Community Forums

FrankenRV · 10-19-2022, 07:20 AM

They use helium.

https://jc-refrigeration.com/product...cooling-units/

momcat · 10-19-2022, 09:19 AM

I changed my "Notcold" to the 12v compressor unit 4 rears ago. It has worked great. I recommend it. My unit does not have a LP capability. I think some may have this also. MOMCAT

F4Gary · 10-19-2022, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F4Gary

2 compressors? I only see one in the JC pics.

Correction...I guess they redesigned their compressor style units and added a second compressor.
I like that they continue to improve their product.

Marty1096 · 10-19-2022, 11:08 PM

Not lp gas and 12v pption...misspoke
Its helium i do believe and a 12v

xrated · 10-20-2022, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnynorthla

https://youtu.be/Yte1V3CkDrw

Here is a video of a JC conversion. Unless you want to keep the look of your old fridge, and don’t mind the storage size, otherwise why won’t you just go with a new 12v? The cost is not much more, unless you do the conversion yourself.

In my case, there are no 12VDC fridge made that are as big as mine....Norcold 18.xx cu. ft. so it made perfectly good sense to have mine converter over the the twin, 12VDC compressors. Plus the fact that the JC unit is built "heavy duty", with thicker wall tubing, and the compressor's feet are rubber mounted...made to withstand the 4.5 earthquake of travelling down the bumpy roads and highways. Not mention, it went right back into the same hole that it came out of with ZERO modifications to the cabinetry for it to fit. Win/Win for me.

Olyteddy · 10-20-2022, 06:59 PM

What refrigerant do they use? Most compressor based fridges are getting away from r134a and using isobutane instead. Isobutane is safer for the Ozone & a bit more efficient but it is flammable, should the sealed system leak.

Johnynorthla · 10-21-2022, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xrated

In my case, there are no 12VDC fridge made that are as big as mine....Norcold 18.xx cu. ft. so it made perfectly good sense to have mine converter over the the twin, 12VDC compressors. Plus the fact that the JC unit is built "heavy duty", with thicker wall tubing, and the compressor's feet are rubber mounted...made to withstand the 4.5 earthquake of travelling down the bumpy roads and highways. Not mention, it went right back into the same hole that it came out of with ZERO modifications to the cabinetry for it to fit. Win/Win for me.

18 ft.³! WOW, that’s huge, no argument here! I would’ve done the same.

I just replaced a Norcold N8XRT Lp with a GE 9.8, 12V RV fridge. Perfect fit, just ran 10 AWG to a separate breaker on my battery, it’s huge compared to the Norcold. Wish I had it when we were full time a year ago!

FrankenRV · 10-21-2022, 09:57 AM

They use helium in the unit for heat transfer, but LP gas still "cooks" it. Here's a link to a quick explanation. https://www.ferrellgas.com/tank-talk...liquid%20state.

Marty1096 · 10-21-2022, 05:23 PM

I purchased the Norcold 811.
Am I happy yes
Does it work yes
https://jc-refrigeration.com/product...cooling-units/

Kevin-Siesta · 10-26-2022, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F4Gary

Correction...I guess they redesigned their compressor style units and added a second compressor.
I like that they continue to improve their product.

I believe the double compressor is for larger units to retrofit, where some of the small units only require one. The website shows both based on the model # being retrofitted.

I have done some corresponding with JC and they said the by using the Dutchaire Universal Fridge Control it will eliminate the Inkboard and the Norcold/Dometic control board and also control the freezer.

Kevin-Siesta · 10-26-2022, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterFTH

I recommend you let JC install it - they don't charge for it ... I got mine two years ago for about $600 so I guess the price has gone up some. You will need to run a heavier gauge wire from your batteries as the compressor draws much more than the electronics of the Norcold - they may charge you for this or you can run a 10 gauge pair before you go just don't connect it. I switched to their thermostat/controller this year ($104) so all the Norcold stuff is gone. I did a couple of modifications - used where their motion sensor light bulb plugs in to run the wires from the overhead built in light - not in your eyes so much better. I also bypassed their exposed on/off switch as it could be accidentally shut off. I had the Norcold on a circuit breaker and used that to power their thermostat so you can ignore all their harnesses - spade connectors on the compressor take the main power from the batteries, two more run power to the fans - they installed a thermistor on one of the Freon copper lines so they come on after the Freon has heated up some. About 9 minutes. Finally to wires from the thermostat which turn the whole system on and off by refrigerator temperature. It now makes more ice than I can use and trust me, that's a lot of ice.

Do you like the Dutchaire Universal Fridge Control mentioned above? I researched the size of the Norcold 1200 replacement 120v HVAC for my Mountain Aire and came to the conclusion I would have no access to the Norcold control board to reset or the Inkboard. If I decide on this over a residential, I will go this route.

Does anyone else have the Dutchaire Universal Fridge Control for the HVAC style retrofits? Pro's or Con's?

Rhagfo · 10-26-2022, 08:13 PM

Well I went with the 12 volt and love it so far, cooled down to 38 degrees refer and 5 freezer in two hours.

rush · 10-27-2022, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin-Siesta

Do you like the Dutchaire Universal Fridge Control mentioned above? I researched the size of the Norcold 1200 replacement 120v HVAC for my Mountain Aire and came to the conclusion I would have no access to the Norcold control board to reset or the Inkboard. If I decide on this over a residential, I will go this route.

Does anyone else have the Dutchaire Universal Fridge Control for the HVAC style retrofits? Pro's or Con's?

I do because my circuit board was an old style and wouldn't run their unit, It works perfect gives you the temperature inside your fridge and the light comes on using a motion sensor The only thing is after 28 years of seeing the lights on in the front of the fridge its weird not seeing them on. other than that, I kind of like the way it works much better.