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AMISH COOLING UNIT -ANYTHING NEGATIVE?

Yahoo Message Number: 89117
Because of the Norcold recalls and problems we are looking at replacing the cooling unit with the Amish Cooling Unit. I called one repair place and they didn't recommend it - said to many problems. That is the first negative I have heard on the unit. Has anyone had problems with the Amish Cooling Unit after installation?

Clint Frederick
2004 Inspire #51038

Re: AMISH COOLING UNIT -ANYTHING NEGATIVE?

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89119
We had our Norcold equipment replaced with the Amish unit in April by Chris Snyder in Tucson. While we have only used the coach for a couple of weeks since then, there have been no problems. Chris took out one of the two fans on the new unit since one is adequate and using two fans creates too much noise.
We were stunned to see how much of the old Norcold system was totally black due to the temperatures created. Like many others, we were fortunate not to have had a burned down Country Coach. Don't wait too long!

Ricardo

04 Intrigue #11830

Re: AMISH COOLING UNIT -ANYTHING NEGATIVE?

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89120
I had the Amish Cooling Unit installed 6 months ago. I would also replace the thermostat and add a 3rd 12V fan that you can turn on/off manually. In real hot weather (95+), the 2 fans are not enough with temp set at 6. Other then that, no problems.

(a little different than bradleybaja below)

Michael T.

05 Inspire 51381

Re: AMISH COOLING UNIT -ANYTHING NEGATIVE?

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89124
X's 2 on adding the extra fan, that you can control. Short answer is we are very pleased with the Amish Cooling Unit.
We swapped ours over about two years ago. Much better built cooling unit, and it does a much better job of cooling. We had one problem, self inflicted, about two months ago. The gent that added our extra cooling fan installed it directly above the heat flue (rookie mistake), as that get's very hot and the fan body (a very quiet high air flow computer fan) started to melt. The tech at our new shop (Temecula Valley RV - Thanks Affinity Bob for the referral to this good shop!) also made a few other adjustments to tidy up the install.
We also retained out SS-30 Fire Extinguisher within the fridge cavity as well as a separate smoke detector. We had placed these in their after the first Norcold Mickey Mouse recall looked so, well, MICKEY MOUSE! Figured we had them so retained them.
As we wanted to retain the option of LP for Boondocking, we're very pleased with the Amish Cooling Unit. David Force has helped many people with questions, including myself.

Best of luck on your decision,
Smitty
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: AMISH COOLING UNIT -ANYTHING NEGATIVE?

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89125
We also replaced the Norcold cooling unit with the Amish unit & are happy with the results.,The Amish unit also has a longer warranty than Norcolds.

Harvey 2005 Intrigue 11885.

Re: AMISH COOLING UNIT -ANYTHING NEGATIVE?

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89126
Hi Clint, we put in a Amish cooling unit over a year ago and it works better than when it was new. I don't know where you are but we had National RV in Shipshewana In. do the work and was very pleased with both the price and quality of work done. He is Amish and was very professional. you can call me at 260-414-5107 if you want more info. Dave 1994 Magna #5158



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From: Clint

To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, July 1, 2013 12:03 PM Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] AMISH COOLING UNIT -ANYTHING NEGATIVE?

Because of the Norcold recalls and problems we are looking at replacing the cooling unit with the Amish Cooling Unit. I called one repair place and they didn't recommend it - said to many problems. That is the first negative I have heard on the unit. Has anyone had problems with the Amish Cooling Unit after installation?

Clint Frederick
2004 Inspire #51038

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Re: AMISH COOLING UNIT -ANYTHING NEGATIVE?

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89131
Ditto to Smitty's comments on the Amish unit. Very pleased with the results and we are very pleased with the cooling capacity/efficiency. No regrets and the install was very straightforward with Chris Snyder and crew accomplishing the task. Would have attempted myself, however removing/replacing the Norcold requires a strong back, which I don't have anymore.

Roger Harper
2006 Intrigue
#11990

Re: AMISH COOLING UNIT -ANYTHING NEGATIVE?

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89133
I had one installed in March, with new sensors and a relay package to control cycling. Got new fans and a deflection shield that directs the air out the vent. Chris Snyder installed it for me took us about 4 hours. The freezer has now dropped to below 7 degrees and the refer to below freezing if I am not careful. I have not used the unit with above 100 degree out door temps yet, but will soon.
TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731

Re: AMISH COOLING UNIT -ANYTHING NEGATIVE?

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89139
Thanks for all the response - ordered the unit and plan to have it installed somewhere in the Phoenix area -

Re: AMISH COOLING UNIT -ANYTHING NEGATIVE?

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89157
Clint - The replacement of a Norcold OEM cooling unit with the JC Refrigeration unit requires a delicate and sensible approach. Certain aspects of it are tricky. That said, I can't imagine a negative recommendation implying anything more than a lack of skill/experience on the part of the installer. I've done two installs myself. Certainly not qualifying me as an expert or pro but making me a tad smarter than the average bear.

