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07-16-2021, 03:47 PM
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#1
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Chatsworth
Posts: 470
M.O.C. #10933
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Fridge runs almost all the time
We've got a 2017 3720 with a Norcold 2118 fridge and we run it a lot on gas. We had Mac install the ARP protection device on it at Quartzite about 3 yrs ago. The fridge seems to run excessively. It is set on #4 temperature wise. The ARP cooling fans run most of the time too. They are set on the ARP to turn on at 125 and to turn off at 115. Are others out there finding this with the 2118?
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07-16-2021, 06:12 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Winchester
Posts: 900
M.O.C. #19514
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Check to see if the fins are icing up. If they are, you need to run it on a lower setting.
__________________
2017 High Country 305RL
2015 Ford F-250 Super Duty
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07-17-2021, 06:09 AM
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#3
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Chatsworth
Posts: 470
M.O.C. #10933
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The fins are clear of ice. The fridge can be set from 1 to 9,; 9 being the coldest. The fridge is usually on the north side when parked because we have solar pointed south on the other side. I think the fridge box is just not well insulated.
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07-17-2021, 07:20 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,159
M.O.C. #1920
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We had an issue on our last issue where the center flap did not close completely. Keystone fixed it at rally in 2015. Now, our new 2021 has the same issue. Check to make sure it is closing properly every time. It may be that simple. Hope you can find it. The fix was to add a washer on the bottom left door hinge (Norcold 2118).
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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07-17-2021, 08:36 AM
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#5
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Renton
Posts: 70
M.O.C. #23813
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Mine runs about 23 1/2 hours a day.
Perfectly normal according to the dealer service department.
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07-17-2021, 09:31 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Carson City
Posts: 2,017
M.O.C. #21963
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Check also the door seals. Ours runs a lot but does cycle.
__________________
2016 3160, Legacy, Sailuns, Splendide 2100 xc vented, 1 1/2" axle lift blocks, disk brakes. 2014 Ram 3500 SRW SWB 4X4 6.7 Aisin Mega Cab, EBC slotted disks and brakes, Titan fuel tank.
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07-17-2021, 01:56 PM
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#7
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Medford
Posts: 498
M.O.C. #18546
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At least it runs! Obviously not a Dometic.
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2016 Montana High Country 310RE
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD LT CC 4x4 Duramax
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07-17-2021, 04:11 PM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Florence
Posts: 961
M.O.C. #20472
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We’re on Shore power 99% of the time so ours is in electric, we keep the setting at 5 depending on the time of year, as said.. make sure the center flap is fully engaged so it seals. Ours does run a lot but will cycle more in the evening or night. Run time is alway pending exterior and interior temps
__________________
2018 Ram 3500 MegaCab 4x4 Aisin, 4:10 Gears
Titan 50 Gal Tank, Air Lift Wireless Bags
2017 3160 RL
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07-17-2021, 05:13 PM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,159
M.O.C. #1920
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I might add, one item to make it more efficient is ARP Fridge Defender. The two fans outside help improve circulation and move hot air out. It also shuts your fridge off when it reaches unsafe temperatures (and turns it back on).
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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07-18-2021, 07:16 AM
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#10
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Chatsworth
Posts: 470
M.O.C. #10933
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Rames, we have the ARP 3.1 with the two fans. They are set on the 5 setting which has them come on at 125 deg. and off at 115 deg. They do cycle, but are on most of the time too.
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07-18-2021, 09:26 AM
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#11
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Chatsworth
Posts: 470
M.O.C. #10933
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Rames thank you!! That flap between the fridge doors did not close because it was catching on the bottom of the fridge compartment. I put a thin flat washer on to the hinge peg on the bottom of the left door and now it closes every time. I bet that has been like that since day one(august 2016). We run on propane roughly 85% of the time. Without that flap closing there was a gap open to the outside about an inch wide. Since the door is about 4 ft long, that leaves a gap of 48 square inches open to the outside. Imagine the propane wasted over 4 winters of being away in the south. To anyone with a Norcold 4 door fridge I strongly advise you to check this sealing flap for proper closure.
