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Topic: Three weeks with a Norcold Polar N8DC 12 volt compressor refrigerator (Read 376 times) previous topic - next topic
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Three weeks with a Norcold Polar N8DC 12 volt compressor refrigerator

This year the Great Pumpkin brought a Norcold Polar N8DC 12 volt compressor refrigerator.  After three weeks I'm happy with it.  Outside it's slightly smaller than the Dometic RM2662 it replaced, but inside it's huge.  The data plate inside the refrigerator says the net volume is 230 liters and the freezer volume is 72 liters.  So far it's only seen temperate weather.  It cools down much faster than the RM2662 and keeps the temperatures fairly stable.  The refrigerator and freezer temperatures can be set separately.

When the compressor starts it makes something between a click and a musical tone.  When running there's a hum, a gurgling sound, or both.  It's quiet, and doesn't disturb my sleep.  There's a night mode, but the manual doesn't say what it does, other than limit the power consumption to 69 watts.  With my iPhone right next to the running refrigerator I measured about 26 dBA using the NIOSH sound level meter app.

The installers removed the old refrigerator and brought in the new one through the large window just behind the driver's seat.  They removed the rearmost vertical valance, though I'm not sure this was required.

The refrigerator's doors are beautiful brushed stainless steel.  I don't think they're suitable for RV use.  They're a fingerprint magnet, and look very easy to scratch.  The freezer door already has two small dents, probably from the installation process.

I asked the installers to install an energy meter dedicated to the refrigerator.  The refrigerator is averaging about 490 watt hours per 24-hour period.  Again, this is in temperate weather.

The refrigerant is 45 grams of R600a (isobutane).

Small print on a sticker on the compressor says Zhejiang Maidi Refrigeration Technology Co., LTD.

The 18 year old RM2662 was still going strong when it was replaced.  It was actually manufactured by Electrolux in Sweden.

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Re: Three weeks with a Norcold Polar N8DC 12 volt compressor refrigerator
Reply #1 –
Nice, a drop-in compressor refrigerator. It will be interesting to see what its power requirements are in the summer.
 "Made in America by an American-owned company" Even better
Compressor refrigerators are the way of the future, as long as your roof has the needed space for solar panels.
Keep us posted on its warmer weather performance.

We have a 40-qt compressor ice chest in our LD that has run almost continuously for the last year on solar power alone.

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: Three weeks with a Norcold Polar N8DC 12 volt compressor refrigerator
Reply #2 –
Norcold indicates that their Polar N10DC fits in where the old absorption 8CU was.  N10DC 10-cu. ft., Stainless Doors, Black Trim 59-7/8 x 23-1⁄2 x 24?  Looks like a fit?

  Karen~Liam
     98 ~ MB
       NinA
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: Three weeks with a Norcold Polar N8DC 12 volt compressor refrigerator
Reply #3 –
Our fridge died 2 years ago and we have been looking at this as a replacement.  It should fit our needs.
1997 TK
 
Re: Three weeks with a Norcold Polar N8DC 12 volt compressor refrigerator
Reply #4 –
If space had been available, I would have considered a Dometic DMC4101, which has auto-defrost.  But it's too high for my LD.

(Even better would have been the Dometic DMC4081, which was listed as "coming soon" before disapearing entirely from their web site.)