Norcold Side Vent Mod to Prevent Leaks

[Roosevelt008]

Hi. During heavy wind driven rain we get water in through the side fridge vent. Not every rain gets it wet behind the fridge...only hard wind driven rains. Does anyone have any ideas/mods/suggestions to alleviate this problem? I understand we don't want to restrict airflow...I only want to restrict water from entering due to poor rv design/engineering (imagine that!).

In the meantime, I've ordered a second vent door that I am going to seal off and put on during periods when we're not using the RV to keep rain out. But I still want a better option for when we are using the unit.

Thanks,

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by Roosevelt008

I only want to restrict water from entering due to poor rv design/engineering (imagine that!).

Pic of the vent? Over 35 years with gas/elec fridge and never an issue. Actually, you may be the first to even mention it as a ongoing problem that I can remember

[16WhiteColly]

I sealed both of my side vents when I installed a residential fridge. Once the Norcold was gone, I did not need them. I now have a vent inside for the fridge to vent.

[Roosevelt008]

16WhiteColly...what kind of fridge did you replace your norcold with?

[Roosevelt008]

Here is pic of vent

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Pic of the vent? Over 35 years with gas/elec fridge and never an issue. Actually, you may be the first to even mention it as a ongoing problem that I can remember

X2, something is not right. I suspect you might have a caulking issue. Maybe dripping down from a leak up at the roof, or slideout/wall interface.

Edit; I reviewed the floorplan. This TT, has one sidewall vent and a roof vent. So it is not in the slide out.

Where are you seeing the water? How much?

If it is truly coming in through the vent assembly, have you checked the caulking? There is 3(??) holes in the lower portion of the outer frame, that the panel slips into. I wonder if water getting into them, and then into the TT. Maybe the overall hole was cut to big, and/or not enough butyl caulk was placed under the frame?

Have you gone up on the roof and verified the roof top vent is not damaged? There is 4 Philips head screws that hold the top rain cover in place. I would remove the top cover, inspect it, and the frame for possible damage.

[Roosevelt008]

I agree Grumpy...we've owned 7 or 8 RV's and never had an issue with norcold vent leaking....IDK

[Roosevelt008]

I'll keep checking around. I purchased our unit in January 2021 and resealed roof, vents, skylights, seams, etc including removing roof vent and resealing all around roof vent and screws that attach roof vent. I do this to any new unit for peace of mind and I know it's done and done right from the start!. I'm stumped too!

[16WhiteColly]

Originally Posted by Roosevelt008

16WhiteColly...what kind of fridge did you replace your norcold with?

A Haler, I think 2.7 cu. ft. from Lowe’s? It fit in with about adding a small 1” trim board on the side and about a 2” on top. Let me look at Lowe’s and I will post a link.

[16WhiteColly]

Originally Posted by Roosevelt008

16WhiteColly...what kind of fridge did you replace your norcold with?

This one 1.7 cu. ft. but I also have a 1.7 cu. ft. Freezer only on top of my pantry.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hisense-1-7...TAR/1002981220

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by Roosevelt008

Here is pic of vent

Now that vent does look different, that is why I ask. I have never seen the slots down that low especially on the top row.

[norty1]

My Norcold vent. Never leaked.
Pictures appear to be identical less color.

[norty1]

If you don't need the vent, Just run a strip of Gorilla tape over the vents on the inside of the door.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by norty1

My Norcold vent. Never leaked.
Pictures appear to be identical less color.

The top row of his seems to.have the slots lower and are readily visible in the picture.

[norty1]

Must be the angle?

[Woodworker]

I have the same vent cover no issues. I agree with others maybe the seal around it?

[Rock]

I had the same issue in blowing rain. The control
Box got wet and shut down. Had to use the magnet trick to reset box. I just took some alum tape and taped from wall over box. When rain blows sideways it does come in from top side vent and runs down onto box wire connections.

[Bob Brimer]

Greyhawk 2010 31FS. Only had this problem in 2021. Have asked the same question before with no good answers. Current replies give me other ideas or reinforces my previous efforts. Only happens in strong winds. Heavy vertical rains no problem. Water would get into the electrical area below refrigerator. Worried that I would have a major electrical issue. Hope a new effort will give good results. Keep you all informed.