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07-18-2021, 12:11 PM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,159
M.O.C. #1920
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We put a 5/16” washer on our bottom peg yesterday. For those looking at theirs and seeing this, here is the repair procedure. On the left door, the hinge is hidden behind a plastic cover. Pull that cover off. There are 3 screws (5/16”, I believe). Remove them. Lift the door off. Put one 5/16” washer on the bottom hinge post. Set the door back on the hinge post. Reinstall the three screws. Check to make sure door works. If 8t does, replace plastic hinge cover. If not, add a second washer. And recheck.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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07-21-2021, 01:19 PM
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#13
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New Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Orefield
Posts: 2
M.O.C. #20821
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That happened to ours as well. Who knew it could be the center flap!
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07-21-2021, 01:44 PM
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#14
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Established Member
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Hanover
Posts: 17
M.O.C. #23042
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2118 Norcold
We've had all kinds of issues with ours- doors not being level- fixing the center flap with washer. We called Norcold so much they sent us a repair document with some of the different issues and fixes. I've attached it here.
We have been told several places that fridge is just under engineered and we believe it. Condenser isn't big enough for the size.
We are going to have JC Refrigeration put in a new dual compresser unit at rally- can't wait.
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07-21-2021, 04:22 PM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Winchester
Posts: 900
M.O.C. #19514
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Try this: turn the fridge off for a minute, then on again around 9 pm. If you turn it on at a different time of day (like in the morning), it will go through a defrost cycle in the afternoon instead of in the night.
__________________
2017 High Country 305RL
2015 Ford F-250 Super Duty
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07-21-2021, 04:55 PM
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#16
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Lodi
Posts: 221
M.O.C. #28242
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Good timing of the post.
Our 2021 fridge has 2 fans above the outside access door, both horizontal in a frame that seems to suck from the door and forces air up the wall behind the fridge, and it looks like another near the top. Not sure if this is a 2022 upgrade, as we also got the Southwire transfer switch, and from Jaboni to Victron for the single solar panel, and they added a Victron smartshunt by the battery also.
I just did the washer under the left door mod, took 3 washers for a total of .045" thickness and it doesn't drag the flapper anymore.
Our fridge has been in the low to mid 90's since we received her, and the fridge runs all the time unless I drop it to setting 5, and the lowest freezer temp has been 5 F and the fridge hovers at 40F. After 1 day rock hard ice cream was soft serve.
Would love to guarantee lower temps, but it might do better in cooler weather.
__________________
Old rig: 2005 Ram QC 1500 5.7- Rockwood 8288 4- 6v batteries
New rig: 2016 Ram 25004x4 QC LB & 3120rl legacy-solarflex 300w and 400Ah Battleborn
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07-21-2021, 10:11 PM
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#17
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Scottsdale
Posts: 70
M.O.C. #23577
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I have ta 2118 as well and added the Fridge Defender, just in case of overheat, bought it with two blowers, figuring it would be good enough, NOT!!! (in Arizona heat) Added two more blowers, one at the top and one at the bottom. So we have two taking in cooler air, then two at the top exhausting hot air. The fridge door seals are fine, as well as the middle flap. Yet when we're in the 90's or above the fridge only gets to 42-44 no matter what setting it's on. It runs all the time, doesn't matter if it's on gas or electric. Insulation is not blocking anything and the metal baffle at the top is fine. I believe it's a poorly made unit for high ambient temperatures. When we're in the 70-80's it works fine. Thinking about an Amish unit for it.
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07-22-2021, 07:01 AM
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#18
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,159
M.O.C. #1920
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I would contact Norcold first, then force them to give you a new fridge. Ours is set at 4 and we’re 36 in the fridge and 22 in the freezer. We have been in 100 degree temps (105 inside). Paul Unmack (owner of ARP) installed our Fridge Defender in Butte, Montana while traveling through. Ours did not have fans, so Allen, that must be an upgrade.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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07-22-2021, 08:36 AM
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#19
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Scottsdale
Posts: 70
M.O.C. #23577
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Fridge is way out of the warrantee period so Norcold will do nothing for us, already tried that too. But thanks for the suggestion.
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07-22-2021, 09:42 AM
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#20
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,159
M.O.C. #1920
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Many have extended warranties just for that reason. I have heard good things about JC refrigeration.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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