amp usage buy norcold refrigerators

[gn3]

We own a 1997 32 plus 2. Mainly use it cruising. We anchor out a lot while cruising and find we use 9-10 amps per hour at anchor thru the night. That means we burn 75 amps by morning or an hour og generator time. When Checking the usage by source the main culprits are the 2 Norcold DC340D refrigerators. They use 4-4.5 amps per hour each. My question is has anyone tried to replace these with something else that draws less current?

[Doug]

We also have a 1997 32+2. You are correct about how much current the 2 Norcold's use.
We installed a ENGEL Refrigerator / freezer under the island bed. Depending on where you set the thermostat, the unit is either a refrigerator or a freezer. In the freezer mode, it only uses around 2 to 2 1/2 amps.

The good news is Engel recently introduced 3 new front door opening models that look like they could be a replacement for the Norcold. They use the same 2 - 2 1/2 amps our freezer uses.

I think they are around $700.00. I am just waiting for one (or both) the Norcolds to die and then I will replace them with the far more energy efficient Engel units.

Doug Fuller
RELAX'N
St. Petersburg, FL

[jprohan]

Had the same problem on my 32; ripped out the norcold, and built a top loading fridge/freezer with 3" foam all around. The cold doesn't spill out when you take the top off; that's why sailboats always used the. Cruised s. florida and the Bahamas and could go 5 days without worrying about my batts needing a charge. Installed a "cold machine" and it was great.

[boblee]

Could you post some pics of the top loading fridge/freezer conversion?
Thanks.

Bob