Refrigerator

R

RDiemidio

New member
Joined
Feb 13, 2024
Messages
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C Dory Year
2024
C Dory Model
23 Venture
Hull Identification Number
NWM2360J324
Vessel Name
Willow
What brand refrigerator. Ac/dc unit or just dc? I would like to install under rear port side seat seat. I have a 23 Venture.
 
My boat came with a Norcold AC/DC refrigerator. Runs off the battery when shore power is not available. Draws about 3 amps at 12V when the compressor is running. No problems with it for 17 years.
 
I have two Dometics (one in the boat and in my rv trailer) that both have 12V and 120V inputs. I have never had any problems with them (one for 5 years and one for 2 years). I have found that the less expensive Chinese fridges never lasted more than one or two years. I have tried three different brands and all failed, so I decided to go with the one that has been around for years.
 
I have had two dometic chest type fail at 2 years (right after the warantee), but Dometic gave me a new one anyway--it also failed. I have a Norcold, chest type which is only 12 volt and it is 6 years old--not used a lot, but works fine. I had another Norcold which lasted 13 years of almost constant use. For the buil in--I have had a chest type on roller slide out treys under seats, and the front door opening type. Both seem to work equally well. I prefer the chest type. More effecient--don't loose as much cold when the door is opened.
 
I was just looking at the Norcold fridge options after Bob gave us his favorable review, and found out the company has gone bankrupt. If you find one for sale be aware that parts and support are probably not available.
 
Tom Hruby said:
I was just looking at the Norcold fridge options after Bob gave us his favorable review, and found out the company has gone bankrupt. If you find one for sale be aware that parts and support are probably not available.
Click to expand...
"While headlines sound dramatic, this is not a shutdown — it’s a corporate restructuring within the same Thetford family. The filing simply allows Norcold’s assets and ongoing operations to be transferred into another Thetford-owned company, Dave Carter & Associates (DCA), a major RV parts distributor acquired earlier this year.

In short: Norcold is not disappearing — it’s moving to a stronger home base."

"What This Means for RV Owners If you have a Norcold refrigerator in your RV or boat, the news might sound unsettling — but here's the reality: Business as usual. Parts are shipping, warranties are being honored, and service networks remain active."

"Your refrigerator isn’t going anywhere. Parts and service are still available, and for most RV owners, this filing won’t change a thing.

But if you want to stay ahead of potential model phase-outs, now’s a great time to grab spare parts while inventory is strong and keep your fridge future-proofed for the road ahead."

I would suggest that anyone use due dilligence as to the repairability of a refrigeration unit they buy. I was told to keep the defective Dometics. I had the part which went out--and had been runing it "jerry rigged", with the thermister at the bottom of the unit (instead of just outside of the inner shell, and the wires running to the circuit board. It worked fine that way. But to route the cable as it was originally configured was amost impossible. The foam had been poured after the thermister was installed. I have designed and built refrigeration units for a number of cruising boats, and have the tools, and guages etc for ref. work. I taked to a number of boat and RV repair places--they consider these chest type disposable.

I have also owned other brands such as ARB, and Whytner. Most of these small refrigerators use the same motors--there are several sizes and manufacturers.
 
That is good news, but for now all of the small rv portable type refrigerators that would fit into the smaller C-Dories are out of stock. I tried to find some on the web, and all the RV sites list them as "out of stock." Does anyone know when they might be available again?
 
original quote, "What brand refrigerator. Ac/dc unit or just dc? I would like to install under rear port side seat seat. I have a 23 Venture."

We have a 23 Venture Sport that came with a Norcold refrigerator. The frig will work on AC and DC but ours runs on DC because we did not order the shore power option. The unit has worked flawlessly for us since new and is now 8 years old. It was installed under the port side rear seat. Gary
 
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