Converting Norcold 1200 to JC Refrigeration

[FastHobie16]

My 2000 Monaco Dynasty 1200LRIM fridge quit. Lasted 20yrs. Smelled ammonia. It’s toast. Decided to go with the JC Refrideration ac unit conversation. Had a few questions that answered on the phone.
In order to run this off the inverter while traveling or boondocking, the fridge receptacle has to come off the fridge breaker and moved into the inverter panel. Unless you want to run the generator. Did this with a jumper wire to the inverter panel. Breakers were full and no room to add one so doubled up with the washer/dryer circuit 20 amp breaker. (Won’t overload. Only uses less than an amp. )
Looking forward to delivery of unit and completed installation.
Should be a lot of fun. LOL

[MSHappyCampers]

If the Norcold 1200 has adequate capacity for you then I would recommend the compressor-type cooling unit from JC Refrigeration. It's really easy to change it out without the hassle of making a residential unit fit, and you have all the advantages of a residential. JMHO

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by FastHobie16

My 2000 Monaco Dynasty 1200LRIM fridge quit. Lasted 20yrs. Smelled ammonia. It’s toast. Decided to go with the JC Refrideration ac unit conversation. Had a few questions that answered on the phone.
In order to run this off the inverter while traveling or boondocking, the fridge receptacle has to come off the fridge breaker and moved into the inverter panel. Unless you want to run the generator. Did this with a jumper wire to the inverter panel. Breakers were full and no room to add one so doubled up with the washer/dryer circuit 20 amp breaker. (Won’t overload. Only uses less than an amp. )
Looking forward to delivery of unit and completed installation.
Should be a lot of fun. LOL

Jumping a 15 amp circuit to a 20 amp breaker is unsafe and against code.

The 20 amp circuit is wired with 12 gauge wire, while the 15 amp circuit is wired with 14 gauge wire.

In the event of a short, at it near the fridge outlet, the 14 gauge wire may overheat and become a fire hazard, before the 20 amp breaker trips.

The quick fix is to swap in a 15 amp breaker to that position, but not knowing the amp draw of your washer, it may not handle the load.

Can you use double mini breakers in you panel ?
If you can, swap out the 20 amp washer one for a 15/20 double breaker.

[hardy1000]

Originally Posted by Robert T

I believe my Norcold is starting to fail. The unit is a 2004 model and I am having to run the refrigerator at level 7 when it is 75 degrees outside. Any warmer weather I have to set the refrigerator at 9 and put ice inside the freezer.

Has anyone converted their Norcold 1200 to JC Refrigeration conversion to function as a residential refrigerator using the 12 Volt Compressor and related coils.

JC refrigeration also makes new coils that are larger than the standard Norcold coils and the ice cream will get hard.

Products | JC Refrigeration

Converted mine to JC a year ago and very happy with it.

[motormama]

Originally Posted by 79cvx20

Mine died and I installed a Samsung RF18, 18 cubic feet. It is the best mod I have done. I'll never go back to a Nevercold. $4000 vs $1000 and six more cubic ft. That's 33% more space and the bottom freezer is great. Wife loves it. I mounted mine on the floor of my Monaco Windsor 40PST. Then built an upper cabinet and door out of the old one. I got the ideas from zmotorsports in this forum. iRV2 Forums - View Profile: zmotorsports

Did you install it yourself ?

[tropical36]

Just completed a changeover on our Norcold 1200, as well. Made some improvements to the wiring along the way, for eliminating the spaghetti ball to make it neater and more professional looking. Took my time with it all, since I wasn't able to work non stop on it, anyway.
Ordered the 120vac compressor type kit, which runs well on my MSW inverter.
Plugged in the pass thru inverter outlet in the back which we were using for the old absorb-ion unit, also. No need for the other shore power only outlet and especially now, with this energy efficient unit.
Initial test was for the 9 setting while empty, which brought the freezer temp down to -5F and the fridge close to freezing.
Anxious to see it's performance, when loaded and out on the road for a few days.
Overall, we're happy with it and for the simplest and most economical way to do a conversation and just as long as you're happy with 12cu ft of space.
Can't really see the need for any more, since there's always a store around and no good reason to keep food any longer than you have to.

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by tropical36

Just completed a changeover on our Norcold 1200, as well. Made some improvements to the wiring along the way, for eliminating the spaghetti ball to make it neater and more professional looking. Took my time with it all, since I wasn't able to work non stop on it, anyway.
Ordered the 120vac compressor type kit, which runs well on my MSW inverter.
Plugged in the pass thru inverter outlet in the back which we were using for the old absorb-ion unit, also. No need for the other shore power only outlet and especially now, with this energy efficient unit.
Initial test was for the 9 setting while empty, which brought the freezer temp down to -5F and the fridge close to freezing.
Anxious to see it's performance, when loaded and out on the road for a few days.
Overall, we're happy with it and for the simplest and most economical way to do a conversation and just as long as you're happy with 12cu ft of space.
Can't really see the need for any more, since there's always a store around and no good reason to keep food any longer than you have to.

[tropical36]

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

Thank You and I thought I did a pretty nice job for the first time around, if I do say so for myself. Hopefully and most likely, it'll be for my only time, as well.
Just when I have a little experience now.....lol
I failed to mention that this was a JC Refrigeration conversion for the Norcold, which might have confused some, as to what was used. It comes in complete kit form and they provide tech support, if you require it, above the online and supplied instructions.

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by tropical36

Thank You and I thought I did a pretty nice job for the first time around, if I do say so for myself. Hopefully and most likely, it'll be for my only time, as well.
Just when I have a little experience now.....lol
I failed to mention that this was a JC Refrigeration conversion for the Norcold, which might have confused some, as to what was used. It comes in complete kit form and they provide tech support, if you require it, above the online and supplied instructions.

Yep, Jr. is a great guy to deal with!

[FastHobie16]

Just installed the 120volt coil on my 1200 LRIM. Did the job myself. Took planning and was well supported by JC. This unit is really cool. Pun intended. First run at setting #8. Freezer was -7 and lower box was 32 deg. 4 or 5 settings should work better. Still working on the right temp. Much better cooling than the old absorption coil. JC Refrideration answers email and calls fast. They are good folks.
Jim Gates
2000 Monaco Dynasty.

[F4Gary]

I would like to do this also, but I don't think l have enough room between the back of my fridge and the access/vent panel.

[Timaz]

Originally Posted by F4Gary

I would like to do this also, but I don't think l have enough room between the back of my fridge and the access/vent panel.

It fits in the same space as your stock unit.

[F4Gary]

Originally Posted by Timaz

It fits in the same space as your stock unit.

Yes, but the compressor sits behind the fridge between it and the outer wall.
There is a minimum distance needed for the compressor. I think it is 8 inches and I don't think I have that much room. I'm closer to 5-6 inches. (That's what she said)

[Timaz]

I would call JC...they can figure it out for you. I have the 12 volt model. I love it.