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Old 01-19-2016, 06:41 PM   #1
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Norcold Dc0051 replacement

After 12 years, 108K miles and 830+ nights in van our original Norcold DC0051 fridge had become quite noisy when running. It was able to keep everything cold and make ice but was obviously tired. As a preemptive move, since we are staging to do another 10 week trip through Baja and the Southwest, we recently bought and installed the replacement NR751 Norcold.

We have the EB50 layout with the fridge directly across from the side doors. The old one came out by removing one screw from outside each side of the cabinet. The unit slid right out with plenty of power line to allow easy access to the back of the unit to disconnect. The new unit comes with a 12v plug that we crimp connected to the van's fridge power wires. So far very straight forward.

Although the NR751 has the same outside dimensions as the DC0051 the compressor is in a different place and the unit's "footprint" is slightly different. After sliding the new unit partially in it was obvious that the large L bracket bolted to the floor inside the fridge cabinet that holds down the outside cabinet wall behind the driver's seat was going to be in the way. We removed that and positioned it on the outside of same wall. New hole drilled into the floor for the bolt and sealed up old hole. New unit would now slide in further but not all the way. It was dragging on the round head screws which hold the brackets which hold the walls and top of cabinet together. It was sooo close but required replacing all those bracket screws with flat heads to buy the extra 1/16" height needed. We moved the brackets some so we had fresh material to screw in to. Once done it was a tight but smooth fit. 4 screws through the existing interior holes and all good.

It has been too cold here to tell how well the new unit works but the blue led interior light is cool and it runs silent. Hope we can get another 12 years on this one. Not sure what to do with the old one - might work another few years but didn't want to be stuck on the beach a long way from anywhere without a fridge... seems so uncivilized.

Bought the fridge here - Norcold NR751BB 2.7 Cubic Feet AC/DC Marinie Refrigerator Black

Good price and very quick shipping. It arrived with both plastic door bev holder units slightly damaged but Norcold got replacements to us very quickly.

If there are any issues with this unit that come up while we're traveling I will be sure to post. Joe

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Old 01-23-2016, 02:00 PM   #2
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I'd be curious to see what the amperage is compared to the older one.
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Old 01-24-2016, 08:39 PM   #3
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Do you still have the door shelves from your dc0051? Mine broke this weekend and will gladly buy yours.
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Old 01-24-2016, 10:22 PM   #4
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My friend had the newer style installed in his Sprinter last summer. It quit on him last week. Luckily still under warranty.
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Old 01-25-2016, 08:47 AM   #5
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Scummy - We're going to keep the old one together for now since it still works.

Tapatio - we are hoping that is not our fate
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Old 02-10-2016, 12:28 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by daveb View Post
I'd be curious to see what the amperage is compared to the older one.
Found these specs online...

Current Draw
120 VAC 1.78 Amps
12 VDC 3.75 Amps
24 VDC 1.87 Amps
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Old 03-05-2016, 01:40 AM   #7
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I have two Norcold DC0051's in my rig, one of which recently quit cooling(it will run, but is loud, like it's working really hard, and will not cool at all). I just started considering replacement options, so was happy to see this thread. Upon researching the link to my12voltstore I came across something interesting. I may be crazy, but, although Engel branded, I'm pretty sure this is the EXACT replacement for our 2.7cf Norcolds: Engel 12 Volt Refrigerator Front Open-60QT SB70F | Shop Refrigerator | Thermostat Refrigerator

There are a couple better/zoomable pics of the "Engel" here: Engel SB70F Built-In DC Only 12V Front-Open Fridge-Freezer 60 Quart Camper Trailer RV
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Old 03-05-2016, 02:39 AM   #8
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My fridge has become loud. What does your fridge sound like?
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Old 03-05-2016, 03:06 PM   #9
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It's kind of a low frequency rumble that resonates through the cabinetry. Basically it sounds like they all do when running, but at a greater strength/volume, like the compressor is struggling against a blockage.
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Old 03-05-2016, 03:31 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gcvt View Post
Found these specs online...

Current Draw
120 VAC 1.78 Amps
12 VDC 3.75 Amps
24 VDC 1.87 Amps
Yeah that's what Norcold told me too until I really measured the current draw but I stuck with the original model, just replaced the old one with a brand new one.
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