Norcold 2118 updates

[atlantaM3]

so to update, have been messing around with the common cooling issues with a Norcold 2118 in a slide. On a 90 degree day, would be 55-60 in the fridge, above freezing in the freezer.

Following updates made -
new cooling unit installed - by itself, didnt really make a difference to cooling issues, same general performance.

Next -

filled dead air space around unit with reflective 5mm foam insulation sheets, made a vent baffle using the same material. About 4 sheets thick on top and sides.

installed 5 140mm draw fans on the top vent, low rpm, high pressure design. cannot be heard inside.

installed evaporator fan unit from cooling warehouse for 2118 - has 5 small fans

Now performing decently, temp setting on coldest, which is 9 on this unit.

Today in Fl, full bright sun , 94 degree high day with limited clouds

Freezer - starting temp in morning 9, end of day high of 13
Fridge, starting temp 34, end of day high of 36

so the biggest difference made were addressing the common poor installation issues, and adding fans.

At some point, going to do the Amish cooling unit, but this will do for a while until then.

Hope this helps.

 

[SloPoke-TC]

Freezer - starting temp in morning 9, end of day high of 13
Fridge, starting temp 34, end of day high of 36

so the biggest difference made were addressing the common poor installation issues, and adding fans.
.

You have won the internet today... Great job in fixing the issue!!! I totally agree with you on "poor installation issues" as we had the exact same challenges.

Jayco installs this refrigerator without following ALL of the instructions for the unit. They fail to baffle the cooling unit to the correct specifications and especially miss the baffles that keep the heat trapped above the freezer storage space.

It is easier for those with a roof vented Norcold 4-door as we can pull the vent off and work the baffling repairs from above without having to pull the fridge.

We found that stuffing rolled up fiberglass insulation bats (with the foil out) into the gaps that Jayco was supposed to baffle made a huge difference. We chose this product as we could stuff it down the vent hole and then re-shape it into the rolled up baffle size we needed while inside the fridge cavity.

 

[atlantaM3]

I should add that I have a Seismic, so the slide wall and topper are black, making the thermal load on the wall material.

glad you were also able to sort out your issues.

I think the main issues I experienced can be summed up as 'Camping World'. Those that know the pain understand....never again.

 

[atlantaM3]

So, been a few years, thought I would update.

System still working well. Out for two weeks in the heat wave, and it has been performing well. Daytime temps in the low to upper 90's, lots of direct sunlight on the fridge wall from about noon until sunset.

Used a temp monitoring system to track performance and peak temperatures

Freezer - staying between 6-10 degrees F - other than a defrost cycle where it went up to 20 briefly, then cooled back down.

Fridge - staying between 37-42 degrees F. Ditto on the defrost cycle where it went up to 47 briefly.

I am still on the original Norcold unit, have not yet replaced the factory cooling unit with the Amish made system, as still working well enough. Still wonder if the Amish one would be better. Maybe next year...