Refrigerator Door Failure -Doomed Trip

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Taftcoach

Senior Member
RV LIFE Pro
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Nov 7, 2016
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So after fixing the propane regulator and water pump another major issue. The refrigerator door fell off when the plastic bottom bracket snapped.

Norcold N811

We need another three weeks usage.

I picked up some CA glue to try to put the round pivot hole back together. But reattaching the broken piece to the door frame is probably a dream.

I also bought some L Braces and 2 part epoxy.

Before we leave town and drive 90 minutes back, any other ideas?

I'm considering trying to fashion a door from rigid foam insulation but not certain how it would seal and be usable.
 
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Read this thread: Hope it helps!

Norcold Door Fell Off

Getting ready to move this morning from Gaylord, Michigan to Petoskey, Michigan. Wife tells me the fridge door feels funny. Found the cheap plastic hinge on the bottom had broke like many others have had happen. Warranty expires in 2 days so I called Jayco and they said they will cover it. Gave...
www.jaycoowners.com www.jaycoowners.com
 
Thank you!

I can't seem to find an Amazon locker in northern Ontario. But at least it's getting me on a path for repair. I've been thinking it would require a new refrigerator.
 
Bugzilla46310 said:
Always amazed at what J B Weld can do. May need some masking tape or similar to make a form for it.
Click to expand...
X2. ... anything to make it useable until you get it home.

Norcold has field reps that will come to you if there is one near (don't know if that's still the case after the merger). They don't have them everywhere and I know your on the road so it's not likely you can use that service, but I would give Norcold CS a call and see if they can do something for you. ... maybe at one of your upcoming stops.
 
Are you able to switch which way the door swings/opens? Are the hinge seat/holes intact? If you switch the direction, the good bracket (currently the upper bracket?) would become the lower bracket; broken bracket becomes the upper. By switching, you will have the support for the door, and you can use velcro or duct tape to keep the upper part of door firmly against the door seals.
 
I looked at that. The pivot hole was not intact but some CA glue (crazy glue) put that part back together.

I was considering flipping but was hesitant to also change the freezer which was working perfectly.

The glue it back together and add gaffers tape is working until we get back home.
 
If this was a one or two week vacation it would really be crushing. At least we have many more weeks to enjoy while holding our breath that nothing else happens
 
Taftcoach said:
If this was a one or two week vacation it would really be crushing. At least we have many more weeks to enjoy while holding our breath that nothing else happens
Click to expand...
If you get a chance and there is enough clearance, I would add a piece of aluminum flat stock to the bottom. Use small screws to attach it, with a hole big enough for the hinge pin.
 
That's my plan. I purchased a four hole mending plate to use. Unfortunately the hole was too small for the pin. Adding to our difficulty, Canadian Tire locks up their drill bits and takes them to the till for purchase.

Of course I forgot to ask for them when we checked out and after driving 90 minutes I was not in the mood to drive back.

Who packs a drill with no bits? Me. I use it for the stabilizers.
 
The older the trailer gets, the more tools I have to bring.

We were shopping for a new one but after all this work I'm thinking we might as well keep it for another year or two.
 
Shim it with a piece of 2x4 and tie the door shut
You probably know not to store anything in the door while underway
Also make sure the fridge isn't falling out
Periodically we have to shove ours back in an inch
And yes the latch broke again this last trip
hence we have rope
 
We know not to store anything in the door, but we did anyway. And it was heavy liquids. Totally user error.
 
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