A Few Thoughts on the Norcold 1200 series Refrigerator

Some people may be unaware that the Nocold 1200 series RV refrigerator has had a active recall for the better part of a decade due to failure and fires. I was called out on an emergency for a cooling unit failure. I was surprised to find that the tubing cracked and ruptured very close to the burner. Luckily, the unit was running on 120vac so there was no flame or fire. I do like Norcold units in general, and I do feel that making them responsible for a unit well over 15 years old seems ridiculous. But I do know the aftermath, and as such, recommend replacing the cooling unit on any unit over ten years old even if it's working. I am not convinced that the recall module is a good defense for all failures and fires. Thanks!

[@philw7174]

Sure thank you for your advice on replacing a Norcold 1200 unit over 10 years old. I agree with you. Gotta say, I have not found anything negative to say about any of the advice you have shared in any of your videos. Thank you. Happy trails!

[@AZExpert]

That's very kind Phil

[@dennislovin2728]

Thanks for the very timely information for us and our family. Our relatives are camping on the Oregon Coast, and their refrigerator unit just completely shut down. It's a Norcold 1200 unit in a 2003 Monaco Knight, and Norcold customer service confirmed this particular unit has the heat sensor in it. A technician at the place where they purchased the unit said to use a magnet over the sensor to reset it. They decided that's a really bad idea. Based on your video, particularly the shot of the aftermath of the fire, they decided not to do anything with the fridge, but take it to a shop where they bought it and have it fixed or replaced. Your expertise, candor, and balanced review may have saved their lives. Thank you!

[@AZExpert]

You made the right decision, even if it will be a pain for the repair. Resetting the module is not something anyone should be telling you to do, while getting wet will cause this problem too, it's also possible the module tripped as a safety. I would highly recommend if the original 2003 cooling unit is still installed to have it replaced at least, the new ones are made better too.

[@tomruggenberg5812]

I had the same issue with my norcold 1200 and I elected to purchase the JC refrigeration AC conversion unit which was like 200 dollars less than the norcold unit. Its been working perfect now for 18 months with much lower settings to get the same level of cold. I did have to run inverter power from a nearby outlet because the stock outlet isn't wired into the inverter. The conversion was easy and all plug n play. Norcold units don't work very efficient so I recommend this JC conversion to anyone replacing their cooler unit.

[@AZExpert]

Yeah, I rip everyone out if it were up to me. Furrion has an all electric RV frig that might be the best of both worlds. time will tell.

[@thunderbirdwomanjewelry1083]

Our Norcold 1201 caught on fire yesterday. We had just come back from a trip and luckily was outside when we saw the flames! It’s at our local rv shop in hopes we can have it replaced. My question is why doesn’t Norcold do a better job in letting people about recalls as crucial as this one?

[@AZExpert]

It costs them money

[@lonesomedovefree1429]

I changed my 1200 out in our 2005 Adventurer last year to a residential(Samsung RF18). 1200 was working fine but we sleep much more relaxed now. I still have the 1200 in my garage and is free to anyone that may want it.

[@AZExpert]

It's a difficult decision for sure. Just getting the old refrigerator out and a residencial one in is a large task in most RV's. I can't help but think is a design flaw in the 1200 as I still see 30 year old non-1200 units running fine. In fact I was at a park last week helping a owner with a water heater and a neighbor approached me asking about yellow "stuff" coming out of his refrigerator. This was a brand new 1 week old Grand Design 5th wheel with a Norcold and it was under warranty. I told him to stop running it immediately and contact the factories, as I do not perform warranty work.

[@lonesomedovefree1429]

Actually the decision wasn't all that difficult. In our coach the fit was very good. Width was almost exactly the same and I only had to reduce the floor pedestal by 7 inches which was super easy. I removed the outside stereo(never used it) and that gave me good access to the converter and new inverter in the space remaining below the new fridge. There is only 1 pound difference in the two units so no loading considerations at all. The Samsung uses VERY little power(avg. 100 watts) and gives us 50% more storage capacity. My wife loves the bottom freezer drawer. And I like not having that propane fire potential in my coach. Cost wise, I can buy 3 or 4 Samsungs for the cost of 1 Norcold.

[@AZExpert]

@@lonesomedovefree1429 Everything you said is correct, there is no comparison between performance and cost between the RV and residencial refrigerator. People are always surprised when I tell them a new unit is $4000. I would also go your route, but it can still be nerve racking for people that stay off grid more to have a 120vac frig only. Thanks!

