<Date:    Thu, 22 Jun 2006 17:49:55 -0400
From:    robert shawn feller <carboncow@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Norcold results (long)

The dometics on average are junk after 20 years of age. Just went through
the same thing as mine was great on the bench under 110v or propane but just
will not get cold installed and on the road. Most likly due to heat
dissipation in the rear from the coils, even with a new fan inside and out.

Yes many of you have ones that work "ok" but most are a hassle in far to
many ways. That Norcold should run fine for days on 12v. Use the same common
sense everyone speak of when dealing with the temperamental Dometics.
Prechill things, keep door closed. Keep your beers in a cooler and you meat
in the fridge!

You may want to look up Karl Mullendore (karl@westyventures.com) as he raves
about the success and staying power of his DC0040.

Shawn>
All gas fridges require one important thing:  keeping level.  They
deteriorate when run non-level, as the tubes slowly clog up.  I've had
bigger, used dometics and norcolds that were great;  others that weren't.
It depends on the previous owners.  Usually, when I bought an RV or trailer,
I'd have the owner run it on gas 4-6 hours before I got there to prove it
was working well.  I didn't on the Westy I bought this spring, but was
lucky.  Mine stays cold and cools down beer just fine! :)

Aren't there any newer gas/electric Norcolds or Dometics that might fit into
the location with some modification?  I know most are for larger
applications, but it sure would seem like the right way to go.

Rich