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RonWSl's avatar
RonWSl
Explorer
Aug 07, 2013

Bit the Bullet - Ordered Amish Cooling Unit

We recently purchased a (new to us) 2006 Montego Bay 5th wheel and the Norcold 1210 cooling has been intermittent. I replaced the control board in the hopes that was the problem and then we took it out a few weeks ago and while the freezer would get into the single digits, e.g. 8 degrees, the box would hover at 42 plus or minus a few degrees, no matter the setting, no matter gas or electric. We brought it home, and I turned off the fridge. I turned it back on a few days ago and it is not cooling at all. Having read hundreds of posts on here, it's fairly obvious that the problem is the Norcold cooling unit itself. While I have not seen the dreaded yellow residue, I believe that it has a blockage which makes its operation intermittent. Based on all the posts here, I spoke with David Force at RV Cooling Unit, and ordered the new Amish build cooling unit. Fortunately, he has that model in stock and it is being shipped today or tomorrow. I already have a friend lined up for the install who did his last summer, to help. Need to get it done ASAP as we are set to leave on our first long trip - taking a month off and heading to the Black Hills, etc. Will post how the change out goes once the unit arrives. Wish me luck.
Ron S

8 Replies

  • RonWSl's avatar
    RonWSl
    Explorer
    Aug 08, 2013
    I installed additional cooling fans outside, they are running, not sure about the factory fans. Fridge is not in one of the slides. Trailer is leveled all 4 ways. Have ran the diagnostics with no error codes as well.

    Thanks
    Ron S
  • fla-gypsy's avatar
    fla-gypsy
    Explorer
    Aug 08, 2013
    louiskathy wrote:
    pictures

    Here are pictures of our install... not saying it's the same as yours but the pictures might help you anyway.

    Don't be shy about calling David Force if you have questions as you go about doing the project. He's really nice and patient and he's good at answering or returning phone calls.


    Great pics of the replacement. Thanks for sharing this. I get it too, buy a new heating element!
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Aug 07, 2013
    Are the fans running???? You did NOT mention this critical part of a 1200 series which will keep them from cooling
    Is this refer in a slide room?
    Norcold refers have a built in NO CO system that PREVENTS damaging a cooling unit from off level operation, or any parameter that could block or harm a cooling unit. Doug
  • RonWSl's avatar
    RonWSl
    Explorer
    Aug 07, 2013
    I did order the baffle as an extra. I am a bit peeved, we got this to replace a 95 Holiday Rambler Endeavor, that I spent countless hours working on the fridge to get it to work (replaced, board, eyebrow, thermister, intalled outside fans and inside fan) and it works great now. This fridge was working fine when I bought the 5th wheel. If I didn't think it would be such a job, I would have gone the residential fridgerator route, but in taking measurments, looking at my cabinet work, etc., the new cooling unit was a better option. Will take lots of pics and post the install when it comes in, hopefully next week.

    If i run into a problem, I am sure folks on here will be able to help with good advice.

    Ron S
  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    Aug 07, 2013
    Take advantage of the opportunity to insure the installation is correct. You may need to add baffles behind the refrigerator so the air flow goes through the coils rather than around them. Many RV manufacturers get this wrong.
  • louiskathy's avatar
    louiskathy
    Explorer
    Aug 07, 2013
    pictures

    Here are pictures of our install... not saying it's the same as yours but the pictures might help you anyway.

    Don't be shy about calling David Force if you have questions as you go about doing the project. He's really nice and patient and he's good at answering or returning phone calls.
  • LakeLifeTL's avatar
    LakeLifeTL
    Explorer
    Aug 07, 2013
    Good luck, and I'd love to see some pictures that document the installation in this thread. As my motorhome nears its 10th year, I worry about my refrigerator unit holding up with stationary use as a full-timer.
  • copeland343's avatar
    copeland343
    Explorer
    Aug 07, 2013
    We got one from David for our last Fifth Wheel, insulation was easy and the unit cooled better than the one from the factory. Just take your time and read the instructions. The caulking installed correctly is important.

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