Forum Discussion

SGTJOE's avatar
SGTJOE
Explorer II
Jul 30, 2019

Replacement Fridge or New Cooling Unit

I have a 2001 National Tradewinds and my dometic fridge has just had it's 2nd cooling unit quit. 6 Years ago I paid $1200.00 to have it changed out, now I'm being told that it will cost me a little over $3,000.00. So my question to you all is do I do it or do I have a residential fridge installed instead.
Now if I do a residential fridge has anyone on here done that and what was the cost? My fridge is a Dometic NDR 1292, it's a side-by-side. For those who have switched over, can you tell me the cost and where a good place that has the experience to get it done. I live in Southern Utah.
Class A
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jul 30, 2019
    My new Norcold is an absolute pile of junk and I'll probably be installing an Amish cooling unit or a compressor conversion kit from JC Cooling in it eventually.
    If your going to stay with an absorbtion type fridge, you'd be much better off getting a good cooling unit for your existing fridge rather than a whole new fridge.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Jul 30, 2019
    Hi,

    I believe Dometic makes a compressor cooling unit now for retrofitting. That is likely what I'll do when the day comes.
  • Branson_N_Tucso's avatar
    Branson_N_Tucso
    Explorer II
    Jul 30, 2019
    I replaced my Norcold a year ago. I have a 2003 Fleetwood Providence. I got a residential Samsung 2 door, 2 draw freezer at Lowe's for $800.00.
    It had a scratch on the side. Lucky the Unit fit thru my side window with no problem. It also fit were the Norfolk was. Had to loose a small draw. Had it put in when in Yuma. They charge me $890.00 to install.
    DW loves it, and I love my ice cream.
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Jul 30, 2019
    theres a couple places in Indiana that rebuild units MUCH CHEAPER than 3k.but I can,t find there number, somebody will chime in with the info.
  • grumpy3b's avatar
    grumpy3b
    Explorer
    Jul 30, 2019
    still nursing mine along. Once the solar and batteries are upgraded I'm going with anything that has a high efficiency compressor. Will have over 5kWh battery power so one of the new high efficiency options won't really cost anything to run. I'm out west so sun is rarely an issue for more than a day or two likely enough battery power to cover around 4-6 days of marginal or no sun w/o needing the generator.

    If i can fit a residential into the kitchen I will otherwise I'll go with the Amish high efficiency compressor upgrades. Watched a video and as long as you can, DIY retrofit is nit too fiddly.
  • allbrandauto's avatar
    allbrandauto
    Explorer
    Jul 30, 2019
    we used a Samsung rf18 fridge size about the same as yours fit thru my door. installed my self not hard bought a inverter to. works great spent about 1500 for everything.if your going to have someone install it add another 1000-1500 to do it.best thing I ever did to my motorhome
  • Big_Katuna's avatar
    Big_Katuna
    Explorer II
    Jul 30, 2019
    I replaced my Norcolds cooling unit a few years back and would go that route again.

    Amish made unit works better than OEM

    They have a compressor based version now.

    Mine is a four door and a window would have to be removed which I was loathe to do.

About Motorhome Group

38,706 PostsLatest Activity: Feb 03, 2025