New 12 volt Cooling unit for dometic ndr 1292

[work2play]

Our absorption cooling unit went out from our dometic ndr 1292 refrigerator after 19 years of service. So I was in the dilemma of replace with the same technology or upgrade to a compressor fridge.

I could have replaced the same absorption unit but I wanted to eliminate the risk of the propane refrigerator. The other option was convert to a residential fridge but the thought of trying to get the fridge in and out of the motorhome and the cabinet modifications didn't sound fun. Another option was to get a new Norcold side by side 12 volt compressor fridge but when I looked at the price that option was quickly removed from the table (~$7,000)

I decided to go with a 12 volt compressor conversion from jc-refrigeration. So far their service has been outstanding and they have great install videos and guides to walk you through the whole process.

https://jc-refrigeration.com/product...lacement-unit/

So far this unit seems to get to temp much quicker and cools much more evenly.

With our stock battery bank of 6 - 6 volt battery they project that we can run for 40-45 hours before needing to recharge our batteries if we are dry camping. Obviously this time would change if we are using other power draws on the system. We typically run our generator for several hours a day when we are dry camping so I don't think this will change until I install a solar array and lithium batteries.

So far the only draw back I have found is that the compressor is louder then the absorption cooling unit which is virtually silent.


I just wanted to share this option in case anyone else is in this predicament.

Happy Glamping!

[paul65k]

Originally Posted by work2play

Our absorption cooling unit went out from our dometic ndr 1292 refrigerator after 19 years of service. So I was in the dilemma of replace with the same technology or upgrade to a compressor fridge.

I could have replaced the same absorption unit but I wanted to eliminate the risk of the propane refrigerator. The other option was convert to a residential fridge but the thought of trying to get the fridge in and out of the motorhome and the cabinet modifications didn't sound fun. Another option was to get a new Norcold side by side 12 volt compressor fridge but when I looked at the price that option was quickly removed from the table (~$7,000)

I decided to go with a 12 volt compressor conversion from jc-refrigeration. So far their service has been outstanding and they have great install videos and guides to walk you through the whole process.

https://jc-refrigeration.com/product...lacement-unit/

So far this unit seems to get to temp much quicker and cools much more evenly.

With our stock battery bank of 6 - 6 volt battery they project that we can run for 40-45 hours before needing to recharge our batteries if we are dry camping. Obviously this time would change if we are using other power draws on the system. We typically run our generator for several hours a day when we are dry camping so I don't think this will change until I install a solar array and lithium batteries.

So far the only draw back I have found is that the compressor is louder then the absorption cooling unit which is virtually silent.


I just wanted to share this option in case anyone else is in this predicament.

Happy Glamping!

Time for Lithium..... Just sayin'

[xrated]

Originally Posted by work2play

Our absorption cooling unit went out from our dometic ndr 1292 refrigerator after 19 years of service. So I was in the dilemma of replace with the same technology or upgrade to a compressor fridge.

I could have replaced the same absorption unit but I wanted to eliminate the risk of the propane refrigerator. The other option was convert to a residential fridge but the thought of trying to get the fridge in and out of the motorhome and the cabinet modifications didn't sound fun. Another option was to get a new Norcold side by side 12 volt compressor fridge but when I looked at the price that option was quickly removed from the table (~$7,000)

I decided to go with a 12 volt compressor conversion from jc-refrigeration. So far their service has been outstanding and they have great install videos and guides to walk you through the whole process.

https://jc-refrigeration.com/product...lacement-unit/

So far this unit seems to get to temp much quicker and cools much more evenly.

With our stock battery bank of 6 - 6 volt battery they project that we can run for 40-45 hours before needing to recharge our batteries if we are dry camping. Obviously this time would change if we are using other power draws on the system. We typically run our generator for several hours a day when we are dry camping so I don't think this will change until I install a solar array and lithium batteries.

So far the only draw back I have found is that the compressor is louder then the absorption cooling unit which is virtually silent.


I just wanted to share this option in case anyone else is in this predicament.

Happy Glamping!

We have a Momentum Toy Hauler that came with the Norcold 2118....4 door model that is 18 cu. ft. and just had JC Refrigeration convert ours over to the twin 12VDC compressors two days ago....Tuesday. Withing 2 1/2 hours of being turned on, we had 5° in the freezer and 34° in the fresh food compartment....and that is on a large 18 cu. ft. fridge. After 4 hrs of being turned on, 32 in the fresh section and -2° in the freezer. I had to turn the fresh food section to a lower (warmer) setting as it was just TOO cold.

JC provided a clean install, craftsman workmanship, and a product that has totally transformed my pretty much useless Norcold into a fully functional great working refrigerator again. We drove there and let them install it, and when the guy tells you, be back in an hour and a half to two hours....he's not kidding....two hours from start to finish and the unit running/cooling.