[@smacdiesel]

I had the Norcold 1200 in my Winnebago. Loved the versatility of the design, but I always feared a fire. I would do fire drills and constantly worry. Have a residential unit now in a Country Coach Magna.

[@AZExpert]

It's very frustrating how those have a tendency to blow up and barely cool in Arizona summers on top of that.

[@23thebull]

Good for you 👍 be safe never let your guard down

[@Richard.Hybels]

I’m shocked that there has not been a class action lawsuit. Or has there been one? Mine is now throwing “no co “ and “hi ac” so I’m looking at a new board. I know there was some work do by the previous owner so I need to look at the record today.

[@AZExpert]

No law suit that I know of

[@mooreadventures]

I have a Norcold 1200 that has already had the unit replace with one from JC Refrigeration and I've had problems with cooling. I bought the 2003 Bounder used and I do not know when it was replaced. When I bought it, I diagnosed the control board had failed, so I replaced it. It worked but I still have problems keeping the unit cold enough - strangely, I can test it at home on 120V & Gas and it works "empty" for a few days... but then fill it and it cannot keep cold, even if the items placed in it are cold. I have even pulled the thermistor so it would run 100% - still have issues. What are your thoughts in the HAVC replacements from JC Refrigeration? That is a far less expensive option to complete replacement (I really don't want to demo/remodel to get a residential for part-time camping).

[@salvatorecandeloro3937]

I have a 2004 Southwind. At the 8th year, the cooling unit went. I found a used 1200 that was 6 years old for $250. The seller said, "you know why I am selling it so cheap. It will fail." Two years to the day that cooling unit went. I replaced it with the Amish company one that is redesigned with heavier/thicker metal tubing. My RV mechanic said there is no better one on the market. Four years later still running perfectly. As for Norcold, I called them when the unit cracked and leaked. They flatly and disrespectfully said, "they have no responsibility for an 8 year old unit." The employee offered no advice or solutions. No customer service. Although, there is no obligation for Norcold to assist in anyway, they are negligent in there lack of response to consumer safety, when they know the units are a fire hazard. Yes, they improved the unit, but time will tell if the fire condition has been corrected. Just wait. China will redesign an RV frig and put Norcold out of business. It's just a matter of time. How can I support a company when they know it has caused 100's perhaps 1,000's of fires, destroying rigs completely? I have been to two RV salvage yards in the US. I could do a documentary on Norcold related fires. They are simply disgraceful.

[@AZExpert]

Thank you for such a well thought out comment. Based on this past year, it looks like the second generation of Norcold 1200 cooling units from 2001-2008 have reached the end of their lives. I am not one that feels the re-builds or aftermarket are any better or worse. Just given my experience with liability and fires, I stick to the OEM cooling units in order to reduce my exposure to lawsuits. Thanks!

[@Ecspell]

Just kind of wondering what he cost roughly of getting a new cooling unit would be? Thanks

[@AZExpert]

Sorry I don't list my prices on here

[@NoNmeAv]

Hi All, I have a 1200LRIM in my coach that has been leaking water into the area directly underneath the fridge. I have made the decision that I want to remove the Norcold and have it turned off. I’m also nervous about the fire potential. With it turned off and not running until I get it removed, is fire hazard still an issue when it’s not in use. I’m also not familiar with how to disconnect the propane from it. Thank you.

[@AZExpert]

There is little fire hazard with it off

[@NoNmeAv]

Ok thank you. You have been a big help and will breath a little easier.

[@tomcurry556]

Can you tell me if it is plugged in.(120) v. Can these catch fire still?

[@AZExpert]

It's not common, but it could still happen as the element could be very hot.

[@thunderbirdwomanjewelry1083]

I have a RV 1201 Norcold that started on fire yesterday, luckily we were outside and put the fire out. It’s currently in the shop! I found out it has a recall? How does one get find out about these issues without having to access Norcold website on a regular basis?

[@AZExpert]

it is an offical DOT recall and Norcold has had a pretty long campaign supporting it. It can be difficult to find out about recalls on RVs for sure. I am sorry this happened but I'm glad no one was hurt.

[@charlestait5303]

There is an aftermarket company selling a safety device . I think they are called ARP

[@garysilver7588]

The flame in my Norcold 1211M will not stop burning while in LP mode. Electric mode ok. Do you have any suggestions?

[@AZExpert]

Norcold 1200 may run the burner near continuous in summer for sure. Some might say the cooling unit is not sized right for the box size and heat loads....no me but some people.

[@footermark]

I heard that there is a mod to put fans in the cooling stack, but I don't know where to get the kit.

