Fridge:Which direction to go

[Bigkid1951]

When I purchase this 93 UltraSport a week ago,it came with a disconnected Norcold Model #6162 fridge .The last owner said he had disconnected all power sources . He mentioned this model he had read was famous for starting fires . It does look rough inside . Should I hook it all back up to see it works at ? Or search for a replacement ? I did find a Norcold Model 982 locally for $250. I could not find any information on it other power sources > The add mentioned it was propane ? This Fridge and new tire are my two biggest replacement cost so far. Thanks for any suggestion and advice
Bigkid1951

[GuyG]

My '98 Flair still has the original Dometic 3-way fridge. Like the rest of the motorhome, the fridge looks and is in really good condition. In spite of its appearance and dependability I'm one of those who is still looking for a S&B refrigerator that will fit in the same space AND will fit through the MH door.
Having said that, you indicated that your fridge "does look rough inside." I think that would be the flag that would prompt me to find someone with professional experience to take a look at it before I "fired" it up.

[TGiboney]

Check this out:

https://youtu.be/Yte1V3CkDrw

https://youtu.be/FeKtqqleMdM

[Labrat46]

Let me offer you another option based on my experience. No other thing in my motorhome gives me more grief than my Norcold 2 way fridge. Motorehome needs to be pretty level (3° side to side and 6° on the long side) according to my factory manual) which can be a problem sometimes, it work great when it's 60 degrees outside but like crap when it's 90 or more. Adding 2 fans in the external access area did help on that. Open the door for 3 minutes and watch the temp raise 15 degrees and then take an hour to recover. If mine ever dies it will be replaced by a conventional fridge with a compressor. The windshield will have to come out but it will be worth it. We don't boondock or use parks if they don't have electricity. I have a generator and if I needed to cool the fridge while traveling I could use it for a few minutes to cool it back down. Just my 2¢ worth, other opinions may vary.

[Phil G.]

I feel for all the RV folks who have had bad experiences with their 2-way or 3-way absorption refrigerators.

I wonder if the problems are related to the large cubic footage refrigerator sizes?

Our 2-way 6.3 cf Norcold has been a great refrigerator that provides the flexibility for us to hookup camp or drycamp with no concerns about adequate food cooling or electrical power. We do not care to be limited in where we can camp - especially since one must drycamp when in the most remote, beautiful, and pristine spots.

As far as "leveliness" is concerned, we make our RV level when camped anyway - and we'd still do it if we had a compressor refrigerator. Amount of level for short runs on roadway grades has no long-term affects on it's operation or reliability, either. The mass of the food inside both of it's sections keeps them cool regardless of how much time we open it's doors to get items out - just like with a compressor refrigerator.

We camp with up to three other couples that have RVs using absorption refrigerators of relatively small cubic footage capacites, and we all do just fine.

[Bigkid1951]

Evening,
You mentioned installing a standard 110v fridge . I think I may go in this direction. Somewhere I read that the standard Fridge adds heat to the RV? Any ideals on this problem ? I would think someone who is creative could install a exhaust fan to pull the heat out the exterior excess panel .
Thanks
Bigkid1951

[Bigkid1951]

vening,
You mentioned installing a standard 110v fridge . I think I may go in this direction. Somewhere I read that the standard Fridge adds heat to the RV? Any ideals on this problem ? I would think someone who is creative could install a exhaust fan to pull the heat out the exterior excess panel .
Thanks
Bigkid1951