ARP control for Norcold 3150

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NYBobbo

Member
I had one fridge go bad in less than a year and didn’t want to repeat that (out of warranty would be costly).

I installed a newer version 3.1 ARP on my 2016 Winnebago View24J.

For those who will be installing on a N3150 in a Winnebago, using the wire diagram of the Winnebago connector on APR website is a must, and makes it easy! I had to purchase some additional wire connectors (I also did a few solder connections w/shrink wrap), wire (to extend the top outside fan and for the inside fridge fan- additional note: inside fridge fan needs to have 2 wires threaded into the drain tube – we don’t have an inside light that we can use as a ground connection), one hose clamp for the temp sensor, foil tape and silicone caulking to complete the job. I was able to do the entire job by myself in about 3-4 hours plus a few trips to the hardware store  Probably take me much less time if I ever have to do it again.

This control unit will turn off the fridge if it overheads due to being out of level, thus preventing premature breakdown of the chemicals inside the unit and preventing possible fires that have happened in the past. It will attempt to restart when it gets back in acceptable temperature. I have the additional fans so I will now get more air flow over the outside cooling fins/tubes.

I'll post if I have any issues with the unit or the fridge. I also gave the owner, Paul, a similar review plus a thanks to him for his assistance.

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I paid full price for the unit and in no way compensated for this post. I just think others might be interested in this device to improve performance and prevent any issues with overheating. This has been around for a few years and has previously discussed on the IRV2 forum and perhaps here. If interested search "ARP control". I know it can be purchased directly or through dealers.
 
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NYBobbo

Member
Just an update....

I noticed my additional fans were not turning on so I checked the system. Fans work on test so I sent off a quick email to ARP and was sent back to move the sensor or adjust the unit to turn fans on at a lower temp.

I sent an additional email asking for a phone support walk through to do the adjustment... the response was a link to videos on the ARP website.

I have found that it is difficult to find the troubleshooting page that has the real information and not just some basic info. This "true" troubleshooting PDF had the info needed ( I found it in the same location as the install PDF on the ARP website), along with the video link provided I was able to do the adjustment.
Now I wait and see if the adjustment of lowering the fan set point is sufficient.

I think the unit will work in the long run, it's already turned off the fridge when the RV was out of level. Don't expect any phone support from the people at ARP, at least after initial install.
 
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LeakyGasket

Member
Thanks for your inputs. I have a failed and hospitilized 3150 in a View I have not yet used(!) and was considering the ARP like you have. After reading your last sentence, I believe I may try the "wife turns off fridge when off level and parked for more than 5 minutes" system before purchasing ARP. I tried to navigate their site for instructions, and even with your suggestions on the troubleshooting PDF, I was unable to find that PDF. The site is exhausting and looks amateur.
 
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NYBobbo

Member
LeakyGasket said:
Thanks for your inputs. I have a failed and hospitilized 3150 in a View I have not yet used(!) and was considering the ARP like you have. After reading your last sentence, I believe I may try the "wife turns off fridge when off level and parked for more than 5 minutes" system before purchasing ARP. I tried to navigate their site for instructions, and even with your suggestions on the troubleshooting PDF, I was unable to find that PDF. The site is exhausting and looks amateur.
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Here are two links that you can use for the ARP.

https://www.arprv.com/rv-refrigerator-manuals.php

https://www.arprv.com/arp-video-operation-manual.php#fan-adj

If you plan on installing an ARP let me know and I can give you a few pointers to save you some time. I sent them some photos of my install but don't think they were ever installed.

this page is important for us Winnebago/Itasca sprinter owners:

https://www.arprv.com/norcold-n3104.php

I think the unit works. I also think that Paul and his wife who invented the ARP know what they are doing. I also think they are semi retired and travel in their RV. Their website is not well put together and seems to be added to on occasion without the proper links etc. updated which makes it a bit of a beast to get to the right info. They are selling the version 3 of the unit now so this website needs a complete overhaul.
 
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geob

Member
Im about to undertake this on my 2017 24J.
Appreciate the time saving pointers and tips.

I bought the version with the 2 blowers.

Thanks guys!
Geo
 
G

Geriakt

2017 View 24J
I installed ARP in my 24J, but if my fridge ever goes bad I plan to install a 110/12 volt compressor type and run off batteries and solar.
 
