www.iFourWinns.com

I'm having some issues with my norcold DE0051 fridge so I'm thinking of replacing it with an A/C only model instead of the 12/110v I have now. My inverter can run the fridge when away from shore power so I'm not worried about that aspect of a 110v only fridge. My main concern is mounting the fridge. I don't want a sloppy looking install and most dorm size fridges don't have mounting brackets. Any ideas?

_________________
Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"

I take it the fan wasn't the only issue with the fridge. With your setup going to an AC only fridge makes good sense and is a heck of a lot less expensive.

_________________

2008 Vista 278 Volvo Penta 8.1 Gi 375 hp
1999 Horizon 220 5.7 GSi

I would check the total wattage on both the 12v and the 120v models. Plus remember that your inverter is going to use 10 to 20% more of the total wattage. In other words, if the 120v uses 100W than add the inverter, 110 to 120 watts total. It would be interesting to see which would use more power. If the power needs for you are good and you can save money, DO IT!

You are going to need to add a "transfer switch" of some kind. You don't want shore power or inverter power to feed into the other. I am not sure what would happen, I think the breaker on the inverter would trip. But it could damage the inverter. They do make "auto transfer switches" or you could do a manual one but I would add some kind of safety to it so that both could NOT be on at the same time. As in a manual transfer switch that has 4-poles.

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?pat ... id=1832843

I had to replace the Norcold fridge in my previous 2003 248 Vista, and it cost me dearly, over $800 with taxes! I really don't know how they sleep at night charging what they do for a dual voltage unit. But, I have to say, i'm glad I did it, and I think you should as well. When you go to sell your boat one day, that buyer will look at a swapped in 110 volt only fridge as a big negative point, and you'll loose way more when he considers that then what your about to save now. Just my opinion, but I'd think about it.

_________________
2004 Four Winns 298 Vista
"Last Minute"

Good point. It could get too complicated for the new owner or your wife. It just depends on how you set it up!

Stupid question, what about venting?? The 120v models, you need you the vents from the bottom or top.

Hopefully I can fix this fridge, but we have a big trip coming up and if I can't fix it in time I'm looking for a cheap plan B to get us thru. The condenser fan is inop, but I have 17VDC to the fan till I plug it back in then I lose voltage. It's a 24v fan and the 17v is in spec according the norcolds trouble shooting chart.!00.00 for a dorm fridge is a cheap temperary fix but I want it to mount solidly so it doesn't bang stuff up. We have a Xantrex 1800 inverter charger that is hard wired in to the house A/C and has a built in auto switch.

_________________
Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"

Hi Ben,

Funny, the Norcold is what I put in to replace the Waeco and so far the Norcold has worked great. Venting is a big issue so if the unit is OK, that may be a place to look at. There is a place here in northern Ill that repairs Norcold, could not find anyone to try and fix the Waeco.

_________________
Jnizi

2007 Vista 338 "Better Yet"
Previously:
2007 Vista 258 " Just Right"
2005 Horizon 230

I might not have found this problem if it wasn't for the discussion we had last weekend! By Sunday my battery bank (440aH) was drained and the fridge was running constantly. 2 minutes of run time followed by 2 minutes off will run a bank down real quick! So THANKS Flyer51 for bringing the whole fan issue to my attention...only in my case it's the fan control and not the fan that's bad.

_________________
Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"

Good for you!!!

I have the same inverter, but with out the charger. Works great, just use it for the mirowave. Love the remote panel to turn it on.