Community Forums

mhughes · 08-28-2017, 02:06 PM

After holding out for a couple of years I finally broke down and swapped out the Norcold for an RF18.

An amazing fridge. Runs about 15 hours on my battery bank. Doesn't seem to take any longer than normal to recharge batteries using the generator. Fridge draws between 6 and 9 amps DC without the ice maker running.

While parked this weekend inside temps in the coach hit 108* yet the fridge never varied from -2* and 38*

I had installed the Auto Generator Start last year and finally turned it on this last week. Didn't need it but it was nice to have a backup plan. The AGS was given to me as a gift from a fellow member the year before at QZ.

Installing 600 watts of solar this week. Going to make things nice at QZ this coming winter.

Happycarz · 08-29-2017, 01:52 AM

I'm right behind you with the RF18. On my last trip the Norcold wanted to stay in the low to mid 40's. Not normal for this fridge. I tested the thermistor, to find it in spec at 0°, 35° and 75°, but spent $20 on a new one regardless. This last trip my Norcold was 33° on setting 5.

During my testing, my buddy Bill Willard said Home Depot had the Samsung RF18 reduced to $942, and the store close to him had two. My store had none and couldn't find any other stores with one. I called Bill's store and gave them my CC.

Next day Bill and I picked it up, saving $80 delivery charge for 3 miles distance. It's sitting in his garage waiting on us to do the deed.

I've had 3 Norcolds over 20 years and this is the first repair to one. But, the RF18 has a larger capacity and recovers quicker. So, I'm all in.

Mike, I have 550 watts of solar and am charged up by noon - 1:00PM. Mike, AKA Drifter, ran several test with his Kilowatt meter a few years ago and found his Samsung RF17 (maybe RF17.5) used 115-125 amp hours per day. Since I boondock in the National Forest frequently, I may have to run the generator a bit to be charged up to 100%. Or, overclock my 40 amp solar controller with another panel. Right now, the only time I use the generator is when I use the microwave for more than 30 seconds.

I'll figure it out as I'm looking forward to having the Samsung.

veraken · 08-29-2017, 05:31 AM

FYI, this is a new product I found for frig door lock. Don't have one, but it has gotten positive reviews from others

https://www.recubed.solutions/

mhughes · 08-29-2017, 08:11 AM

veraken,

Thanks, I had emailed them but never got a reply. I'll try again.

Harry,

I have a 40 amp Renogy Commander controller. I should be able to parallel two sets of three 100w panels in series producing about 67.5vdc (open circuit voltage) and 11.1a without exceeding the system limits.

My 1210 Norcold cooling unit worked just fine. My issue was the hinges in the doors. So worn out I couldn't keep them sealed. Cold air just flowed out the bottom.

Good price on the RF18. Best I could find from Home Depot in California was $1100. At least they delivered it inside the coach. All I had to do was remove the two captains chairs and screws on the door scissor..

Captjake1 · 08-29-2017, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by veraken

FYI, this is a new product I found for frig door lock. Don't have one, but it has gotten positive reviews from others

https://www.recubed.solutions/

That's an awesome idea! No pricing or ability to buy from that link?

Captjake1 · 08-29-2017, 09:56 AM

The Samsung upgrade is the ONLY upgrade my wife brings up, time and time again. We both love ut!

mhughes · 08-29-2017, 10:09 AM

They list an email address to order on their website. No online order form.

stillthinkin · 08-29-2017, 11:33 AM

I'm right behind you guys too.

That recent post (don't recall author now) pushed me over the edge....he said during the Norcold replacement he found a burnt roof AC drain hose, and it was a fire waiting to happen.

I'll start looking and pricing.

Mark

William Willard · 08-29-2017, 12:26 PM

Happycarz -- I`m standing by with my chain saw , ready to do the "deed" -- I`m gonna love cutting your cabinets all to heck -- Bill Willard

1CoolZ71 · 08-29-2017, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captjake1

That's an awesome idea! No pricing or ability to buy from that link?

I have the fridge fixer and it works great!
cost $29.95 and $4.50 shipping
Takes 5 minutes to install

38Chevy454 · 08-29-2017, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhughes

They list an email address to order on their website. No online order form.

Just send an email with your frig info. The owner Carl will send a paypal invoice. I just did it yesterday for my RF-18, Carl got back to me within a few hours.

Mike, you will be very happy with the new RF-18. One of the best things I have done replacing the Notcold.

mhughes · 08-29-2017, 02:40 PM

Just finished paying my paypal invoice for the fridge fixer. My first email to them must have been lost in the ether. Said they would ship same day. Nice.

mhughes · 08-29-2017, 02:41 PM

Wait till Harry finds out the fridge opening is a parallelogram. It will drive him nuts.

Golfer Guy · 08-29-2017, 03:12 PM

For those who are thinking of this upgrade take a look at Home Depot floor models. I found one in Vegas for $600 (black not stainless) just like new.

That little gadget to lock the doors is perfect. Wish I had seen that prior to my door latch purchase.

Harry you should be able to fit that through the door rather than a window. It fit through the door , barely, on my Beaver. Wish I was there to help you two guys. I know Bill is a master with that chain saw of his.

Frozen cookies for Harry.

Steve