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LeakyGasket

Member
Question about the fans -- it would seem to me that it would be best to put both fans on the top vent so that they both extract hot air, instead of one pushing up from the bottom and one out the top. I would think that blowing air up from the bottom would/could cause turbulence/non-linear flow around the coils. Maybe flow would be more linear if both fans were put at the top.

I'm about ready to get one of these units, so may just put both fans at the top. Can anyone think of a reason to not do that?
 
Philip53

Philip53

2021 2500 Sprinter 170, 4 cyl gas
Leaky, I can't think of any reason why it would not work just fine. On mine, I put one at the top and one at the bottom, each angled to match the angle of the vents, and it seems to work fine. Just a bit noisy if they run at night while you are sleeping. In fact, the smaller stock fan is loud enough to be something of an irritant at night as well.
 
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LeakyGasket

Member
Philip53 said:
Leaky, I can't think of any reason why it would not work just fine. On mine, I put one at the top and one at the bottom, each angled to match the angle of the vents, and it seems to work fine. Just a bit noisy if they run at night while you are sleeping. In fact, the smaller stock fan is loud enough to be something of an irritant at night as well.
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Thanks. As for fan noise, I have run a noise maker at night for the last 20 years (it's really only a fan in a can, so to speak). I love the background noise as it drowns out noises I don't want to hear. Maybe I should get 2 ARPS!
 
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LeakyGasket

Member
Well, I just ordered the Arp 3.1. Reviewed the "General Install Guide" and it was a little confusing until I reread NYBobbo's comments about the Winnebago connector.

What scared me a bit was about possible fridge removal to install the hot sensor. The instructions seem to contradict itself when it says it is easy to install, but then says some leave it's installation until the fridge is removed for maintenance. NYBobbo, did you have to remove your fridge to reach the tube sensor location?
 
S

smiller

2008 View J (2007 NCV3 3500)
LeakyGasket said:
What scared me a bit was about possible fridge removal to install the hot sensor. The instructions seem to contradict itself when it says it is easy to install, but then says some leave it's installation until the fridge is removed for maintenance.
Click to expand...
It is easy to install... as long as the fridge is siting in front of you on a table. :)
 
G

Geriakt

2017 View 24J
LeakyGasket said:
Well, I just ordered the Arp 3.1. Reviewed the "General Install Guide" and it was a little confusing until I reread NYBobbo's comments about the Winnebago connector.

What scared me a bit was about possible fridge removal to install the hot sensor. The instructions seem to contradict itself when it says it is easy to install, but then says some leave it's installation until the fridge is removed for maintenance. NYBobbo, did you have to remove your fridge to reach the tube sensor location?
Click to expand...

I had to unfortunately remove the refer to install the thermocouple on the heat stack. Not enough room to work through the outside coach vents.
 
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geob

Member
I'm interested in any install pointers and photos myself.

Be nice if can be installed without pulling fridge, but guess that's not possible. Lol

Also anyone know of any screens that fit those Thetford vents?
I see Camco makes some for Norcold vents, but those seem to be different vents and not sure if will work.
I realize screens will decrease vent and air flow, but I would think with these new fan blowers will still be an increase.

Thx guys!
Geo
 
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LeakyGasket

Member
geob said:
I'm interested in any install pointers and photos myself.

Be nice if can be installed without pulling fridge, but guess that's not possible. Lol

Thx guys!
Geo
Click to expand...

I sure wish there was a way to install the sensor without removing the fridge.

I'll make a promise to take pictures and try to provide helpful hints when I try to install mine. I should be making that attempt in the next week or so. Ordered the ARP yesterday.

My fridge has already been replaced once under warranty (2017 J), and I have since moved it a little myself because it appeared slanted backwards a bit, which I corrected. It required breaking/removing the seal at the back and bottom of the fridge to do that, so I sort of know how to at least partially remove the fridge. Hopefully, not all the way out though. Maybe it has to be removed completely, not sure.
 
Philip53

Philip53

2021 2500 Sprinter 170, 4 cyl gas
I had to remove mine all the way to install the sensor. Hardest part is freeing it from the silicone. I put a sturdy box on the floor in front of the fridge and slid the unit out onto the box, installed the sensor and slid it back in. The screws are easy to see just inside the fridge perimeter. They are covered by little caps. Good luck.
 
M

Mooneypaul

Member
I am about to install my ARP. Did any of you use some kind of box for the wiring? Also where did you connect the ground wires for the fans?
 
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