I have an 18 yr old Norcold which is slowly dieing.  Anyone have any
personal experience with the Tundra refrigerators, or know of any
secondhand info?  In spite of all the satisfactory experience with household
110 VAC refrigerators posted, and despite the fact that I have plenty of
house bank capacity and a 2500 watt inverter on board, I have a problem
with depending upon the inverter not to fail, and would prefer to run
directly off 12VDC.  Interestingly, the old Norcold has worked very
dependably for many years, with a little ventilation help.

Thanks.

Dan Stone
M/V Slow Dance
Albin 43
St. Petersburg, FL

Dan Stone wrote:
Anyone have any personal experience with the Tundra refrigerators, or know
of any secondhand info?  (endsnip)

Dan,
I replaced my old Norcold with a new one about 2 years ago. Several months
ago a passenger on my boat poked a hole in the coolant line in the new
unit's freezer. ( A whole 'nother story) What I found out is the new
Norcolds, as well as most other units (U-line, etc) that use the new type
coolant use a sealed system that cannot be repaired. You just have to
replace the entire cooling system. Basically everything but the box. I was
able to do this myself at a cost of about $600.
The dealer / warranty center that I talked to about the repair said that if
I was going to replace the entire unit, they reccomended the Tundra over the
new Norcold. It has another foot or two of interior space with the same
outside dim. He seemed to think it was a better unit & he works on both
units. He also knows I wasn't going to buy either one from him as I can buy
either one wholesale, so it wasn't a sales pitch.
I personally have had very good luck with the Norcold, except for the human
inflicted problem, but if I were going to replace the entire unit, I would
probably try the Tundra next time. I think they also are about the same
price.

discalimer: I am a dealer for both units, but have never sold either. (never
tried)

Brent Hodges
M/V Friendship
43 Albin Sundeck
Quality Builders & Marine Supply

QUOTE:
What I found out is the new Norcolds, as well as most other units
(U-line, etc) that use the new type coolant use a sealed system that
cannot be repaired. You just have to replace the entire cooling system.
Basically everything but the box.
ENDQUOTE

Last year I replaced my old Norcold with a Novacool that fit in the same
opening (under counter style). Two weeks later it would run continually
and not make anything cold. I called the manufacturer (Very helpfull)
and he said any refrigeration guy could fix it. There was a leak in the
line to the compressor and the coolant was standard enough that he had
some in his truck.  I sent the bill to Novacool ($200+) and they paid it
with no questions.
We are very happy with the unit as it makes almost no noise and consumes
just 3 amps when running.

Cheers,
Gregg McKay
First Look - Tolly 37
Victoria, BC