Refrigerator Problem

jrgkfg · 05-14-2016, 04:57 PM

Our Norcold seems to have quit working. The freezer is at 25 degrees while the refrigerator is at about 40. The little lite in the control shows the dot indicating it's working ( no codes) and the red lite outside at the control is not on. Switched to gas and the burner comes on, it ran continuously for 4 hrs. with no change in temps. We have defrosted the freezers and adjusted the temp. colder but never hear it run like it normally did on elec. Any ideas?

jrgkfg · 05-15-2016, 08:16 PM

Update, did the Thermister test and it failed which indicates a bad cooling unit. Lots of dollars or replace the whole thing for again lots of dollars. This unit will be 4 years old next Sept. Is this going to happen every 4 years? Considering a Samsung to avoid this. Has anyone put a Samsung in a 36RL? Will it fit with out murdering the island? What Model Number? Haven't checked prices yet, just considering options.

superduty glampers · 05-15-2016, 10:18 PM

Will the residential refrigerator even go in and out the side door,or are they put in before the slides?

jrgkfg · 05-15-2016, 11:29 PM

That's something else I don't know. Seems like I remember some one doing the conversion but I can't find the post.

mhs4771 · 05-16-2016, 01:53 AM

All you have to do is put the Residential Fridge in before installing the handles. RW is now using Whirlpool or at least they were last year when we purchased our '16 MB.

Shane Wood · 05-16-2016, 02:42 AM

We have the Samsung in ours. To remove it the island is not in the way but I do not have the front to back dimensions to know if it will go through the door

jrgkfg · 05-16-2016, 03:19 AM

Anyone have the model numbers on the Samsung and the Whirlpool? I want to check price and availability. Thanks!

**piper guy** · 05-16-2016, 04:50 PM

Not sure if the model number is still current but a year or so ago someone on here had replaced theirs with a Samsung RF197AC and said the wood trimming was minimal.

I do know that you need to get a "counter depth" unit. If my 1200 Norcold keeps acting up it will turn into a Samsung or Whirlpool this summer Just put 2 new Group 31 batteries in ..............

Rick and Mindy · 05-16-2016, 06:19 PM

Last time I checked, the Norcold was around $3400, and that doesn't include installation. Almost every manufacturer out there has gone to the residential refrigerator.It's no wonder when you figure you can purchase a residential anywhere from $700 and up. No brainer on the part of the manufacturer! When my Norcold dies, or earlier, I will be installing a 16 cf residential and hopefully adding a pantry next to it.

homeguy · 05-16-2016, 09:46 PM

That was us that changed our Dometic for the Samsung and we haven't looked back. IT does not interfere with the countertop, you still have about 1/2" clearance with the slide in. We pulled out the old unit, removed the drawer underneath, insulated with that rolled up aluminum stuff and shoved it back in. We also capped the gas line at the T when we took out the old one.

Fridge by homeguy7191 | Photobucket

Here is the link to the photobucket to see the before and after. Also the temp fridge that Home Depot sent out because there was a delay in the arrival of the new one. The delivery guys took it out of the box, set it in place and then put the handles.

homeguy · 05-16-2016, 09:51 PM

Forgot to mention that I eventually added an inverter to the mix. I added after the converter but did not add another battery because I don't boondock.

jrgkfg · 05-16-2016, 10:07 PM

Thanks for the model number, I will check into it. I called the nearest Norcold dealer this morning and nearly went into cardiac arrest! They wanted $4,000 installed. Called Norcold to see if they would like to Help out a little and that was a waste of time. One year warranty, after that it's your problem. Same for a new one. I won't be taking the chance that it could happen again in another three and a half years. I'm still concerned about clearance with the island with the slide in. Called Redwood to see if they could give me the model numbers they use in a 36RL, they have to research it and call me back. Was able to borrow a refrigerator from the resort we are working for. It's sitting outside by the door, now if I just had a couple of junk cars .........

RWJSIM2003 · 05-16-2016, 11:53 PM

Just put a blue tarp over it and it will hide it from view.

BugSplatter07 · 05-17-2016, 01:17 AM

Tell whomever complains about the frig siting outside that you are taking donations for a new one.

homeguy · 05-17-2016, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrgkfg

Thanks for the model number, I will check into it. I called the nearest Norcold dealer this morning and nearly went into cardiac arrest! They wanted $4,000 installed. Called Norcold to see if they would like to Help out a little and that was a waste of time. One year warranty, after that it's your problem. Same for a new one. I won't be taking the chance that it could happen again in another three and a half years. I'm still concerned about clearance with the island with the slide in. Called Redwood to see if they could give me the model numbers they use in a 36RL, they have to research it and call me back. Was able to borrow a refrigerator from the resort we are working for. It's sitting outside by the door, now if I just had a couple of junk cars .........

The model # listed earlier is the one we put I our 2012 36RL

jrgkfg · 05-17-2016, 03:25 PM

I the think our problem is solved. Went to the Ace Hardware in this little town to get some paint and found a whole room full of refrigerators. Pretty sure we settled on an 18cu ft. counter depth stainless steel Samsung with French doors and an ice maker. It was on sale and saved us about three hundred bucks. Haven't ordered it yet. I want to pull the Norcold and make sure of the measurements. They will Guarantee the price for two weeks. We couldn't find the RF197AC so they must not make it anymore. I'm excited, I'll be able to have ice cream again and have room for beer!

**piper guy** · 05-17-2016, 05:21 PM

Let us know the model if it works ~ I think I'm right behind you. Considering selling the Norcold while its working and replacing now.

jrgkfg · 05-19-2016, 03:07 AM

I'm going to try and pull the Norcold on Sunday and I'll let you know the model # when all the measuring is done.

jrgkfg · 05-23-2016, 11:54 PM

OK, Piper Guy the new fridge is in! The model number is RF18HFENBSR. The dimensions are 32 3/16 wide 70 13/16 high and 30 1/2 deep. It fits like a glove and leaves about a 1/2 inch clearance between the freezer and the corner of the island, about 3/4 inch at the counter top with the slide in. You have to lose the one drawer at the bottom and most of the wood inside there but it's all screwed and stapled so no saw required. Not going to do the inverter yet, we don't travel that long that it would lose temperature. Six hours is a big day for us. So the wife is happy and the klunker outside will be gone shortly.

Shane Wood · 05-24-2016, 12:15 AM

Congrats on your new fridge

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