[@presenttotheready6365]

Hello, do you recommend the Dutch Aire Amish cooling unit as a replacement? Thank you

[@AZExpert]

They are fine and work well too.

[@GeevyLic]

Were do I get a new 1200 cooling unit , I'm in Thousand Oaks Ca.

[@AZExpert]

Any RV dealer or repair center can get a replacement for you. They are still made. There are some aftermarket ones, but the prices are all pretty close to the same around $1200.

[@AZExpert]

Any RV dealer or repair center can get a replacement for you. They are still made. There are some aftermarket ones, but the prices are all pretty close to the same around $1200.

[@jeffstrom389]

Just had the heartache of a 1200 going bad and throwing the NO CO code.......right now at a total loss as to what to do....hate spending 4K on a 2006 Motorhome

[@AZExpert]

no co code is a safety lock out and doesn't mean it's bad. it needs to be reset and checked. a new cooling unit will still be much less than 4K

[@MarkBurch0704]

We're purchasing a 2004 Class A this week with this series refrigerator. Your recommendation is that I should replace this unit period since it's almost 18 years old, correct? Do you recommend another propane/electric unit? Thank you.

[@AZExpert]

There aren't too many options for the size of the opening. Either Norcold or Dometic for RV frig or a residential unit for now.

[@Formaldehydex]

"...because hydrogen burns really easily." Bwahahaha. Understatement of the year! When I get an RV, I am definitely planning to replace the fridge with a residential one or a 12V compressor. There are simply way too many RV fridge fires, and they don't work that well anyway.

[@AZExpert]

I agree completely.

[@jimgior]

What is the cost for a replacement cooling system for at 1200? ... and have there been any issues with the replacement?

[@AZExpert]

generally an OEM cooling unit is $1200 to $1500 depending on the dealership. Labor is about 5 hours shop time. So 1700 to $2500 depending on labor rates. The replacement units ship with the sensor installed and has been re-deigned. I cannot say that I have had any issues with the new units. Thanks!

[@Straightlineracing]

JC refrigeration is 1000 for upgraded replacement and 9 something for hvac 12 or 120c compressor style upgrade.

[@alexchliwnyj5941]

What is your opinion of the Norcold 821? It seems to be cooling but I am wondering when it goes out should I replace the cooling unit or just buy a new refrigerator?

[@AZExpert]

That's a difficult question. It was really only the 1200 series that had an "issue" Overall I recommend cooling units as long as the box is in good shape, but sometimes the labor plus cooling unit get close to the price of a new unit so it's also worth pricing out a new one and making sure it will fit too.

[@edwardlepage3207]

Sir, can you buy the safety switch that is attached to the stack, the one on my stack no longer works?

[@AZExpert]

If you are asking for the small two spade connection resestable thermo-disc type switch, those are obsolete and you should have a recall installed ASAP and stop using the unit on LP until it's installed. If you are asking about the recall sensor Norcold/Norcold Dealer are the only way to get a replacement. If the black recall control board has a red LED lit it could be reset, but a technician should inpsect first before reseting. If the cooling unit is 15 years or older, consider replacing it. Thanks!

[@terrytinagero777]

Do you like the JC refrigeration dc conversion?

[@AZExpert]

I would rather upgrade to a residential refrigerator or the new Furrion electric RV refrigerators.

[@perrywalker3887]

Here’s a few thoughts. Norcold refrigerators have to be installed by licensed tech or no warranty even if you only plug it in also replacement refrigerators are slightly different fronts so the cabinets don’t align.

[@AZExpert]

I am a licensed Tech

[@perrywalker3887]

I am not. So no warranty. We had cold weather and fridge stopped working. Needed to take out and let stand for 24 hours then I installed a cold weather kit. No one around here knew how to fix it and no warranty. Just a heads up to your rv er’s

[@eskieguy9355]

I'm surprised, that after all this time, they haven't come up with a better way to cool mobile refrigerators. In the 70[s my folks bought a used camper and that was the technology in place at that time. I have heard how compressor units hold up under that much vibration. Maybe it doesn't matter, because modern units don't last that long anyway.

[@AZExpert]

Norcold has an especially interesting past

[@devisedbydev2764]

If you keep your Norcold, installing a ARP safety system is CRITICAL to the safety of your life. Very effectice and not a total bandaid like the recall solution.

[@greauxpete]

Fridge defend unit will prevent this.

[@23thebull]

Just switch to a residential

[@AZExpert]

I like them

[@mikerosenberger1631]

how do you dispose of the old unit with the gasses still in it? do you take it to an rv dealer/hvac shop?

[@AZExpert]

it's not hazardous, the refrigerant is water and ammonia