Portable Freezer/Fridge Replacement Saga

[blueflame]

We had a Norcold portable freezer refrigerator in one of our basement compartments.  It recently quit working so we had it checked out, it was a total compressor failure, so no use trying to repair it.  Time to buy a new unit.  We searched the internet looking for a unit that would fit the existing compartment and slide out drawer.  This was an arduous process.  Many of the web sites had incorrect (when compared to the actual manufacturers web pages) information.  The dimensions were especially confusing, even on manufacturers web sites.  They were inconsistent in their labeling of width, height, and length.  We were comparing two units from a single manufacturer.  The pictures looked almost identical, but one unit listed the width as the biggest dimension, the second called the height the biggest dimension.

After wading through the confusing information we found a Dometic unit we thought would fit, judging from the dimensions on the web.  But we weren't sure because of all the confusion.  Luckily we found a RV dealer (LazyDays in Tucson, thank you) that had one in stock and would pull it, open it, and let us check it out.  So we started measuring it and got more confused.  None of the dimensions matched the info. we had.  After scratching my head for a while I had and idea.  I measured the shipping box.  It matched!!!  The info. on the web was the size of the shipping box, not the actual refrigerator!  So the unit was slightly smaller than what we thought, but it would fit.  I don't know if other manufacturers dimensions would have the same problem, but beware!

Another issue was the supply voltage.  We had a unit that would run off 12V or 120V and would auto switch between them, using 120V if available.  We wanted another unit that would do the same thing.  Most of the units we looked at claimed to work on 12V or 120V, but further investigation revealed they only had a 12V plug, I would have had to buy a separate 120V to 12V converter, then manually switch the plugs if the voltage source needed to change.  So again, beware, do a careful search, download and read the operators and service manuals if you can find them.

We ended up with a Dometic CF-80US because it was the closest match to the size of our old unit, and because it had the true 12V and 120V operation with auto switching.  Just be sure to do your homework if you are in the market for a portable freezer fridge.  The best bet will be to look at actual units, open them and look at the manuals.

 

[dickandlois]

Good information ! Thanks for the fallow up and posting the solution for your issue.

The feedback is so helpful to others !

Rich

[tbutler]

You are singing my song!  Not that I needed a replacement freezer/refrigerator, we've done that with our main one (we don't have another) already.  No, I'm echoing your caution about measurements you find posted on the internet.  In particular when dealing with Amazon I've found their measurements (if listed at all) for various products to be suspect.  I always go to the manufacturers web site to verify measurements.  In your case, I guess even that wouldn't have helped.  Anyway, it is a good point, you can't trust any of the measurements.  If you find serious disagreement on-line and from the manufacturers web site then a call to the manufacturer might help.  If not, find one in a physical store and measure it there.  If it fits, I buy it there!  The owner of the physical store has provided me necessary verification of dimensions by stocking the unit and they deserve to get the sale.  In turn, I've received valuable information from the store owner and am willing to pay for that.