My Norcold N3150 in my 2016 Itasca Navion 24G is basically toast at this point. The fridge is struggling big time in hot weather, with temperature swings up to 50-60F, and I'm tired of playing refrigerator roulette every trip. I'm running 200W of solar and 2 Golf Cart 6V batteries, and I do a lot of driving through Southern California deserts where temperatures hit 110F.
Been doing some research and keep seeing two main options - the NovaKool RFU6406D with dual compressors, or sticking with absorption and going with something like the Norcold N2175. I'm particularly interested in a setup that'll keep things cold when it's scorching outside and provide reliable cooling performance.
What's the real-world difference between these two approaches, and which one's gonna give me better performance in those extreme desert heat situations?
Replace failing N3150 with NovaKool R4500 compressor for better heat performance or Norcold N3141 for absorption drop-in. NovaKool better for boondocking with solar, absorption for propane versatility.
given your specific situation with the failing N3150 in your 2016 Itasca Navion 24G and your plans to drive through high desert temperatures, I'd strongly recommend going with the NovaKool RFU6406D despite the current availability issues. Your instincts about the dual compressor system are spot-on for your Southern California desert driving conditions. The Norcold N2175 that's marketed as a "direct replacement" actually uses a single Danfoss compressor with cooling capacity that is typically only marginally more than your failing N3150's system. This single compressor setup won't give you the cooling performance improvement you need for those 110°F desert crossings where your current fridge struggles.
The NovaKool RFU6406D, on the other hand, features two separate compressors - one dedicated unit for the freezer compartment and another unit for the refrigerator section, giving you better total cooling capacity with the crucial advantage of independent operation. When you're driving through the Mojave in summer heat, that freezer compressor can focus entirely on maintaining frozen goods while the fridge compressor handles the main compartment. Your 200-watt solar setup and dual 6V golf cart batteries will easily handle the power requirements, especially since you're comfortable running them down to 20% state of charge.
Your current N3150 is exhibiting classic signs of cooling system degradation that's common in 8-year-old absorption refrigerators. Common causes include issues with the absorption cooling unit or ammonia system components. The temperature swings you're experiencing - jumping to 50-60°F during travel - are exactly what happens when an absorption system can't keep up with road vibration and ambient heat loads.
The dimensional compatibility you've researched is correct. The NovaKool RFU6406D measures 23.6" wide by 25.2" deep by 34.4" tall, which will fit the cutout left by your N3150. However, there are some important differences in the installation that you'll need to plan for. The NovaKool uses dual 12V DC compressor technology instead of the single compressor system, so you'll need to modify the electrical connections accordingly. The good news is that this actually simplifies your installation since you won't need any gas connections or exterior venting.
WARNING: Always shut off propane at the tank and verify no gas flow before disconnecting any propane lines. Improper propane work can create serious fire and explosion hazards.
Regarding the N2175 specifications you asked about, Norcold has been frustratingly vague about the technical details, but based on available information it uses a single compressor with cooling capacity that is typically only marginally better than your current system. The separate temperature controls are achieved through electronic dampers and temperature sensors, not dual compressors. This means during high ambient conditions, the single compressor has to work harder to maintain both compartments, and you'll likely see similar performance issues when driving through desert heat.
Your power system analysis is solid. The NovaKool's dual compressors will draw power during active cooling cycles (see manufacturer specifications for exact amperage requirements), with each compressor cycling independently based on compartment temperatures. With your 200-watt solar array producing 10-12 amps during peak sun hours and your 110 amp-hour battery bank (assuming two 6V golf cart batteries around 110Ah each wired in series), you'll have plenty of capacity even during extended periods without shore power.
For the NovaKool RFU6406D installation, you'll need several specific components that aren't included with the unit. First, you'll need a proper 12V DC power connection capable of handling the required amperage (see manufacturer specifications). Use appropriately sized wire and fusing per manufacturer requirements, run directly from your battery bank through your existing DC distribution panel. The NovaKool doesn't come with a power cord, so you'll need to wire it directly to your 12V system with appropriate marine-grade connections.
WARNING: Always disconnect battery power before working on electrical connections to prevent short circuits and potential fire.
Since you're replacing an absorption fridge with a compressor fridge, the installation will involve removing propane connections and modifying electrical connections along with mounting modifications.
