Refrigerator Door Fell off - Page 2

Cactusogre · 07-30-2016, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by preceptjoe

Was this the 2 door or 4 door model?

Mine is the 2 door- large fridge door below small freezer door.

TimHolt · 07-30-2016, 12:07 PM

It couldn't hurt, right?

CarlB · 08-01-2016, 06:08 AM

After about 6,000 miles mine broke as well. 2015 greyhawk, however we were also on the ultimate stress test known as the Alaska Canadian highway and the Dalton Highway. It failed completely when we were many hours from the nearest town and the fridge was very full. We knew nothing of the fact that we had a plastic hinge before this happened to us. We were able to effect a field repair to get us home and avoid any food spoilage. We now run the reinforcement kit....

edatlanta · 08-02-2016, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LI-Camper

After reading about several MH owners that experienced the same problem, I decided to be proactive and to buy the hinge retrofit before it happened to me on a trip. I have an N811 Norcold frig. The new part is for N6 and N8 Norcold refrigerators. It is part # 634166 ordered from Amazon. I got the part # by emailing to service dept. at Norcold. It fits on the bottom of the door with no tools. The top hinge has a screw that holds the door in place. It cost $25 using Amazon Prime.

So this retrofit part just sits on the metal hinge pin bracket and the door sits back down on this new part, is this correct? I have a Norcold N1095 and this part number says it fits my model as well. I certainly don't want to have a broken door bracket.

TimHolt · 08-02-2016, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edatlanta

So this retrofit part just sits on the metal hinge pin bracket and the door sits back down on this new part, is this correct? I have a Norcold N1095 and this part number says it fits my model as well. I certainly don't want to have a broken door bracket.

Edatlanta,
Actually, the hinge support slides into the bottom (or top) of the door itself so it is physically attached to the bottom of the door.

edatlanta · 08-02-2016, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimHolt

Edatlanta,
Actually, the hinge support slides into the bottom (or top) of the door itself so it is physically attached to the bottom of the door.

I know how the door comes off so I hope this makes sense once I see the part. It sounds like this part basically is sandwiched between the plastic bracket on the bottom of the door and the metal hinge pin bracket attached to the refrigerator cabinet.

Thanks.

hoppers4 · 08-02-2016, 05:56 PM

Just took a close look at the lower hinge on mine and discovered that it's cracked. Ordered the reinforcement from Amazon.

che57vy · 08-02-2016, 07:35 PM

I made my bracket from a piece of aluminum I had laying around, took door off and made a template cut and drilled it out now its reinforced. Guess I was lucky my was a 09 and hinge had not cracked .

NBomar · 08-04-2016, 12:14 AM

Is this still an issue on the 2015/2016 model Senecas?

**norty1** · 08-04-2016, 06:25 AM

I guess I had best go out and inspect mine while it is sitting open for a few more weeks.

Ya'll are making me work to much!

on edit: Mine is a series N81x. All hinges are metal. I can sleep better! No money to spend on that.

edatlanta · 08-04-2016, 08:12 AM

I haven't inspected my hinge yet, but the door hasn't fallen off. My retrofit bracket should arrive tomorrow so if I find a crack I will have the fix in my hand. I'm hoping mine isn't cracked since I NEVER travel with anything in the door.

TimHolt · 08-04-2016, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NBomar

Is this still an issue on the 2015/2016 model Senecas?

It is an issue with Norcold Refrigerators...not necessarily the RV itself.

hoppers4 · 08-05-2016, 05:25 PM

Installed the hinge fix. It's about a 10 minute job. Really hard to say who's to blame for the problem. Jayco, for installing a piece of heavy trim on the front, or Norcold for not making the door beefy enough in the first place.

che57vy · 08-05-2016, 05:46 PM

When i took my door off to put the support I made on the hinge I could not believe how heavy the door was and if you add items in the door no wonder it breaks,I guess I got lucky or got plastic that was not made on a Monday

**norty1** · 08-05-2016, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edatlanta

I haven't inspected my hinge yet, but the door hasn't fallen off. My retrofit bracket should arrive tomorrow so if I find a crack I will have the fix in my hand. I'm hoping mine isn't cracked since I NEVER travel with anything in the door.

ed: Your hinge should be metal.

edatlanta · 08-06-2016, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norty1

ed: Your hinge should be metal.

The bottom bracket with the hinge pin in it is metal according to my magnet, but the bracket on the bottom of the door that fits on this hinge pin seems to be plastic. I haven't taken the door off yet to verify, but will do that later today.

**norty1** · 08-06-2016, 07:24 AM

Maybe I'm looking at the wrong side of the hinge. Back to the drawing board.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**norty1** · 08-07-2016, 01:26 PM

Another look and mine is plastic and in good shape. I think I'll let it ride as is. 5 years of heavy use and all is good.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

SmokerBill · 08-07-2016, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norty1

Another look and mine is plastic and in good shape. I think I'll let it ride as is. 5 years of heavy use and all is good.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Same here. 2011 was a very good year.

edatlanta · 08-09-2016, 06:44 AM

I finally got off of my back side just now and removed my Norcold door. The pictures are of the install are attached.

Picture #1 shows the bottom bracket and the pin is definitely metal. Note the magnet attached.

Picture #2 shows the hinge on the bottom of the door and it is definitely plastic and is not cracked, but I can't imagine why it isn't due to the weight on it. I don't travel with anything in the door so maybe that is the reason - who knows!

Picture #3 shows the retrofit metal bracket attached to the bottom of the door.

Picture #4 shows the new washer included with the retrofit kit installed on the metal hinge pin.

Picture #5 is the info label on my Norcold.

I don't know if my original Norcold, the same model, had the metal hinge pin bracket or not. The cooling unit failed on the original one and the entire Norcold was replaced in February 2014 with a new one (warranty thank goodness).

My Norcold opens from the right side and since the retrofit kit has both right and left open brackets included, does anyone want the bracket for a left opening installation? The first name and address I receive will get it for free. It isn't worth trying to figure out the money transfer for such a small amount. I will mail it in the original plastic bag with instruction sheet and the other flat washer. The part number of this kit is 634166.

The install took less time than to go get a big screw driver out of my truck.

You may also like: