Best source for refrigerator cooling unit?

[Aaarrghh]

Hi, Y'all, finally getting back to working on the fridg. I had a few other issues crop up that took priority

I was able to fire up the heater on gas, and left it burning a couple hours. When I checked back, the interior had actually warmed up some, and there was a faint smell of ammonia. I guess it's time to look for a new cooling unit. I need a unit shipped to me so I can install it myself.

My question is, what company is the best to order one from? I read Frank's Oct 2014 post about his replacements, and checked Arcticold. I don't see my Norcold 776EG3 listed there. Here is a partial run-down on other sources found by web search, or recommended by forum members.

To begin with, here is one to absolutely avoid:
RV Fridgehouse, http://www.rvfridgehouse.com/CUPricing.htm#norcold
There are numerous online complaints. This outfit, based in Bentonville AR, has done business under a variety of names. See this: http://www.rvrefrigerator.net/consumer_alert_about_our_competi.htm.

#1. My tentative top choice - RV Cooling Unit Warehouse, Memphis http://rvcoolingunit.com/776-Norcold-Cooling-Unit-P12750.aspx
I have found no online comments, positive or negative, aside from the BBB report which rates them A+. There are 2 positive reviews, and no complaints.
http://www.bbb.org/memphis/business-reviews/recreational-vehicles-repair-and-service/rv-cooling-unit-warehouse-in-memphis-tn-44051850
>They offer both new and remanufactured units. For remanufactured units, they ship and will rebate $100 when they receive your old unit.
Hm? I don't like rebates and rarely have collected one, but if they come through with the $100, the final price for my unit would be $385. That's lower than any other supplier.
He/she (who?) discourages phone calls and phone orders  http://rvcoolingunit.com/ContactUs.aspx
All their units carry a 3-year replacement guarantee. Other suppliers give 2 years.

#2. RV Refrigeration Repair (Falkville AL) http://www.rvrefrigeratorrepair.com/aboutus.html
I called their toll-free # (1 888-483-7586). They answered immediately. I spoke with Eldred (sp?). They can ship my unit, for $400. They can supply an AC heating element. They take orders on the phone. A nice personal touch.

#3. RV Refrigerator Repair Co. (1215 Hensley Rd, Fort Mill, SC 29715) 1-844-478-3744
http://www.rvrefrigeratorrepaircompany.com/
http://www.yellowpages.com/fort-mill-sc/mip/rv-refrigerator-repair-company-222550

Trailer Refrigeration Inc. (Tucson, Arizona) 1-800-950-4874
http://rvrefrig.com/product/776-norcold-cooling-unit/

RVcool, Greenbrier AR  http://www.rvcool.com/norcold_cooling_unit_pricing.htm
I found one negative review online: http://rvservicereviews.com/ReviewDetails.asp?FacilityID=3132&State=AR&Search=&CategoryID=
Their website encourages the customer to do the work. They offer a free AC heating unit with some models. They do not charge a core charge, but will not activate your warrantee until they get your old unit. They are in Greenbrier AR (nowhere near Bentonville!), They will do the work for you for $175, or $75 if you've removed the old unit. They are probably a good choice. Has anyone here dealt with them?
I called them and was told "We do not do single-door Norcold," which is what I have. However, FYI, they provide an 800 number, and answered it promptly and courteously.

Nordic, http://www.nordiccoolingunits.com/partslist.htm
Under their "How to order" link on their website, the say to "Contact one of our Master Service Centers or your RV dealer and ask for us by name." This may be fine, but not if you just want the unit shipped so you can install it yourself.

Sears http://www.searspartsdirect.com/norcold-rv-appliance-parts/614414/0028/645/model-776EG3/0761/0413140.html
Sears is a reliable old retailer, but my feeling is they will ship you a unit supplied to them by who-knows-who? Their website gives no details, especially about their warrantee or any specs about the unit.

Arcticold NEW units LIFETIME WARRANTEE Norcold model 776eG not listed. http://www.arcticoldstore.com/norcold-models/?sort=featured&page=1

American RV Company
http://www.americanrvcompany.com/Major-Appliances-and-Parts-RV-Refrigerator-Cooling-Units


Has anyone had experience with any of these? Any other recommendations?

[joanfenn]

I just did a google search for your make and model and came up with a few suppliers.  Give those a go.

[Aaarrghh]

I just did a google search for your make and model and came up with a few suppliers.  Give those a go.

Thanks. I'm doing some reputation research. I've eliminated RV Fridge House, based on numerous complaints posted online. Here's just one: http://www.rvrefrigerator.net/consumer_alert_about_our_competi.htm.

Apparently they have gone under various names including World Class  RV Refrigeration Inc 504 W Nesbitt Ave Plummerville AR. 72127 that Froggy1936 warned about. If the address is Plummerville AR then forget them!

I'll be back with more info as I proceed. Maybe it will be helpful to someone else.

