Who Is Norcold? A Quick History

Norcold traces its roots back to 1959, when it began as a small manufacturer focused on specialty refrigerators for RVs, trucks, and marine applications. Over time, they became one of the primary OEM suppliers for major RV manufacturers, especially known for gas-absorption refrigerators that could run on propane or 120V AC.

Key milestones in the Norcold story:

• 1960s–1980s: Norcold builds its reputation in the RV space by supplying compact, efficient absorption fridges tailored to mobile applications.

• 1990s–2000s: The brand solidifies itself as a go-to name in RV refrigeration, with models like the 600/6000 and 800/8000 series becoming extremely common in motorhomes and fifth wheels.

• Acquisition: Norcold becomes part of Thetford Corporation, a major player in RV sanitation and related products, which helps expand distribution, service, and parts availability in the RV industry.

• 2010s–2020s: Norcold continues to modernize with improved controls, better insulation, and more efficient cooling units, while still focusing primarily on gas-absorption technology and 12V/120V configurations for RVs and boats. By the time most of today’s RVers hit the road, Norcold was already “baked in” to the industry—if you bought a motorhome, there’s a very good chance the factory fridge said Norcold on the badge.​

• On November 3, 2025, Norcold LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (Case No. 25-11933). According to the filings, the company listed significant liabilities and described the filing as part of a process intended to facilitate a sale of its assets and restructure its operations, not to shut down production entirely.

  • In plain English:

    • This is a reorganization, not a disappearance.

    • For RV owners, the most important question isn’t the legal jargon—it’s: “Can I still get parts, support, and new fridges?” So far, the answer has effectively been yes:

      • Norcold refrigerators are still in circulation and installed in huge numbers of RVs.

      • Parts are still being manufactured, distributed, and sold through normal RV channels.

      • Service centers and independent parts dealers continue to stock and ship Norcold OEM and aftermarket parts every day.

    • From a practical, real-world standpoint, it’s business as usual for RV owners:

• Your fridge doesn’t suddenly stop working because of a court filing.

• The massive installed base of Norcold units creates strong incentive for ongoing parts support, whether under the Norcold name or through successor entities, licensing, or third-party suppliers.

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