NORCOLD refrigerator not getting cold?

[lakeside013104]

I have a new 2014 Bighorn 3685RL with the 12 cubic foot double sided RV refrigerator (NORCOLD series 121X). The first trip out the ambient temperature was about 70 degrees F. The frig worked perfectly. Second trip out the ambient temperature was 90 degrees F and the refrigerator was packed FULL for a 12 day RV trip. The frig worked perfectly. Third trip out the ambient temperature is 80 degrees F and the frig is packed medium full for a four day trip. The freezer is working perfectly, but the frig will NOT cool below 44 – 48 degrees F. I called my dealer and he told me to relocate the sensor located on the coil fins inside the frig. The new placement of the sensor has had NO effect on the frig temperature (still remains at 44 degrees F). I have run the unit on LP and then switched over to AC for several hours with the temp setting at #9 (coldest), with no change to the inside temp. Any ideas from other Heartland or NORCOLD owners on what I can try to get this frig working properly again? Thank you.

Lakeside

[Carl_n_Susan]

I wouldn't be overly concerned about being level. Newer Dometic (and Norcold) refers operate at up to 3 degrees off level side-to-side and 6 degrees off level front-to-back (http://dutchmen.com/image/data/documents/parts/Norcold_1200_Series_Refer_Manual.pdf Page 18). If you are comfortable walking about inside, the refer will be fine. For example, 3 degrees of slope on the width of the RV translates to ~ 8" in height change from one side to the other. Something most anyone would notice.

[lakeside013104]

GoPackGo, I too have the 6 point level up system and I have gone so far as to put a 2' level on the floor in front of the fridge to confirm the unit is level. In the original posting examples I posted, the RV was level in all circumstances. I am waiting to get time to install the new sensor that NORCOLD sent me, but have not been able to do this yet. The fridge is running around 36 - 39 F and the outside ambient temp is around 64 F. So far so good. Thanks for everyone's ideas.

Lakeside

[GoPackGo]

I have a new 2014 Bighorn 3010RE with the same big fridge as you and it's in a slide-out. Used it for a solid week while picking up the rig and towing it back to my home.

The fridge had been running for only about 5 hours before I picked it up (electric). I then bought groceries including warm drinks and stocked it. I also added water to 4 full size ice cube trays and set 2 of them in each of the freezer compartments along with the frozen foods I had also added.

I started out with the setting on 9 and left it there until the liquids were cold and the first batch of ice was made. After about 2 days I started decreasing the setting. Over the course of that week I kept turning it down until finally it was at 5 when I put the unit in storage. I might add that I was towing between Cincinnati and Orlando so the outside temps were getting hotter each day. It ran on propane during the day when I was traveling and electric after I was in a campground. It took a full 2 days to make the first batch of ice but then I think it took less then a day for subsequent batches. Beer and other drinks were ice cold and the foods in the fridge were cold too. The frozen foods in the freezer were rock hard as were the ice cubes.

All in all I was really impressed with this fridge. It performed really well in my opinion. I did not have a thermometer to check temps, but I'm adding that to my list.

I understand that these type of fridges need time to get going and the longer they run the better they perform. So a longer trip is a better judge of their capability. I do intend to add some sort of fan system in the fridge just to even out the temps.

Based on my one experience, I believe there is something wrong with yours. The only question I have is how close to level is your rig when you set up at night ?

I do have the Lippert 6-point leveling system so the rig is level when I set up for night.

I hope this helps a little.

Tim B.

[Fulltimer50]

Your fridge already has two cooling fans. If they are not running look there. Your unit should be under warranty so no need to spend money or time. Take it in or call a mobile repairman and get it fixed for free, minus service fee.

[Never_2_late]

Is your unit level? I had that problem once and I took it to a service place. First question the guy asked is was it level. He explained that the cooling gasses cannot circulate when the unit is not level. I just keep the unit level and thankfully the unit has been working.

From what I understand, if the RV refrigerator is run unleveled it can cause the cooling unit boiler to overhead, block and crack. When the refrigerator is operating, water moves around the pipes and flows down the coils on the back into the main storage tank. The pipes on the back all slope down from side to side. When the RV is off-level, one direction of the coil will be flowing up-hill and the water flow will stop. When this happens there is no flow to the boiler section and the water in the boiler pipe boils dry. The rust inhibitor dries up and blocks the boiler tube. If the unit is kept running the boiler pipe will get so hot that it will crack from the gas pressure inside the coils

That is probably a bit drastic but just thought I'd pass it on.

[lakeside013104]

To Gib3633: My original post reads, "Second trip out the ambient temperature was 90 degrees F and the refrigerator was packed FULL for a 12 day RV trip. The frig worked perfectly." The temp was around 36 - 38 degrees.

Lakeside

[Gib3633]

I'm thinking Packed Full for 12 day trip in 90 degree weather would be your problem. These things are OK but aren't household fridges. They work much better half full.

[lakeside013104]

Per Old-Biscuit advice, I purchased a circulating fan for inside the fridge, and also purchased a Valterra A10-2618VP FridgeCool 12 Volt Exhaust Fan.

At this link:

http://www.amazon.com/Valterra-A10-2618VP-FridgeCool-Volt-Exhaust/dp/B002N5YDG2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1374779714&sr=8-3&keywords=fridge+fan

Lakeside

[lakeside013104]

NORCOLD sent me a new thermostart. I will install that as time alows. Fridge seems to be working better as the outside temps have dropped to below 70 F.

Lakeside

[SlickWillie]

We bought a new Rushmore in August, 2012. I had similar issues with our Norcold double with ice maker. Ended up having the cooling unit replaced under warranty. It is on #8 temp setting now, and with 90-100* weather maintains 35-38* in the fridge section.

[Old-Biscuit]

Fridge in a slideout.......are fans running in outside compartment?

Also, a circulating fan in fridge section helps.