A Women's RV Forum run by Women RVer's!

I’ve been so lucky during the 7 years I’ve had my RV. I didn’t have to take it in for any work while under warranty or after, and except for replacing the kitchen faucet myself, nothing has needed to be fixed. However, now I have a problem and don’t know how to proceed. Not long ago, a small piece of plastic fell out of the fridge latch. Since then, i’ve had a problem with the fridge door coming open due to centrifugal force when making turns. So I’ve been using duct tape in the meantime to keep it closed. Yesterday while at Harp’s RV Service, they called Dometic to see about getting a replacement part. They were advised Dometic discontinued making the part in 2015. Apparently there’s an after-market part that costs $100, but they were told by a tech at Dometic that it wouldn’t work. All Harp’s said was to see if someone could make a “makeshift latch.” Somehow, a bungee cord or more duct tape just don’t appeal to me!

I don’t know what to do. I have to fix it somehow as I will want to sell the rig sometime. Should I believe the after-market part won’t work? Can anyone give me any ideas on how to solve this? My luck of not having any previous problems and not learning where to go and how to solve them are definitely working against me. Any help and ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Sandi

I was lucky a couple times and stopped in independent service places and they had parts... Twice I was given what I needed. I've been told about used parts... So I googled and found this place: https://www.azrvsalvage.com/used-rv-parts.html
I'd give them a call. I didn't look further, there may be other similar places.

I have heard of this place they sometimes are vendors at the big tent... I keep thinking I am going to see if they have a
motor for the turn table for my microwave... you might call Terry at Terry's Mobile RV 719-221-1815 he has done some work on my rig... out of Colorado but maybe able to give you some advice or have an idea where to find the part.... just a thought.
sheila

Maybe find a forum for your type of RV and ask there.

I agree with checking with some independent service shops. I had the glass plate break on my microwave, and they were back-ordered on Amazon, with an estimated wait time of 3 months. I was about ready to have to replace the whole microwave, but I stopped in for some other work at a local dealer near my son's house, and they pulled out a plastic milk carton full of glass trays and microwave parts!! Whenever they had to replace a microwave, they saved the glass plate, the ring it rests on, and the little round thing that makes it turn.

Not sure where you can find an RV junk yard, but that is another option.

Also, you might want to call Dometic directly. They might have a solution, and this is better than taking the information second-hand.

Norh West RV Supply of Eugene told me if they didn't have a part and I couldn't find it elsewhere to call them and they would help find it, whatever was needed! Their phone is: 541-746-9092

I've run across quite a few used parts RV places around the country. I don't think they would advertise on a large scale, tho, since they are basically junk dealers who pick up and collect parts and pieces. There used to be a very large one right off I-10 in California that everyone seemed to know. I believe he retired but another used parts dealer bought all his inventory. Gambler's, in Quartzsite year round, has some used parts and I'm sure Sheila might know other vendors there especially during the tent weeks in Jan., but that doesn't help you right now.

I would call each and every RV repair place I could find in your area as well as Dometic. Ask the RV guys where you might be able to find this part. Most of them have contacts where they can order things. Seems like most of the RV repair guys here in SoCal are able to lay their hands on parts even for brands that have gone under. Dometic is alive and well, so I would think they could help.

Thanks everyone so far for your ideas. I’m going to follow up on each one after the holiday. If anyone else has more ideas, please keep them coming. I have a feeling this is going to take awhile, many phone calls and a lot of luck. Thanks in advance.
Sandi

It would be helpful if you can get the discontinued part number, Sandi.

chalet05 wrote:It would be helpful if you can get the discontinued part number, Sandi.

When Harp’s called, Dometic asked for the “Product Number”which I found on a sticker inside the fridge. I’m going to call Dometic myself, and I’ll see if there’s a specific number for the part. Thanks Anita.
Sandi

Hi Sandi.

Sorry about your refrigerator problem. I'm not sure if you are talking about a metal part or a plastic part, but "thinking outside the box" here, if it is a plastic part, and you still have the "bits" you might be able to find someone who could "print it out" for you on a 3-D printer.

Anne

Cudedog wrote:Hi Sandi.

Sorry about your refrigerator problem. I'm not sure if you are talking about a metal part or a plastic part, but "thinking outside the box" here, if it is a plastic part, and you still have the "bits" you might be able to find someone who could "print it out" for you on a 3-D printer.

Anne

It was a very small, thin plastic part that didn’t appear to be all in one piece. I don’t know why they have to make parts so flimsy especially when they’re in an area that gets lots of use. I think it may have broken in more than one piece when it failed. So, it wasn’t something I can reproduce. Good idea though.

The piece that broke was from the bottom front on the left of the part in this pic. I think it was maybe a piece that a latch on the door would hook onto to hold the door closed but I’m not sure. I can see the jagged edge where it broke off, but from the angle of this pic it doesn’t show up.

Sandi

Sandi
was going through so paper stuff weeding out and found this business card
Arizona RV Salvage
AzRvSalvage.com
602-272-0301
They are located in Phoenix and is the company that I was referring to in the above post from me
basically a bone yard as I understand but worth a call I would guess
sheila

Sheila, that's the same place I posted. Great minds think alike.

Did you check Amazon?

Is this it?

https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-38510470 ... ay&sr=8-60