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Old 09-20-2022, 10:20 AM   #1
tjblocker
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Norcold 2118 upgrade

I have a 2022 Montana 3121CK with a Norcold 2118 fridge. Like so many that have this fridge, I'm finding that it has a woefully undersized cooling unit. I'm not alone; many have the same complaints.
I've found a company named JC Refrigeration from Indiana that makes cooling units for this and other problem refrigerators.

JC makes a cooling unit that has two 12 volt compressors. These are residential style units that use the same vapor compression system that's used in our homes. Only they run on 12 volt versus 120. (they also make 120 volt units)
I'd like to hear about others experience with this upgrade. If you've done this upgrade would you please tell me about it. Was there a good outcome?
Also, I'm in Quartzsite. If anyone knows of anyone in Q town that does this upgrade could you please share name and number.

Thanks
Tom
 
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Old 09-20-2022, 10:49 AM   #2
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Tom,

Sunshine 1 had an appointment to get the conversion. Not sure if it is done yet.

https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...light=sunshine
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Old 09-20-2022, 11:57 AM   #3
Daryles
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One of our members made this video. He is very pleased with the conversion.
https://youtu.be/LHIgoWqiJ60
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Old 09-20-2022, 03:15 PM   #4
rames14
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If our fridge ever failed, that is the upgrade that I would make. Two things I would do first. #1, the center flap doesn’t close on a high percentage of these units. Putting one or two 5/16” washers under the door fixes that issue. #2 is the ARP Fridge Defender with fans. JC Refrigeration also installs that unit.
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Old 09-21-2022, 01:40 PM   #5
tjblocker
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OP here. I'm a little confused.

Today I spoke with RV dealer in Quartzsite. The service rep told me that they have done several of the JC Refrigeration upgrades and have had very poor outcomes. He told me that they will not do anymore upgrades using JC Refrigeration. He claimed that the company does not support their product.
However, I've been googling the hell out of JC Refrigeration and all I can find are good reviews. Virtually no one is complaining about the vapor cycle upgrades (12v and 120 volt compression systems).

I would love to hear from anyone that's had a bad experience with JC Refrigeration. If you have had bad experiences with JC Refrigeration please tell me about your experience. Thanks in advance
Tom
On an aside, the dealer that sold me the RV claims they've never once heard of anyone having trouble with the Norcold 2118.

Please share your experiences with this company both good or bad. But particularity bad.
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Old 09-21-2022, 02:06 PM   #6
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Years ago, due to a leak, I had to replace the standard cooling unit on my Dometic. The replacement unit, manufactured by JC Refrigeration, was a direct replacement but was obviously made of thicker tubing. I did the job myself with instructions from the company. Nothing but praise for their product and their support. Ten years later it's still going strong.
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Old 09-28-2022, 09:37 PM   #7
Coronabob
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We weren’t happy with our 2118, so we went to JR refrigeration and had their unit installed. Over two years ago so it was the single compressor unit. It works great. I wish we would have waited for the dual compressor unit, but ours is fine.
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