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NorCold 20DCIMSS Refrigerator Failure

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SCuz

Member
I have a 2024 Paradigm 385FL that we purchased in October 2024 at the Hershey Show. The NorCold 20DCIMSS 12v refrigerator has stopped cooling totally. The system indicates no fault and the freezer is working fine, but there is no cooling in the refrigerator. I did a hard reset and turned by battery and shore power off for 15 minutes. I also defrosted the unit for about 4-5 hours, cycled the power on and off repeatedly and nothing same result no cold to the refrigerator. I have not actually felt any air blowing out of the vent on top inside the fridge.

I called and emailed Thetford and Alliance tfor some troubleshooting ideas/tips. Both were kind of worthless (Alliance a little better than Thetford). The frig is 8 months out of warranty and im fearing that it may need to repalce the whole frig/freezer. After experiencing the poor customer service from Thetford and seeing all the issues others have been dealing with on multiple failures of the Polar Elite N20DC Refrigerator, is there any other manufacture or brand that will fit in that buildout of my 385FL that was for the Norcold piece of junk? I found a Furrion® - 19.6 Cuft 12V Refrigerator With French Door / Ice Maker / SS Glass Doors - #2022120379...but the dept is almost28 inches compared to the Norcold being 24 inches.
 
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Fishfnatic

Well-known member
We have had trouble with our norcold n20 fridge. Replaced the main circuit board freezer condenser fan and door flapper so far. Now the cable latch is broken on one handle. I think alliance frames around what refrigerator is installed. So probably have to modify the frame unless replaced with same.
 
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SCuz

Member
Thanks, it does look like they framed around the model they been using. It sucks the norcold is such a piece of crap. It worries me if i need to blow anothe 5600 for a newer unreliable frig
 
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jagibson58

Well-known member
Regardless of why you would want an 12 volt refrig., they are not worth it. Number one they cost too much. One fellow went through four of them with Norcold, who is now closed as far as business.It seems lately more people are having problems with these 12 volt refrig.
Look into a company called Dutchaire. A 120 volt refrig for $2725. For additional $200.00 they will install the new refrig. plus trim work at their facility in Indiana. But you will need the additional wiring for the power inverter, small price to pay I think.
 
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Lantley

Prominent Member
I kind of agree with the above. I do believe 12 volt appliances are the wave of the future however the early generation models are problem plagued.
 
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SCuz

Member
jagibson58 said:
Regardless of why you would want an 12 volt refrig., they are not worth it. Number one they cost too much. One fellow went through four of them with Norcold, who is now closed as far as business.It seems lately more people are having problems with these 12 volt refrig.
Look into a company called Dutchaire. A 120 volt refrig for $2725. For additional $200.00 they will install the new refrig. plus trim work at their facility in Indiana. But you will need the additional wiring for the power inverter, small price to pay I think.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the information on the Dutchaire, looks interesting and worth a call. The only issue is that I’m in eastern pa (by the Lehigh Valley) so if they have an Amish or Dutch relative out in this area that does install work that would be great. I do need to look at the 12 volt and 120-volt pros and cons. It’s not like I live in the RV as a seasonal option. However, we just recently tried a month time period at a site since it’s a lot of work packing prepping towing and within a few days, doing the same thing again. We just drove back and forth to the site since it was a 1.25-hour trip back and forth. The roads in the PA, NJ, NY area are not forgiving at all., and neither are the idiot drivers as you get closer to Zoo York City.
 
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SCuz

Member
Not yet, I have my RV mechanic coming out on Monday to check it out without totally pulling the frig since I have a prepaid trip for the 4th of July week in upstate NY. As long as the freezer works, I will get plenty of dry ice to cover the frig for the week. When we get back from this trip he can pull it out if needed to diagnose or repair. I WILL NOT get another Norcold if it needs to be replaced. I will get the 17 Cubic foot Dutchaire in its place (since it seems it will fit in the existing cabinetry best) if I need a new unit, and by RV tech has worked with JC refrigeration in the past and he will see if they have a replacement chilling unit for my model. I am not paying $5500 for a chapter 11 piece of crap when these guys are at $2800 with shipping included
 
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SCuz

Member
Really, interesting. I prefer the 19 however I only have I believe 24 inches of depth and I thought I read that unit being over 25 in deep.
 
