What Is The Difference Between The Norcold NC63FR And The Older NV8DC

Updated 09/09/2025 | Published 08/04/2025

Question:

The Norcold NC63FR appears to be a direct replacement for the earlier model NV8DC and the even earlier N8DC. Dont know much about the N8DC, but the NV8DC seems to have been a redesign for lower manufacturing costs eliminating the dual temp controls among other things. That was probably problematic as there was an upgrade control board offered which claimed to do a better job of automatic temp control. However, even with that Im seeing as much as a 30 degree swing in temps from setpoint on my NV8DC. I see the NC63FR has gone to a residential style cooling grid on the rear in place of the small underneath cooling coil setup used in the N8DC and NV8DC, which I assume was to offer better cooling performance and temperature stability. Does this require the more traditional RV outside cooling vent openings? Neither the N8DC or NV8DC required this and they attempt to vent back into the RV interior. What other changes were made to the NC63FR over the N8DC and NV8DC that might make it a better replacement for the older models?

asked by: Bob N

Expert Reply:

Hey Bob,

The Norcold Polar # NC63FR does offer a larger interior space at 8.2 cubic feet, but the over all dimensions are the same between that and the older model. I know the # NC63FR has a built in vent at the top and clearance at the bottom that air flow must not be blocked on for proper ventilation. It does offer more efficient cooling and some newer designed inside doors. Besides that I am not sure what major technical changes they made between the 2 since I am not too familiar with the older NV8DC. I would recommend reaching out to Norcold directly for a more in depth technical change idea between the 2 models.

What kind of Rv are you wanting to put this in?

expert reply by: Nick S

Nick S.

9/2/2025

Hey Bob, Did you decide to go with the Norcold Polar for your RV? I'm curious to know if the built-in vent and improved cooling features worked out for you. Your experience could really help others considering a similar upgrade!

Bob N.

9/7/2025

@NickS My RV came with the Norcold NV8DC which I haven't replaced yet. I'm not happy with the wide temperature excursions from the setpoint and the lack of separate temp controls for the freezer and refrigerator compartments, which both the older N8DC and the newer? NC63FR have. The N8DC and NV8DC vent back into the inside of the RV rather than using the traditional RV sidewall and roof vents, so I'm thinking the rear vent coils on the NC63FR might offer better cooling and be able to better maintain temps in the freezer and refrigerator. However, I will say that the NV8DC and presumably the N8DC and NC63FR all being compressor type units perform far better in an RV environment than the absorption units in any of my previous RVs - I'm able to keep ice cream frozen while camping in the hot Southwest in the summer.

Nick S.

9/9/2025

@BobN I think those rear coils will provide better cooling and better control of maintaining the temperature. It will definitely let you enjoy that ice cream with no issues.