NorCold refrig. model 2118 burnt wires

[Dgeisser]

We have a 2021 year Montana 3120 . It has 2118 4 door refrigerator that the wiring is burnt up . The repair shop called NorCold and was told that the 2118 is obsolete and what they have available is of different dimensions. I boon-dock so I want to keep the duel power refer. Anybody have this happen or have ideas? The Shop is going to check out Dometic models. Thanks

[Daryles]

Pictures of burnt up wiring?

Some have converted their RV fridge to a 12vdc compressor fridge
Fridge conversion to 12vdc JC Refrigeration by MOC member
https://youtu.be/LHIgoWqiJ60

12vdc compressor conversion DIY
https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...ad.php?t=89853

[scottz]

Your 2118 is not repairable? The unit may be obsolete, but are parts available?

The 12V conversion is a good option; I just did this. https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...ad.php?t=89853

You are welcome to the parts that I removed (worked fine before the project), but no idea how to get them to CA. https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...ad.php?t=90276

[Dgeisser]

Thank you for the information I am going to look into JC refrigeration. If I go to the compressor route I’m wondering if I have enough Solar ? I have590 watts solar . Soon to be 400 ah lithium batteries.

[scottz]

Originally Posted by Dgeisser

Thank you for the information I am going to look into JC refrigeration. If I go to the compressor route I’m wondering if I have enough Solar ? I have590 watts solar . Soon to be 400 ah lithium batteries.

That's more than I have. Taking my rig out for the first time next week; see how it goes.

[RacerX]

All depends of course on what size DC fridge you put in. Our 10cu’ Norcold (2 door) does fine boondocking with 200ah and 500 w of solar without ever using a generator. However our friends with a 16 cu’ residential style (4 door) Norcold DC refrigerator and similar wh and watts setup need to use their generator each day due to the heavier draw.

Not familiar with the size you are replacing but larger DC refrigerators can draw a lot more energy. Which makes sense. With your larger battery bank you should be better off but may still need to supplement the solar intermittently to keep up with the draw of a larger compressor refrigerator.

[jpwhite]

Originally Posted by Dgeisser

We have a 2021 year Montana 3120 . It has 2118 4 door refrigerator that the wiring is burnt up . The repair shop called NorCold and was told that the 2118 is obsolete and what they have available is of different dimensions. I boon-dock so I want to keep the duel power refer. Anybody have this happen or have ideas? The Shop is going to check out Dometic models. Thanks

I had what sounds like the same issue. All the wiring in the back of the fridge burned. See the attached PDF file. I reported the issue to Norcold and in the end, they agreed to replace the refrigerator. Very nice. Feel free to PM me if you want more information.

Even with the new fridge, the RV repair shop is now telling me (after two months) they have to remove a window to get it out at a total cost higher than going the JC refrigeration path.

[Dgeisser]

Hi
Fortunately I have extended service contract that will pick up the cost which is extreme
$ 6000 for the fridge ( NorCold N20dc which has the same dimensions) and another $1200 to put it in . Yes through a window! I did not seek a resolution with NorCold as of yet because I figure the 1 year warranty is out. . The refrigerator is on order. The other issue is the refrigerator is dc only and I will have to boost my solar system.