Oregon_Camper

Oregon_Camper

Forum Admin
Staff member
SCuz said:
I have a 2024 Paradigm 385FL that we purchased in October 2024 at the Hershey Show. The NorCold 20DCIMSS 12v refrigerator has stopped cooling totally. The system indicates no fault and the freezer is working fine, but there is no cooling in the refrigerator. I did a hard reset and turned by battery and shore power off for 15 minutes. I also defrosted the unit for about 4-5 hours, cycled the power on and off repeatedly and nothing same result no cold to the refrigerator. I have not actually felt any air blowing out of the vent on top inside the fridge.
Click to expand...
Did you check the fuse at the bottom of the frig? There are two there..one for frig and one for freezer.
 
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jagibson58

Well-known member
Also, check battery voltage and there is suppose to be a fuse either on line to the power supply or where it connects. Disconnect frig. from power for 10 minutes, then reconnect.
bestgearreviews.org

Norcold 12 Volt Refrigerator Troubleshooting: Quick Fix Guide

Norcold 12 Volt Refrigerator TroubleshootingWhen your Norcold 12 volt refrigerator stops working properly, it can quickly turn a relaxing RV trip or camping adv
bestgearreviews.org bestgearreviews.org
 
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jagibson58

Well-known member
I have been communicating with Aaron at Adventure RV, ie Dutchaire. He says their units are a lot more reliable. Comes with a 2 year warranty and an optional 2 more years. They will install a 12 volt refrig. at their facility for $200.00 if needed. Includes trim work. Or you can have it installed, free shipping. They also have all electric versions but additional wiring and an inverter would be necessary.
I follow up soon with warranty work if needed soon.
 
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jagibson58

Well-known member
This is Aaron’s response should a repair be needed:
So if something would happen to the fridge we would send you new parts for free and walk you through on the phone on how to replace it . They are built very modular an easy to work on . If you do need to hire a tech you would need to pay for the tech . We provide a new fridge if needed or parts shipped to your door for free if needed.
 
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SCuz

Member
jagibson58 said:
This is Aaron’s response should a repair be needed:
So if something would happen to the fridge we would send you new parts for free and walk you through on the phone on how to replace it . They are built very modular an easy to work on . If you do need to hire a tech you would need to pay for the tech . We provide a new fridge if needed or parts shipped to your door for free if needed.
Click to expand...

My RV tech came out yesterday and he works with JC Refrigeration a lot and he is going to have to pull out the norcold to get to the back of it. I am waiting until 7//7/26 since we have a pre-paid trip and it’s too late to cancel. Just going to bring about 120lbs of dry ice blocks and pellets for this trip. anyway, my tech said unfortunately Dutchaire does not make a replacement cold unit for this Norcold model if I need a new compressor. If I do, I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER NORCOLD and get the dutchaire. Hopefully, it’s a board or a thermistor or something that is an easy part. We will see!!!
 
Oregon_Camper

Oregon_Camper

Forum Admin
Staff member
SCuz said:
My RV tech came out yesterday and he works with JC Refrigeration a lot and he is going to have to pull out the norcold to get to the back of it. I am waiting until 7//7/26 since we have a pre-paid trip and it’s too late to cancel. Just going to bring about 120lbs of dry ice blocks and pellets for this trip. anyway, my tech said unfortunately Dutchaire does not make a replacement cold unit for this Norcold model if I need a new compressor. If I do, I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER NORCOLD and get the dutchaire. Hopefully, it’s a board or a thermistor or something that is an easy part. We will see!!!
Click to expand...
While the tech has the frig out...do yourself a HUGE favor and remove the pressboard they used to secure frig in the opening and replace with a strip of solid wood. This will allow the screws to be tighten into real wood and be secure. See image for how we did it with oak trim.

1782237719896.png
 
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