Norcold Fridge recall.

[Topman]

This topic has been discussed a lot I a sure.
Our coach has a Norcold 1200. I haven't used it much but it has been working okay. Sometime before we got the coach, the cooling unit on the fridge was replaced.
I had an RV tech who I know check the fridge and I wanted him to do the recall work which was suggested by Norcold. He is the one who told me the cooling unit was not original.
He sent all the information to Norcold and asked for a recall unit to use on my fridge. They said "that is not the original cooling unit so they will not send a recall repair part".
So.......can I assume(hope) that the replacement cooling unit does not need the recall part?
My RV tech guy said the recall part is just a temp. sensor which goes on the heating unit and if it gets too hot it will cut the 12v power to the control panel and shut off the fridge.
Or....maybe someone out there has a recall unit from their scrapped Norcold/Notcold and could send one to me.
Thanks, Iver.

[Clifftall]

Topman. I would call Norcold ( 800-543-1219 ) and verify the fact that they want you to be exposed to the danger that not having the recall involves. Ask them to put their response in writing.

[pipedream2]

Norcold would not send a recall kit to you if it was NOT one of there cooling unites installed on your coach.
From the outside access can you see if the condenser coils (at the bottom into the small tank).....are there two coils??(Norcold have only one= Amish unite and do Not require any recall wiring at all.....very good and durable unite.
Or the other possibility is a that you have a RE-BUILT cooling unite (there are several doing this) and are NOT a good unite at all (cannot be thourally cleaned out inside the jacketed portion of the pipe before welding )
Bottom line here is ....ALL cooling unites made by Norcold for their 1200 frig should have the safety switch recall done or on them now.
Call Norcold direct to find out WHY they will not supply it

You can go here to check as to which unite you have by looking in the back access RV Cooling Unit Warehouse

[firedoc]

When I go to the link they talk about the New cooling units (as compared to remanufactured). They have the Dometic and Nor old units and then they have what they vaguely call their Amish built unit. Is this the same 'Amish' unit that is being highly recommended in other threads or is this something else. The wording of their ad just doesn't sound right!!

[Topman]

Here are some pictures...
Is this a rebuilt??
Thanks, Iver.

["007"]

Most of the Amish units are white that people are using on this forum.
They do not need any recalls by Norcold.
You have a mfg sticker on the boiler give them a call they may not need recall also..

[Rex]

It sure is not a Norcold unit. Check the name on the unit and call the 888 number and find out who they are and if it is subject to the recall. In any event, Norcold will have no responsibility as it is not their unit.

[Dr4Film]

Topman,

Rex is right on, this is a reconditioned cooling unit supplied by the name and number listed on the sticker. Reconditioned units are notorious for short term lifespans. They are used when owners do not want to spend the money for a new unit.

Norcold will not authorize to have their recall device installed onto anyone's unit except their own.

You have three choice's, replace the unit with an Amish built unit (does not require the recall), remove the recall device from a Norcold unit no longer being used and install it your self, or replace the Norcold with a residential fridge.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[AFChap]

Quote:

You have three choice's, replace the unit with an Amish built unit (does not require the recall), remove the recall device from a Norcold unit no longer being used and install it your self, or replace the Norcold with a residential fridge.

...or of course choice #4, replace the cooling unit with a Norcold unit which would come with the kit.

[pipedream2]

paul
A brand new Norcold unite is NOT a good choice .....1 year warranty only and the unite will last 5 years tops...for $1500...they have NOT changed there design from the exploding versions at all.
Amish unites are $ 500. (at $1000.) cheaper and much heavier (50% thicker pipe with 2 condenser coils at the bottom) and do NOT require Norcolds jerry rigged temp.switch.....and a full 5 year warranted that is extendable.
If you are to keep the 1200 and not go with residential frig the Amish is a no brainer. .....I have installed two in friends coaches this year and they run now on #3 as opposed to 6 on the Norcold unite to keep ice cream from going soft

[Topman]

Lots of good advice on this topic.
Our fridge is still working. So far....but after hearing all the stories from others, I won't expect it to last all that long.

So in the long term I probably will switch to a residential model but until then I guess I will put out a request to anyone who has a recall device that they would be will to part with, I would install it myself to keep my existing unit a little safer.
If anyone has a recall device feel free to PM me.
thanks, Iver.

[Dr4Film]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AFChap ...or of course choice #4, replace the cooling unit with a Norcold unit which would come with the kit.

In all due respect, there is NO choice #4. Anybody that has even a little common sense, why would they even THINK about spending $1500 dollars for another Norcold POS cooling unit that would come with Norcold's band-aid recall device?

Personally, I have scheduled the installation of an Amish built unit in April while on my trip from Florida to Alaska. My existing 11 year old Norcold is still working however, I am tired of nursing it through the hot seasons plus since I full-time, I do not want it to stop working in someplace really inconvenient and then have to jump through hoops to have it replaced.

Oh, BTW, the Amish unit is built so robust that Norcold's recall device is NOT required.

Only my opinion based on common sense.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[pipedream2]

firelog

Yes that is the Amish unite we talk about

[pipedream2]

Richard
Some very sound advice you give........I had a new Norcold cooling unite replaced on my coach .....free from a Norcold recall in 2006 or 07 and it blew in 2011 ....aparently from the SAME problem that was on the first recall.....no change in design from the first one.There was no loss of cooling or no warning signs that it would have made me aware.......and it HAD the "new and improved" temp switch recall done (acually done 2 times with a higher revision number on the switch)...now up to REV D......of which DID NOT ACTIVATE but still blew out between the electric elements.
During the first recall the new unite came with NEW heating elements with a LOWER wattage (225w ea.) down from the OE in 99 and redesigned shape......which had NOTHING to do with the original boiler design that is there biggest problem........instead of plugging the hole in the boat they gave all the passengers baling buckets and said go to sea.
Another thing here is... we cannot buy a Norcold cooling unite from them or the temp switch......they can ONLY be purchased by a "Norcold qualified installer" (their words not mine) as if the instal is the problem with the Norcold fireworks 1200. I have talked to 3 separate mobile tecs. (all Norcold Certified) that will not do any more recalls for them because ....get this....when (not if) they blow some are being charged(blamed for a bad instal) the MH owners deductible costs for insurance claims (upward of $1000 in some cases) and its not worth the risk.......even though they get $2100 every 5 years or less for all the unites out there for unites with a ONE year warranted (down from 3 years warranted 4 years ago) they just will take the risk for an obviously BADLY ENGINEERED product.
SORRY
end of rant....wheres my cold beer at