black plastic external panel fasteners?

[CharlesPou]

have new 2018 Escape 21 and 1st thing the little black plastic panel fasteners attaching the refrigerator vent to the outside broke. I used a drywall anchor screw to attach, and plan to install auto 1/4-20 U-type speed nuts as retainer.

appears the replacement plastic OEM fasteners are hard to find and probably very expensive. just wondering what others are doing, if anything.

[padlin]

I've seen the exact same thing as you show at Napa Auto, in metal, if the size is right.

[Defenestrator]

I open and close mine a lot for the Texas fan switch, and have been dreading the day when those little soft plastic fasteners wear out. Short-term I figure some sort of car body fasteners will do, like maybe the plastic rivets. Or zipties in a pinch.

Long-term, looks like you might be able to get direct replacements at Camping World for a fairly sane price: https://www.campingworld.com/frig-conveter-latch

[cpaharley2008]

On Prairie Schooner there were maybe 4 unused tabs behind the panel, I drilled a hole thru the cover and screwed in a sheet metal screw that bit into a plastic tab. I inserted a tiny rubber washer on the exterior screw head. Worked fine for 18 months until the new owner took over and is still working, I'm told. I'll have to wait until possession of the new style cover to make an assessment of adding additional security. I will note that an internal switch for the Texas fan will be a priority to eliminate the need to open the door needlessly and save wear and tear on the plastic components.