I have a Norcold 1200 LRIM refrigerator with a bad cooling unit. Obvious leak (ammonia smell etc.) The repair shop is telling me that replacing just the cooling unit at $1200 or so is not recommended in that the ammonia has "permeated the case" of the unit and softened the plastic such that they won't guarantee the installation. Of course replacing the entire fridge is several times the cost of just the cooling unit. I have a long history with this repair company and they have always been very honest, but I've never heard or read of an instance of a failed cooling unit requiring total replacement of the refrigerator. Anybody have any experience with this?

I'm replacing a fridge today 1,208 off amazon.Pm me if you want more details

Personally I think they want to sell you a new unit instead of a lower cost cooling unit only.. But considering the other poster says he can get one for just 8 bucks more than the dealer wants............ GO FOR IT.Odds are very good you can do your own replacement, it is not that hard.

With latest progress in solar technology lot of RV owners switch to compressor refrigerators and love them. Food for thoughts.

If and when mine fails, I will pay a few extra bucks for a RR upgrade.

On 1200 refers, IF the BOX insulation has been degraded, then replacing a cooling unit is futile. The insulation will not be able to keep the box at temp and you will have wasted $2000. Unless you really want LP function, I would go with the Samsung replacement. Doug

Repair or replace fridge? | Good Sam Community

16 Replies

chilly123
Explorer
Apr 16, 2016
What the repair folks are telling you is true. What they should have explained is the ammonia will react chemically with the insulation causing the insulation to break down.
dougrainer
Nomad
Apr 16, 2016
On 1200 refers, IF the BOX insulation has been degraded, then replacing a cooling unit is futile. The insulation will not be able to keep the box at temp and you will have wasted $2000. Unless you really want LP function, I would go with the Samsung replacement. Doug
AllegroD
Nomad
Apr 16, 2016
If and when mine fails, I will pay a few extra bucks for a RR upgrade.
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Apr 16, 2016
With latest progress in solar technology lot of RV owners switch to compressor refrigerators and love them.
Food for thoughts.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Apr 16, 2016
Personally I think they want to sell you a new unit instead of a lower cost cooling unit only.. But considering the other poster says he can get one for just 8 bucks more than the dealer wants............ GO FOR IT.

Odds are very good you can do your own replacement, it is not that hard.
newman_fulltime
Explorer II
Apr 16, 2016
I'm replacing a fridge today 1,208 off amazon.Pm me if you want more details

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Repair or replace fridge?

16 Replies

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