My experiences are chronicled here: http://www.muniac.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=68#Post68 A short blurb on what went down. I've been very critical of the Norcold junk but also believe GACUs are a safe and viable refrigeration option.
As I've said many times, the Amish have used these for decades with Kerosene as the heat source. It's a damn shame that Norcold's irresponsibility has given GACUs such a bad name. They (Norcold) are the Hell's Angels of RV refrigeration. Like so many things, who you get designing, building and installing your products has a HUGE influence on reliability, price, performance and quality. Shop wisely and draw conclusions from facts, not emotionalism. Good luck and safe travels.

Best - Scott

2006 Allure 430 40' #31349

(Bus-Stead Lemon) My Allure Page http://www.muniac.com/Allure%20Page.html

Re: AMISH COOLING UNIT -ANYTHING NEGATIVE?

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89160
One more comment regarding the upgrade to the Amish unit. You may recall that Chris Snyder in Tucson upgraded my unit in January and did not install fan #2 since he was advised by the Amish guy that it was not needed and made excess noise. Several on this forum have stated that even 2 fans are not adequate in hot temperatures, and that a fan #3 was sometimes needed.
I called Chris Snyder at CC in JC today and ran all of this by him. Chris has not heard any "real-life" comments from users that found the single or double fans were not adequate. Therefore, he could not advise me of what to do.
He did say that he is happy to be back at CC and hopes to see all of us at some time, hopefully sooner rather than later.

Ricardo

04 Intrigue #11830

Re: AMISH COOLING UNIT -ANYTHING NEGATIVE?

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89164
My CU has two fans. Hasn't been a problem with noise. Cooling is a good thing. The JC Refrigeration CU also has an additional set of cooling coils. It all helps.

Best - Scott

2006 Allure 430 40' #31349

(Bus-Stead Lemon) My Allure Page http://www.muniac.com/Allure%20Page.html

Re: AMISH COOLING UNIT -ANYTHING NEGATIVE?

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89182
Clint, let me echo Scott on this topic, with additional info, for what it's worth.
I went to the wrong installer last September when I converted from Norcold to Pines ("Amish"). I played hell getting satisfaction from the installer, and ended up having to yank the fridge TWICE after the original install. They were clueless, and reluctant to admit it.
Long story short, after multiple, unnecessary operations, the Pines unit developed a gas leak. This time, I drove to Shipshewana and had it replaced by the manufacturer.
The job took 3 hours and was at no charge to me. ("JR" also installed a hardwired twin circulation fan adjacent to the cooling fins - $15.)
We discussed the leak, and "JR" (at JC Refrigeration) made no attempt to pin it on the incompetent installer. He said "The cooling unit is made by human beings" ... 'nuff said.
Technically, this is a negative. However, it doesn't cause second thoughts about my choice to convert, primarily since we do a fair amount of dry camping. I wish I had gone to Shipshewana originally.
Bottom line recommendation: find an installer WHO HAS DONE THIS CONVERSION ALREADY and will provide references. Inspect the unit to insure it fared well in shipping. Don't hesitate to call David Force with any questions. Go to Shipshewana, if feasible.

Jay

05 Inspire 51457

Re: AMISH COOLING UNIT -ANYTHING NEGATIVE?

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89216
Jay - 3/8" heater pockets are welded to the boiler tubing in two places. As we know, this area heats and cools cyclically. The metal thus expands and contracts which can cause problems as in cracks which leak. I had a second melt down (20 months) which wasn't serious. As I have chronicled, Pines RV Refrigeration stands behind their products and any issues. I had absolutely no hassles getting a brand new replacement CU. In my book service is everything. Something sorely lacking in the RV industry. Pines is an example of where others need to head. It isn't the problem it's how it's handled.
My suggestion with installing the heater pockets is not to weld them in place. I think this is a bad choice. SS banding would be a better option by allowing intimate contact between heater pockets and the boiler whilst allowing some slip between the parts. A proper silicon-bronze welding process might also work too. More thinking/testing needs to be done here.
In my second repair I explored using a different insulation technique with the cold pack which so far is working fine. This helps make the repair a little bit easier. As previously mentioned, it's a tricky repair that requires care and finesse. Experience and a positive attitude also help. Shops that brow beat their hourly employees with regimented labor guides probably aren't the place to have this work done. A neophyte worker(s) should be avoided at all costs.
The operation, care, design and service of GACUs is evolving. Much more knowledge is out there now but more is required. These things take time, patience and persistence. At some point builders, service shops and end users need to partner in productive ways. Superficial work ethics, greed and screwing customers isn't the pathway we need to be on. Transparency, open knowledge, cooperation and a bit of sharing will go a long way. And for businesses it likely will be the most profitable avenue. Today's customers are also tomorrow's customers. This isn't rocket science either.

Best - Scott

2006 Allure 430 40' #31349

(Bus-Stead Lemon) My Allure Page http://www.muniac.com/Allure%20Page.html

Re: AMISH COOLING UNIT -ANYTHING NEGATIVE?

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 89245
Thanks for all the input - the parts are being shipped - in the meantime looking for a place to install it in the Phoenix area - at the present time leaning towards Dillon RV in Mesa or Apache Junction AZ.; will take these comments and notes with me for the installation where-ever I take it - they are a big help and great advice.

Clint Frederick
2004 Inspire #51038