Format changes are still occurring as we identify issues. We have made some font changes to improve readability and are working on restoring options that were available in the old forum version. Please comment on your findings and suggestions.

Thanks

qhumberd
Moderator

Norcold N3100 electrical

rickw51
rickw51 Member Posts: 6
in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
I have a 2020 Tab400. what are the electrical demands of the N3100 refrigerator?
2020 T@b 400 Boondox; 2011 BMW X5 Diesel; Bend, OR
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+

Comments

  • MuttonChops
    MuttonChops Member Posts: 1,934
    Assuming you are referring to the
    Norcold 3-Way 3.7 cu ft model N3104

    This model is now out-of-production.
    Older specifications 'on the web' state:


    ?  Do you have the original manuals . . . specifications should be there.

    Note:  Due to the very high current requirement running a Norcold 3-way on 12VDC
              can quickly drain a battery system.  Few folks use the 12VDC feature.
    '18 320 S,  pitched axle, 3020HE; PNW based
    TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
    TV: '25 Canyon AT4
    Adventures:  58   Nights:  405  Towing Miles 50,180
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • rickw51
    rickw51 Member Posts: 6
    The original manuals are not helpful.  Actually looked inside the unit ... there is a sticker with the information I was looking for.  Thanks for your help and I concur with your comments re: using the 12 volt source only. typically, the power lead from the car while in transit provides partial support (maybe 4 or 5 amps) and then in combination with the solar panels gets closer to balance if sunny while on the road. Net is a very slow drain on the battery.  Traveling on the road for 5 hours on a cloudy/rainy afternoon depleted the battery significantly, so we believe that the auto power source is compromised and are tackling that problem tomorrow.  Thanks for your input.

    2020 T@b 400 Boondox; 2011 BMW X5 Diesel; Bend, OR
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • ScottG
    ScottG Administrator Posts: 5,655
    rickw51 said:
    ...
    Traveling on the road for 5 hours on a cloudy/rainy afternoon depleted the battery significantly, so we believe that the auto power source is compromised and are tackling that problem tomorrow.  Thanks for your input.
    Maybe, but probably not. This is a very common problem with 3-way fridges running on 12VDC and seems to trace back to the "smart" alternators on modern vehicles. In many cases, these don't recognize the additional power demand of the fridge and fail to step up their output voltage. 
    This was a popular topic of discussion before 3-way fridges started fading away. It's not necessarily a flaw in your vehicle, but it does limit the usability of the fridge on the DC setting.
    2015 T@B Max S (320)
    2015 Nissan Frontier SV V6 4x4
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+

Categories