Community Forums

tcam001 · 07-02-2012, 05:44 PM

We are thinking of either replacing our Norcold refrigerator with a residential type or replacing the cooling unit with an Amish cooling unit. Would like to hear from those who have done either one and what the pro's and con's were as well as any ideas wecan use to improve the performance of our Norcold until we make a decision. If needed we have a 2012 Ventana Le. Thanks so much.

GaryKD · 07-02-2012, 08:11 PM

Hi tcam001,
Go to
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/dome...ml#post1229274 and read the post where I provided 3 locations where I added fans. For me, fans are the secret to helping an RV Refer stay cool. In the current heat wave of 100 degree + temps, my Dometic is very cold.

Also go to http://www.irv2.com/forums/f54/out-g...tag-81685.html and read how another Newmar owner installed a Maytag residential refer in his coach.

Beacher · 07-03-2012, 01:52 PM

My 2008 had a Norcold and it was ok so when we ordered our 2012 DSDP we ordered it with the house hold refer and my DW loves it more room and things are cold. Good luck

Iron Man · 07-03-2012, 07:48 PM

If you do not do a lot of dry camping go residential.

RUFINIT · 07-03-2012, 09:12 PM

We have the residential refer. After 6 years of bouncing down the highway, we encountered a problem where the compressor quit working. We were at Gillette, WY at the International Rally. We were able to call a local appliance dealer with a repair service. He came right out and determined the problem, ordered the part and it arrived two days later. He came out and replaced it. Cost was just over $450. If it was a propane type of refer, I am sure the cost would have been much more (like $1500 for a cooling unit) and availability would have been questionable.

We do a fair amount of dry camping and the extra batteries make the residential refer work just fine.

I would never go back to propane for the reasons above and the fire danger.

wa8yxm · 07-04-2012, 11:05 AM

A lot depends on your camping style.

Do you spend EVERY NIGHT in a campground with 120vac? If so a residential may be a good deal.

Do you spend the odd night in a Wal-mart lot, Flying-J, et-al.. Speend a week or two boondocking every once in a while?

If so, then a residential is a very bad idea. And all that's left is the Amish unit.