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Topic: DC Refrigerator Norcold N8DC Evaluation (Read 190 times) previous topic - next topic
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DC Refrigerator Norcold N8DC Evaluation
I deleted my previous post on this as I now have a lot more data with 25 days of consistent meter readings. Bottom line is I really like this thing. Much larger inside and no issue with out of level status.

Energy Use: I took the readings every morning at the same time. The average 24 hour watt hour usage over 25 days is 577.8. So it's consuming about half the energy stored in a 100 ah lithium battery. I'm pleased with this as I expected it to be less efficient.

Venting to Interior: I closed off both vents completely (roof and sidewall) and added 1" of insulation to the outside wall. The only fan on the frig is a small one that blows directly onto the compressor. The compressor never gets hot, just a little warm. The air blowing into the rig is negligible. Didn't notice it in hot weather nor cold weather with temps ranging from high 80s to high 20s.

Temperature: On the middle setting the frig compartment stays well below 40. The freezer on the coldest setting varies from negative 5 to positive 5. Everything stays frozen and the ice cream is just right!

Insulation: As I said, I added 1" to the outside wall but left the other two sides and top alone. I really can't see what the point would be in further insulation as for all practical purposes the unit is inside the coach.

Noise: The Norcold makes an endearing bubbling noise. Not loud but noticeable.

Fit: The floor mounting plate just makes it front to back. The sides, top and bottom have plenty of room.

Price: Looks like the best price is at Camping World of all places @ $1339 if you pick it up at the store. I paid a couple hundred more so I could buy local.

Installation: Easily fits in the side window. No need to remove the window.

Anyhow, it will be interesting to compare this Norcold with competing products. Hope a few of you guys go DC!!!
jor

09 27' MB
10  Suby Forester
Re: DC Refrigerator Norcold N8DC Evaluation
Reply #1 –
45-amp hours a day is not bad for the wintertime, it will be interesting to see what the number is next August.
On the positive side, the available solar power is much greater in the summer, as long as you park in the sun.
Our compressor ice chest's power requirements double or more in the summer.

With your large solar array and battery, it should be good for a few days in the shade. If generator time is needed, you will probably be surprised how much quicker the lithium battery charges when compared to the old AGMs.

We were gone for two weeks over the Thanksgiving holiday, camped in partial shade that didn't provide enough solar to keep the battery up, two 45-minute generator sessions brought the battery back up, enough to eliminate this month's generator maintenance run time.  Unlike AGMs or lead-acid batteries, our LD's  70-amp converter charged the lithium battery the whole time at between 58-65 amps until the battery was almost fully charged. whose charge levels drop greatly as the battery fills.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
 
Re: DC Refrigerator Norcold N8DC Evaluation
Reply #2 –
Thank you for the detailed report jor!

Would love to do the replacement, as I still have plenty of solar/battery capacity.
Dave

2017 TK