Nevercold finally gave out

HUMPH

HUMPH

Well-Known Member
Nov 4, 2009
7,618
SF BAY AREA
Boat Info
2003 410DA
2009 Walker Bay 13’
Engines
CAT 3126TA's 350HP/
50HP Honda
So, we all know that the infamous Nevercold de461 is a serious POS. Well, mine gave out completely right at the start of a 2-week trip! All food and drink packed into my cockpit fridge and my Yeti 105. I am looking at the Vitrifrigo as a replacement, does anyone have feedback for the BEST option of replacement for the old Nevercold? I understand I most likely need to remove the cabinet but just want advice on the best replacement.

Thanks
 
HUMPH said:
So, we all know that the infamous Nevercold de461 is a serious POS. Well, mine gave out completely right at the start of a 2-week trip! All food and drink packed into my cockpit fridge and my Yeti 105. I am looking at the Vitrifrigo as a replacement, does anyone have feedback for the BEST option of replacement for the old Nevercold? I understand I most likely need to remove the cabinet but just want advice on the best replacement.

Thanks
Click to expand...
I just had to replace my frig. Was going to change from the Norcold to the Vitrifrigo, but the frig dealer told me both units have the same exact compressor, so I went with the new Norcold and saved $300 compared to the Vitrifrigo.
 
Nova Kools web site has a replacement comparison chart as well for each of the OEM brand fridges.

http://www.novakool.com/specsheetsandbrochures.htm

Looking at the chart, the DE461 same size replacement is the RFU9000 that is 9.1 cuft vs 6.3 for the Norcold. Almost 30% larger space.
 
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Sorry to hear...bad timing for sure.
I'm going to have to take this sooner or later. Feedback on my dock is that the control boards are the weak link on the norcold. A buddy is on his third replacement in as many weeks. Wife threw 2 fridges full of food away.

I've been leaning isotherm.

I want a freezer that freezes and a fridge that doesnt. I guess that is asking alot
 
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I replaced mine little over a year ago. Don't know about best option but I went with Vitrifrigo and have been very satisfied with it. Cabinet does need to come out but not a big deal. Be happy to give you more info if needed. Mr Computerman gave detailed info in 410 thread I believe.
 
I bought my boat in 2012 and the original fridge was already replaced with a Nova Kool. The fridge and freezer have been great In the years since. Fridge and freezer stay cold and it's very quiet.
 
Sorry Humph. The new owner of my 410 lost his right after purchase from the dealer...we are on our way to Cape Coral - I'll text him and ask him what they put in for him...
 
Humph - my dockmate who now owns my 410 had the marina put in the Norcold replacement. Not a lot of help - sorry - he didn't even know the model #.
 
mistercomputerman said:
Call me at the office Monday. 757-333-3299 x200. I did this a couple of years ago. Replaced with Vitrifrigo.
Click to expand...
Thanks Rick, I was a bit preoccupied last week with work and staying on the boat for 2 weeks. I’ll give you a ring on Monday if I get a chance. Thanks!
 
Update. Removed the old refer and the lower cabinet that houses it. I had to dismantle the compressor and everything else of the back of the Nevercold to get it out. New Vitrifrigo should be delivered tomorrow. My dilemma is that my opening is about 22” and the smallest profile for the new refer is 23 11/16”. I am planning on removing the vinyl covered angle inside the door and it looks like ther are screwed in rather than “Christmas Trees” supporting them. I do believe the vinyl is simply tucked behind the angle so I should be able to is a plastic “hook” and pull the vinyl back far enough to get to the screws. This will give me an additional inch or more so I should be able to get the new refer into the cabin.

Has anyone removed these angle panels that can provide some guidance? If not, I’ll take some pictures to share on the steps I am taking.
 
tiara in the snow 01.JPG
A little late on this but poor ventilation is a major cause of premature failure of these units. May want to check the tolerances before going to the trouble of cramming something too big into too small of an opening. You could end up with a blivit which is never good.
 
I'll just add for future searchers....

I replaced my Norcold with a Vitrifrigo and frankly, not that impressed... I actually found myself missing the Norcold as the bottom bin was much better than the BS ones Vitrifrigo uses...Also, I was able to store more food in the Norcold...Further, the thing frosts up on the ceiling of the fridge section like no-one's business... I had about a 2" thick block form... When I'm aboard, I could live aboard for awhile. So, I'm utilizing the fridge...I don't use it for an over-night or weekend trip...It's weeks at a time.

I know people complain about the Norcold, but it wasn't any noisier than the VF... Just an FYI.
 
Boat Guy said:
I'll just add for future searchers....

I replaced my Norcold with a Vitrifrigo and frankly, not that impressed... I actually found myself missing the Norcold as the bottom bin was much better than the BS ones Vitrifrigo uses...Also, I was able to store more food in the Norcold...Further, the thing frosts up on the ceiling of the fridge section like no-one's business... I had about a 2" thick block form... When I'm aboard, I could live aboard for awhile. So, I'm utilizing the fridge...I don't use it for an over-night or weekend trip...It's weeks at a time.

I know people complain about the Norcold, but it wasn't any noisier than the VF... Just an FYI.
Click to expand...

I’m the exact opposite. Different models on my boat but the Norcold 351 died last summer. I replaced it with a Vitrifrigo C62 unit. It’s not fair to compare a new fridge against one that died, but the VF works great, is quiet and has a light. Simple pleasures. Definitely a fan of VF.
 
HUMPH said:
Update. Removed the old refer and the lower cabinet that houses it. I had to dismantle the compressor and everything else of the back of the Nevercold to get it out. New Vitrifrigo should be delivered tomorrow. My dilemma is that my opening is about 22” and the smallest profile for the new refer is 23 11/16”. I am planning on removing the vinyl covered angle inside the door and it looks like ther are screwed in rather than “Christmas Trees” supporting them. I do believe the vinyl is simply tucked behind the angle so I should be able to is a plastic “hook” and pull the vinyl back far enough to get to the screws. This will give me an additional inch or more so I should be able to get the new refer into the cabin.

Has anyone removed these angle panels that can provide some guidance? If not, I’ll take some pictures to share on the steps I am taking.
Click to expand...
 
I used automotive vinyl tools from Harbor Freight and both sides came out easily. They are Christmas trees. Gives you just enough to carefully get the vitrofrigo down there.
Marty
 
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