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Old 09-11-2015, 02:55 PM   #1
WaltandLynne
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So... What Should it Cost Me?

The Norcold 1210 (4 doors) in our rig will not cool on either AC or LP. Worked great all summer but now nothing. It was repaired as part of a sensor recall about 3 or 4 years ago. The AC is OK as well as the burner works and the coils in the back get hot. A dealer I asked about the refer said it needed a new cooling unit for about $2000 and a new refer was about $4700. Do those costs sound reasonable? If not, how much should I expect to pay for a new cooling unit?

Thanks for the help.

Walt
 
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Old 09-11-2015, 02:58 PM   #2
WaltBennett
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Google Norcold 1210 and you'll get a good idea of the price of a new one.
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Old 09-11-2015, 03:35 PM   #3
1retired06
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From a dealer for a new cooling unit, 1200-1300 plus deinstallation/installation labor is our experience. You can find rebuilt ones in the 700-800 range but I would not recommend. Someone will probably post a source at a cheaper price.
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Old 09-11-2015, 04:04 PM   #4
lawrenceb42106
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Had the same thing happen on our 2016 4 door dometic. Turned off for 2 days turned back on everything work as it should. Dealer said they were having problems with the defrost?????
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Old 09-11-2015, 04:06 PM   #5
rohrmann
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Our recent cooling unit replacement for our 1210 in July will hopefully hold for a while. The cooling units, Norcold brand, run about $1600 now. The labor from a mobile RV repair company was $600, possibly this would be lower if you had your rig at a dealer repair facility. And yes, $4500 to almost $5000 is about right for these fridges, but is still awful expensive compared to a residential unit.
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Old 09-12-2015, 04:33 AM   #6
richfaa
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Take a look at these guys http://rvcoolingunit.com/ they are in Shipshewana, Ind and they are very good...This is a good time to be under manufacturers warranty or have a Extended service contract. It cost us 500.00 out of pocket to replace our Norcold cooling unit in our 13 3402 Big Sky last winter in Florida.
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Old 09-12-2015, 07:12 AM   #7
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I hope ours keeps working forever but some have went to inverter and residental. Wondering what the cost is to make the witch and where to go for the install. Have u thought of residental?
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Old 09-15-2015, 09:39 AM   #8
uhftx
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Hi Walt,

It is not all that uncommon of a problem with RV refer's.

There are two or actually 3 methods to try before you abandon what you have.

The first and foremost is make sure you have not been smelling amonia. If so you have / or had a leak in your system and nothing below will help you until you find the leak fixit and recharge the system.

Some of these methods might sound strange but if you search youtube videos and a general google search.

I did a quick search and just found this one.
http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide...frigerator.php

The amonia can crystalize on the interior of the capailary tubes. Sometimes A few wacks on the cooling tubing with a wooden mallet or a block of wood can dislodge a blockage.
It worked on a friends unit about 3 years ago and as far as I know it is still working.

The other method is a real pain in the rear to do. But it involves removing the fridge your self (with the help of friends). It is easier to do on a small pickup slide in camper fridge.

Wait 15 mins between each rotation below.

1. remove the fridge and set down on cardboard or outside.
2. rotate the whole unit so it is sitting on the right side.
3. rotate the whole unit so it is sitting on the top side.
4. rotate the unit again so the left side is on the bottom.
5. stand it upright and reinstall.
Sounds like hocus pocus but I've done it before and it has worked.

Last but not least. Pay a service fee and have it professionally checked out before you just order a new one.

Like others have said. The price is stupidly expensive for what it is designed to do by comparision of a household unit.

It depends on what type of camping you do and if you even need a propane option.

Sorry I could not be of more help
Best of luck in your decision.



Quote:
quote:Originally posted by WaltandLynne

The Norcold 1210 (4 doors) in our rig will not cool on either AC or LP. Worked great all summer but now nothing. It was repaired as part of a sensor recall about 3 or 4 years ago. The AC is OK as well as the burner works and the coils in the back get hot. A dealer I asked about the refer said it needed a new cooling unit for about $2000 and a new refer was about $4700. Do those costs sound reasonable? If not, how much should I expect to pay for a new cooling unit?

Thanks for the help.

Walt

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Old 09-15-2015, 12:18 PM   #9
rohrmann
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Unfortunately, these units can not be recharged, only replaced. The systems include more than ammonia, which is highly flammable, and very toxic. The systems have water, liquid ammonia, hydrogen gas and sodium chromate. This past July, when we had to have our cooling unit replaced again, the second time this year, it was because it was leaking, but the sodium chromate, which is there to plug leaks, had worked, just long enough for the techs to remove the fridge to the living room floor, when it started leaking again. It took about 1 1/2 hours to empty the system and clear the vapors from the Montana.
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Old 09-15-2015, 05:48 PM   #10
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Some folks have gone to a residential style and solar panels with much success.
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Old 09-16-2015, 07:55 AM   #11
mainer
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The prices sound right. Last year in Oregon we had to have a new cooling unit put in, total cost was about $2000.00.

Luckily we have a service contract and only had to pay our deductible of $250.00...
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