Refrigerator advice

thedoolittles

Our 2way fridge in our 2018 T@B CS has died.  Any advice from the group as to 1. Should we even replace it? An 2. If so, what do you recommend? I wasn't impressed with the amount of space (or lack thereof) anyway. 

Sharon_is_SAM

Is it still under warranty?  Pretty unusual for the 2 way Norcold to have problems.

thedoolittles

No it is not under warranty.  Fridge runs,  but It won't stay cool.  I feel like the dealership we took it to was not much help either. 

Sharon_is_SAM

Well, although I highly recommend an ARB, it does require modification of the galley to install.  I would look at the Isotherms.  That is what they are using in the new 320S.  The latest CSS models are still using the Norcold.  Not sure if the Isotherm will fit.

Have you checked into an authorized Norcold repair facility?

rfuss928

thedoolittles said:

Fridge runs,  but It won't stay cool. 

???  It runs and cools but won't stay cold?
Ours runs for a few minutes (2-3) every few minutes (5-10) depending on the ambient temperature.

Sharon_is_SAM

@thedoolittles - under what conditions will it not stay cold?  High ambient temps?  If the hatch is closed?

thedoolittles

Won't stay cool means its gets warm in there and ruins our food.  I have had to throw out food on more than one occasion.  It will start to cool down but then simply quits cooling. It has done this in both very hot conditions and in cooler fall weather. I looked at the ARBs and while I agree they are very nice, I just can't justify the cost.  I could buy a new fridge for my house for that. After thinking about it,  we are going to wait for now. I will look for a Norcold repair facility. Wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion.  I was honestly not very impressed with the service at the dealership.  I don't think they tried very hard to troubleshoot it. Thank you to everyone who responded.  This is a great community. 

4ncar

Unless it is a simple repair, these units are built to be tossed. FYI. Also...if you think an ARB or similar is expensive, wait till you see what a replacement built in costs, especially if it’s a compressor 2 way!😬

thedoolittles

Good point. Thank you.

Marceline

thedoolittles said:

Won't stay cool means its gets warm in there and ruins our food.  I have had to throw out food on more than one occasion.  It will start to cool down but then simply quits cooling. It has done this in both very hot conditions and in cooler fall weather. I looked at the ARBs and while I agree they are very nice, I just can't justify the cost.  I could buy a new fridge for my house for that. After thinking about it,  we are going to wait for now. I will look for a Norcold repair facility. Wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion.  I was honestly not very impressed with the service at the dealership.  I don't think they tried very hard to troubleshoot it. Thank you to everyone who responded.  This is a great community. 

I wonder if it would be worth the effort to pull the fridge out of the trailer yourself to have a look at it. I think that Norcold offers a plug so that you can connect to a 110 power source so you could do some testing in your garage at home. There's so much DIY info on the web these days that maybe you could figure it yourself.

rcarlson1957

ICECO frigs are as good as the high end ARBs but not as expensive. They both use the same compressors. My ICECO is like a tank and can get down to zero if I want. I don't use it in my T@B. I fold up half of the rear seat in my Ridgeline and keep it there and plug it into 12v on console and when we get to site I plug in outside receptable of T@B if on shore power or use 12v extension that comes with it if boondocking. 

Denny16

The Norcold TaB 400 fridge already has a plug on its 110VAC connection.  Just unplug this and 

ontheroad

With regards to whether the isotherm would fit in the CS-S...I was told no..it was too deep which would make that bed even smaller.. that's why they stayed with the Norcold.

Poche2

Our Norcold died for our TAB 400 after 3 years. Norcold no help. Compressor died. Would run but not cool. Ended up replacing with a Truck Fridge model that fit like a glove. Only mod was to remove the handle on drawer below the fridge.

pthomas745

What fridge?  Model? Link?  Pictures of your install? 

Poche2

Truck Fridge TF65

thedoolittles

Poche2, I just saw your comments. That sounds like a great idea. The cost savings are very beneficial as well.  I'll do some measuring, but it sounds like it will work.  Did you just hardwire yours to the existing connection?

ChrisFix

The Truck Fridge TF65 appears to be the exact same unit as the Isotherm in my 2021 T@B 400.
The freezer, control knob, led light, shelves, door panel and door shelves are identical. The only thing different is the door latch/handle.

AirBoss

Not necessarily related but a flashback crossed my mind here. Dad used to have issues with the fridge in his early 60's Shasta trailer (yep...yellow, with wings). He'd pull it out of the cabinet, set it on the ground, flip it end-over-end a few times then reinstall it.

I thought he was just trying to stay out of the house for a while and found something nutty to do. Darn thing fired up again. I was pretty young at the time but from then on...dad was a Mr. Wizard! 

Sounds like the TF65 is a good option. Hope you get that resolved without breaking the bank.