[Rickf1985]

Give these people a call, they wrote the book on fridge repairs for RV's, Literally!

http://rvrefrigeration.com/

[khantroll]

So, I had to think long and hard about posting this, but I think this could be the unit you are looking for:


http://rvcoolingunit.com/776-Norcold-Cooling-Unit-P12750.aspx


I have never ordered from this site, but many people on the internet have and seem to be happy with it (especially their helium units). I first stumbled across them when I thought my fridge had gone out. They pimp "Amish craftsmanship", which is a turn off to me; it reminds me of an infomercial. But I thought I'd throw it out there as an option.


If it were me, I'd probably go with Sears. It's been around forever, and has a solid reputation.


Thanks!

[Aaarrghh]

Thanks~

Just from looking at their website, they look really good. The $100 core rebate makes the final price very attractive.

Their mfr appears to be Pines RV Refrigeration, a wholesaler only.  Pines has a good BBB rating http://www.bbb.org/northernindiana/business-reviews/recreational-vehicles-equipment-parts-supplies/pines-rv-refrigeration-in-shipshewana-in-90032308

Definitely worth further investigation.

I haven't got much info on Sears, such as their warrantee. Need to do more research.\

UPDATE: Regarding RV Cooling Unit Warehouse in Memphis, I had an email exchange with David Force who is probably the owner. His responses to my email questions were almost immediate, and brief but helpful. I have gained confidence that he will be good to deal with, and have decided to place my order with them. They have a cooling unit ready to ship. They don't have heating elements for my old Norcold, however, so for them I'll have to look elsewhere. Sears lists them.

I think what tipped the scale in their favor was the BBB rating and comments.

[HandyDan]

I personally visited this company in Falkville, AL and dropped off my cooling unit.  I picked it up again a week later.  They did a marvelous job of rebuilding the unit and it has worked flawlessly for three years.  It is your call on what company you use and I can't say this one is any better or worse than any other, but I know they did a good job with fair prices.  This is a family run business.
http://www.rvrefrigeratorrepair.com/

[Aaarrghh]

Give these people a call, they wrote the book on fridge repairs for RV's, Literally!

http://rvrefrigeration.com/

Thanks, Rick, I do intend to call them, to ask if they will recommend a supplier, but more than likely they will want to refer me to one of the technicians they have trained. They are primarily a RV refrigeration training center.

Their website says they don't ship cooling units/

[Aaarrghh]

I personally visited this company in Falkville, AL and dropped off my cooling unit.  I picked it up again a week later.  They did a marvelous job of rebuilding the unit and it has worked flawlessly for three years.  It is your call on what company you use and I can't say this one is any better or worse than any other, but I know they did a good job with fair prices.  This is a family run business.
http://www.rvrefrigeratorrepair.com/

Thanks, Dan. It's hard to tell from their website whether they would ship an already remanufactured unit before they get the old one to fix. I need to call them. I don't expect to be driving to Alabama anytime soon!

Update: I called their toll-free # (1 888-483-7586). They answered immediately. I spoke with Eldred (sp?). They can ship my unit, for $400. They can supply an AC heating element. They take orders on the phone.

[Aaarrghh]

So, I had to think long and hard about posting this, but I think this could be the unit you are looking for:

http://rvcoolingunit.com/776-Norcold-Cooling-Unit-P12750.aspx

Thanks again for this suggestion. After several email exchanges about questions I had, I ordered from them via their web form. The unit was shipped UPS the same day, directly from Pines. It's been a good experience so far.

It looks good. I have the old unit out of the fridge, and am ready to place the new one in. Just hoping it will fit and the screw holes will all line up.

When I lifted the foam pack out of the cavity, what a strong whiff of ammonia I got!

[Aaarrghh]

Here's the reman unit from Pines Refrigeration (dealer: RV cooling unit warehouse), installed and working well.

[khantroll]

Awesome! I'm glad that you had a good experience with them. I'll feel better about recommending them in the future.

[Aaarrghh]

Awesome! I'm glad that you had a good experience with them. I'll feel better about recommending them in the future.

I still need to get the core rebate. It took UPS almost a week to deliver to me, so it should take them a week to deliver the returned core, then the credit is promised within 72 hours. Not enough time has passed, but judging by my experience so far, I'm not worried. 

[Aaarrghh]

Awesome! I'm glad that you had a good experience with them. I'll feel better about recommending them in the future.

My core refund has been credited to my bank account, in less than a week from the time UPS picked up the core. My final cost after shipping is $440, including the $10 UPS pick-up charge. The unit cools well on AC, gas, and DC.

The warantee is for 3 years. Only time will tell how long the unit will last.

There were a couple other sources recommended that may have been as good, but needless to say, I am pleased with this entire transaction, and would n't hesitate to recommend this source.

[Froggy1936]

I have found that performance improves ea season maintains temp @ a lower setting & recovers faster after a new heat load is introduced ! I am very pleased with my choice  see projects   Frank