You'll also need new mounting hardware since the NovaKool uses a different mounting system than your Norcold. The RFU6406D comes with adjustable mounting brackets, but you may need to fabricate simple wooden supports to distribute the weight properly in your cabinet opening. The unit weighs about 95 pounds, so proper support is crucial to prevent cabinet damage during travel.
For the electrical installation, you'll want a digital multimeter to verify proper voltage at the installation point, wire nuts or marine-grade butt connectors, heat shrink tubing, and electrical tape. A non-contact voltage tester is also helpful for verifying that you've properly disconnected any 120V circuits from your installation area. Don't forget about ventilation - while the NovaKool doesn't need the same ventilation as an absorption fridge, you should maintain some airflow around the condenser coils for optimal efficiency.
Start by disconnecting all power sources and removing the old N3150 carefully. Begin with the propane connections first - turn off the propane at the tank, disconnect at the fridge, and immediately cap the line. The 120V connections should be disconnected at the junction box behind the fridge, not just unplugged. Take photos of all connections before disconnecting anything, as this will help if you need to troubleshoot later. The N3150 removal typically requires removing the interior door and shelving first, then the mounting screws that secure it to the cabinet frame.
WARNING: Have a helper when removing the old unit - it weighs nearly 100 pounds and can cause serious injury if dropped.
Once you've got the old unit out and moved to your garage, take time to clean and inspect the cabinet opening thoroughly. Look for any signs of water damage, loose cabinet joints, or structural issues that might have developed over the years. This is also the perfect time to add any insulation improvements to the cabinet walls, which will help your new NovaKool operate more efficiently.
The NovaKool installation requires careful attention to electrical connections. Run your new 10 AWG power wire from the battery bank to the fridge location, installing the 15-amp fuse at the battery end of the circuit. The positive connection should go through your existing DC distribution panel if possible, which will allow you to shut off power to the fridge without accessing the battery compartment. Connect the NovaKool's power leads using marine-grade butt connectors with heat shrink covering.
Positioning the new fridge takes patience since it's nearly 100 pounds and needs to slide precisely into the opening. I recommend having a helper and using furniture dollies or similar aids. The adjustable mounting brackets need to be positioned so they distribute the weight evenly across the cabinet frame, not just the thin cabinet face. Once positioned, level the unit using the adjustable feet before securing the mounting brackets to manufacturer specifications.
After installation, run the NovaKool for several hours to verify proper operation before loading it with food. Monitor the amp draw using a DC ammeter or battery monitor to confirm it's operating within normal parameters. The cooling system should cycle on and off based on temperature settings, and you should be able to achieve different temperatures in each compartment using the separate controls.
While this installation is well within the capabilities of most RV owners comfortable with basic electrical work, there are situations where calling a professional makes sense. If you're not confident working with propane systems, hire an RV service center to properly disconnect and cap the gas lines. Propane work isn't something to guess at, and improper installation can create serious safety hazards.
Electrical issues that go beyond basic 12V connections also warrant professional help. If your DC electrical system needs significant modifications, if you're not comfortable working in the main DC panel, or if you discover that your battery bank or charging system needs upgrades to handle the new load, these are jobs for qualified RV technicians. Similarly, if you encounter structural issues with the cabinet that require woodworking or if the cabinet opening needs significant modification, professional help can save you time and ensure a proper installation.
Consider professional installation if you're not comfortable with the physical aspects of the job either. Moving a 100-pound appliance in and out of an RV requires proper technique to avoid injury and cabinet damage. Professional installers have the right equipment and experience to handle this safely.
Finally, if you want to preserve warranty coverage on your new NovaKool, check the warranty terms carefully. Some manufacturers require professional installation to maintain warranty coverage, though NovaKool is generally more flexible about DIY installation than some other manufacturers. Given the 3-6 week lead time you mentioned, this gives you time to research local RV service centers and get quotes if you decide to go the professional route. In the San Diego area, you have several excellent RV service facilities that specialize in appliance installation and can handle both the removal of your old unit and installation of the new NovaKool system.
Help us improve this article by flagging technical issues or inaccuracies.
Was this guide helpful?
Try our free RV calculators and tools to help diagnose and plan your repairs.
Browse RV ToolsWeight calculator, electrical planner, propane estimator & more