Failed Norcold Cooling Unit

December 02, 2010, 09:05:57 pm

After quite a lot of research I have taken action to replace my failed NBorcold cooling unit. Today I ordered the Amish 1200LRIM new replacement. They are on about a 2 week back order but that is not a major problem as we have backup facilities where we are volunteering.
Here are some of factors in choosing a solution that best fits my pocketbook and appears to be an improved unit.

A brand new Norcold 4 door replacement is $4800. Out of my reach.
I have no desire to go with a residential replacement. I am not knocking the option I just don't want to loose the LP option. The price is also a but high for me.
Many companies can supply a rehab unit in the $725 range plus shipping. One problem here is that my unit is now on the recall list and has not been done. So it would have to be done later as the earliest shipping date from Norcold for the kit is now Dec 28th. I, like others also have some lingering doubts about the recall solution anyway.
A new cooling unit from Norcold that is in the 1200 series but now is a different model number is nearly $1900 plus shipping. It probably would not need the recall kit or at least I would hope not. It is a special order unit and Norcold would have to build it. No real estimate of how long. Also higher than I would like.
So we came to the conclusion that the new Amish unit with greatly improved construction at $975 plus shipping is the best option for us. It will be shipped to Coachcraft By MacDonald in Columbus who will install it for us. While I am pretty handy I just wasn't comfortable with doing it myself.
BTW Coachcraft is an impressive operation that originally worked only on Bluebirds being not to far from Ft Valley where Bluebird used to reside. Well the school bus operation is still there. We visited the Coachcraft facility several years ago just to check it out. While they can handle just about anything to do with RVs they specialize in renovations. They showed us some work in progress and a lot of photos of some really beautiful cabinetry work. Worth looking into if you need work and are in the southeast.
I appreciate all of the posts offering a lot of suggestions and info. It is a great group.

Don Seager

2004 Allure 31046

Re: Failed Norcold Cooling Unit

Reply #1 – December 03, 2010, 10:03:51 am

Yahoo Message Number: 66103

Don

What a good summary of the options. I didn't know that Norcold had a new cooling unit out there. I also do not want to give up the LP option.

Thanks

Dan 2006 Allure

Country Coach Owners Forum Country Coach Motorcoach Forum