[RickT]

My Norcold DE441 is dying in my 2001 35' Express. Before I replace it with it's reported replacement model - a Norcold DE-0041 Refrigerator / Freezer (which seems to have mixed reviews) - does anyone have any other suggestion for replacement? Chris? Thanks, Rick

[Uhehner]

We call them Nevercold refrigerators for a reason. Norcold is another company that just DOES NOT want to make a quality product. Usually its a power supply problem and they encapsulate the unit in epoxy so you can not repair it. Also, you will never find a schematic of the circuit board if you attempt to troubleshoot it. I have designed and built a AC/DC supply for my own frig but no customer wants to pay that cost. Capt. George

[Chris Burkard]

Unfortunately, it is going to be hard to find a direct fit replacement. The other issue is there are not many manufacturers make refrigerators for boats, so you will have limited selection. You could take precise measurements and start looking to see if you can find something that will fit other than a Norcold.

I just did a quick google search and apparently there are options. Apparently Tundra and Isotherm make units that will fit with minor modifications. Search the Norcold part number and type in direct fit replacements and see what comes up.

[RickT]

The Norcold DE-0041 us a direct replacement for the DE-441 - the 4 screw holes even line up to keep the frig in the box. But, while this should be a 2 or 3 hour replacement job on a 35' Express, this was not the case. The door needed to come off the Tiara, the trim needed to come off the door frame. We had to drill the 3 rivits on each side out that held the two brackets for the left and right trim pieces. If you do this, you can slide the new refrigerator from the top of the hatch down (grab bar stops direct entry). There is not 1/32 of an inch to spare, but it works. Looks nice, runs quiet, has a light, so far so good. BUT - turns a 2 or 3 hour project into a 2 day affair. And, it takes 1/4 inch rivits which are monsters so you need big rivits and a big crimper. The normal hand crimper won't compress these monsters I don't believe. RT

[rhhansen52]

The Norcold DE-0041 us a direct replacement for the DE-441 - the 4 screw holes even line up to keep the frig in the box. But, while this should be a 2 or 3 hour replacement job on a 35' Express, this was not the case. The door needed to come off the Tiara, the trim needed to come off the door frame. We had to drill the 3 rivits on each side out that held the two brackets for the left and right trim pieces. If you do this, you can slide the new refrigerator from the top of the hatch down (grab bar stops direct entry). There is not 1/32 of an inch to spare, but it works. Looks nice, runs quiet, has a light, so far so good. BUT - turns a 2 or 3 hour project into a 2 day affair. And, it takes 1/4 inch rivits which are monsters so you need big rivits and a big crimper. The normal hand crimper won't compress these monsters I don't believe. RT

Liked the article on the fridge installation. My problem is how to get the old  DE441 out thru the door. Was it fairly easy  to get out and do you have to still remove the door and moldings? Can't believe Tiara would build a boat in a basement.