Norcold basement refrig/freezer

[JVR]

The Norcold cooler in our 2006 Essex stopped working and the diagnosis is the compressor. It has only been turned on a few months out of the total time.
The parts cost more than a new complete unit unless someone has a source better than I have been able to find. I called Newmar to find if they used a better quality unit in later models, but Jeff said they still use the same unit.

Does anyone have a good experience with the basement refrig/freezer? I really need a little pep talk to lay down over $1000 to replace it.

Thanks,
JVR

["007"]

Did a shop say its the compressor or was it a guess. Power ok to outlet?
Was it removed to have checked out.
Here is a manual and parts list from PPL parts where you may be able to order compressor.

[Bill0828]

I have a basement freezer/frige. unit made by Engel. I purchased it thru Roadtrucker.com. Check to see if they have a part you might need. The Norcold and Engel appear to be identical. Parts might be interchangeable.

[JVR]

No it was actually taken out and delivered to a refrigeration specialist with whom I am familar. After checking the electrics, he tapped into the low side 70 psi which is correct, then he turned on the unit and the compressor which runs does not pump and the pressure remained at 70 psi instead of coming down to 2psi.

I appreciate your input.

[JVR]

Bill0828,
Thanks for your info on Engle but the Norcold is largeer than any of the Engles.
Dometic makes a model CF 080AC which is comparable in size and features and it sells for appx $250 less than the Norcold.
Does anyone have experience with the Dometic?
Many thanks,
JVR

[Cruzer]

I have two of the larger MRFT-60 Norcolds in my Allegro Bus. One goes back to my '03 Suncruiser so it's going on 7-1/2 years. I added a second one to my '04 Bus and it did fail after 3 years. It's replacement is still ticking away after another 3 years. So far, so good. I don't believe this is a frequent occurance but stuff can always happen. I'd replace it with a new one. Well, actually I already did.

[JVR]

Camping World ran a special on the Dometic equivalent, which has a very good compressor and the cost to replace the compressor is $150 as compared to $850.
Well to cut through the chase, through the Good Sam and Camping World President discount, the Dometic new was $721, bye, bye Norcold.