than a usual human activity electric refrigerator). I wouldn't need to worry close to leveling. And the reviews appear like these things figure out like gangbusters.
This whole job remained on my "someday" list a trifle excessively long. I kept on victimization the old Norcold. I got to the sharpen that when it shut down while drive, I yawned it off. I knew that once I was plugged in again, wait 30-45 minutes and IT would rejoin. This pattern retributory became our use.
Simply, finally, I definite to merely get this through with.
The Chilling Unit I Chose Is...
I decided to coil with the 12-volt compressor unit.
I explained my situation to JC and his recommendation was the 12-volt. The primary deciding factor is that my rig has nobelium inverter. The 120V option would require an inverter or the source. Yet, the 12-V give notice run direct off my battery. When we're plugged in, the converter will keep the battery topped off. And when traveling, the alternator will keep back the battery happy. Even in a boondocking spot, JC says I could pretty well run the building block for a full day earlier I had to reload the battery. This is dead very well for us since we have yet to boondock.
One concern I had was the controller. Obviously, past installs would produce a constant erroneousness encode on the control board because information technology didn't discover everything that's normally there. People would just disable the speaker so they don't hear any beeps and the fridge would otherwise run beautifully. I guess I'm a stickler, but I didn't want my fridge flashing at Maine day in and day out.
Well, apparently, JC Refrigeration came up with a solution. A curb display panel replacement that alleviates that issue - and is now enclosed with the cooling unit. Which means...
I will have a residential fridge - that looks like a Norcold - and will function just like I'm used to.
So, Clock time To Actually Get The Thing...
I just went and ordered it online flat from JC Infrigidation. $1,045 + $250 for load cargo ships = $1,295 add together cost. No taxes since I Don't reside in Indiana where they are settled.
I bought it on a William Ashley Sunday... and received shipment on Th. Soh, rattling quick turnaround time.
And nowadays it is sitting in my service department in a cardboard package - awaiting ME having the time tackle the install.
Some people have JCR instal information technology for them on-the-scene at their position in Indiana, but I don't suffer any plans to be in that area anytime soon with my RV.
There are also third-party installers or so the country that can do it. In fact, JCR can refer you to citizenry in your area. It isn't any official endorsement on their part, so coiffe your possess research.
I in reality had a guy in my local area I was going to have Doctor of Osteopathy the job for me, but He flaked out. I asked him a interrogative via text about the quote and he freaked out and refused service. Judging aside Google Reviews, that's not the first time. Oh well. Dodged a bullet on that 1.
And so... I'm scarcely expiration to do the job myself.
I'll figure it taboo equally I go away. They give installation videos and they are also very church music to emails and earpiece calls, so if I see a hitch, I'm sure I'll work information technology out.
I'm non on the nose veteran with the electrical dower of my rig, but I'm always up to learn. I'm just going to cut up off a time when I don't have any unfinished trips upcoming (to make indisputable I have prison term to bail myself out if needed).... and I'll dive in.
And, I'll cover how it does. Maybe even film it and post IT here on this site.
So, stay tuned. 🙂
Cooling Fans Not Working on Norcold 1200 Videos
Source: https://www.happilyrv.com/norcold-cooling-unit-jc-refrigeration/
