McKenziek wrote:
Big Katuna wrote:
My 1200 failed but I went the Amish cooling unit route and did it myself with help.
Not hard and it works better than factory. About $1200 with shipping.
I agree $1200 is a bit much for labor. Maybe find a mobile guy if you can’t do it or drive it to Elkhart.
There are videos on YouTube.
The $2,500 breaks down to $1,600 parts&tax (includes new ice maker lines and fittings) and $900 labor. The shop charges $120/hr so 7.5 hours.
As far as the Amish units, has anyone wondered about if Norcold would take responsibility if a fire occurred on a non-norcold cooling unit protected by the norcold recall box??? What about insurance? Something to think about and maybe not worth a few extra $100 bucks.
Norcold pays 4.0 hours for a 1200/1210 CU under warranty. We charge 5.5 hours for non warranty. It does NOT take 7.5 hours to replace a 1200/1210 CU. When I do replace the CU, I do remove the 4 doors. Makes it easier to move the refer out of the cabinet and depending on where the refer is in the RV, you HAVE to remove the doors to get it out of the wood cabinet. Now lets work the cost.
R&R the CU $1600 Parts and MY Shop($150 per hour/5.5) $825=== $2425
R&R the refer $3500 THEN the labor to remove the window and disassemble both refers to get in and out $150 at 7 hours $1050 total $4550.
SAVING you $2125. Unless you have money to burn, (I don't) I would have no problem replacing the CU on my unit to save $2125. Now, That said, There IS a problem on older 1200 models like yours. You have to pull the refer to verify, but IF the Foam casing(insulation of the Box) has deteriorated, then replacing a CU will not work as well because the box insulation has been destroyed. THAT cannot be fixed except with a new 1200/1210. Not many have this type problem but it IS out there on some units and all you do is verify the silver exterior and the foam behind it is intact and in good repair. I always advise customers of this potential problem. I have only had one that had the bad foam. Out of perhaps 50 I have done over the past 23 years. Doug
