I just junked an old NorCold and would never
purchase another. OK, I am not addressing custom fridges or freezers, stuff with
keel coolers and such. They appear to engineering projects but projects that can yield great results.
Mine was simple!!! I purchased a Summit 8.5cu on liine delivered for about $480. This fit into the hole left by the Norcold. Benefits--- frost free!, QUITE!!!! I CANNOT HEAR IT RUN!! Has an
interior light, very helpful.
Disadvantages--- came only in white so I painted it black, looks great!
I also purchased a 1KW Zantrex sinwave
inverter. I guess a modified wave would
work, I just didn't want to take a chance with noise from an unhappy
motor.
Next I wired in a $15 relay so the fridge is powered all the time from
dock power until dock power ends--- or
generator power ends and the relay then gets de-energized switching the power source to the
inverter.
It works great, total cost not including
paint is about $285 for the inverter, $15 for the circuit relay plus the $480 delivered
price of the fridge.
Total cost was about $780, much less than the Norcolds from the Big West. The last time I purchased something special from West, they charged
shipping. So add
shipping along with sales tax to any
price quote or at least ask if those costs are included.
If you plan to use an apartment size fridge, look carefully!!! There are not many and the sizes are limited. The Summit was one that was nearly the same size as the Norcold.
Foggy