Bad fridge lock luck

MyronL · 02-01-2020, 06:27 PM

Here I am 2 days from heading out to Arizona and ultimately to the Quartzsite rally, soo --doing my trailer check of the fridge for on propane. What I find is that bloody plastic Dometic door latch catch is busted again. In two places. Can't believe it. Pulled it out and applied the glue but am absolutely sure that will not hold. So, how do I keep the door latched? Too late to order a replacement. Hope when I get to Quartzsite some vendor there will have the part.

Probably too much to hope for. No choice. Will rely on my hearty door strap. When this first happened some time ago, was able to make a latch from some aluminum square tubing. It doesn't work as well as the original latch. Still got it. Donna alerted me to an online supplier, thought I was good. Now this.
Aaargh!

**Donna D.** · 02-01-2020, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyronL

Donna alerted me to an online supplier, thought I was good. Now this.
Aaargh!

So the replacement you bought from the link I provided broke too?

MyronL · 02-01-2020, 07:28 PM

Yes. But I think I broke it. Have this tendency to be ham-fisted. Moral of story: never leave home without your ice chest.

stpax · 02-01-2020, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyronL

Here I am 2 days from heading out to Arizona and ultimately to the Quartzsite rally, soo --doing my trailer check of the fridge for on propane. What I find is that bloody plastic Dometic door latch catch is busted again. In two places. Can't believe it. Pulled it out and applied the glue but am absolutely sure that will not hold. So, how do I keep the door latched? Too late to order a replacement. Hope when I get to Quartzsite some vendor there will have the part.

Probably too much to hope for. No choice. Will rely on my hearty door strap. When this first happened some time ago, was able to make a latch from some aluminum square tubing. It doesn't work as well as the original latch. Still got it. Donna alerted me to an online supplier, thought I was good. Now this.
Aaargh!

How about trying velcro...i think that might work for a vacation!

cpaharley2008 · 02-01-2020, 08:00 PM

Myron,
I attach 2 metal loops and run a web belt to secure the doors.
metal loops https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Ins...s%2C145&sr=8-4
straps https://www.amazon.com/Harrier-72-in...s%2C169&sr=8-2

gbaglo · 02-01-2020, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Myron,
I attach 2 metal loops and run a web belt to secure the doors.
metal loops

Myron posted, "Will rely on my hearty door strap".

Iowa Dave · 02-01-2020, 08:16 PM

Hi Myron
On our 19 we had the latch on the 2510 fail once. After that I bought two very small ( about 1 1/2 inches long) brushed nickel finish metal cleats. I installed them about halfway down the door and secured them with a heavy shoestring. Never had another problem. Perhaps this would get you by for this trip?
Iowa Dave

Doug2000 · 02-02-2020, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyronL

Yes. But I think I broke it. Have this tendency to be ham-fisted. Moral of story: never leave home without your ice chest.

With all the troubles I have had with RV fridges over the years, we opted for the standard fridge with understanding we will always bring an ice chest. Besides later in the evening I don’t want to have to go inside to get another pop from the fridge.

75thRanger · 02-02-2020, 06:45 AM

Do the latches fail due to opening/closing fridge or somehow during travel?

Are the straps used to simply keep the fridge closed or secure it during travel? Both?

I'm curious because my new replacement fridge Dometic sent me does not have the 'thumb press' switch, just pull the handle like your home unit. I've not looked at the locking mechanism.

Wondering if I should exercise some preventive maintenance and install some straps.

**Donna D.** · 02-02-2020, 07:23 AM

Myron, is it possible the lower hinge on the refrigerator is failing and that's causing the door to 'lower down' to the point the door lock is also lowering over the lock bracket? Just thinking out loud here.....

MyronL · 02-02-2020, 07:38 AM

The problem is if not careful when closing it the metal latch on the door can bang into the gray plastic catch and bust it. That's evidently what I did.

cpaharley2008 · 02-02-2020, 09:51 AM

But the straps are always a good preventative installation. Guarantees your door will stay shut. Also keep heavy items off the door, another preventative measure.

rubicon327 · 02-02-2020, 12:23 PM

Myron: I’m sure you’ll come up with something to ensure you get that scrumptious Taylor Pork Roll to Quartzsite!!

MyronL · 02-02-2020, 05:04 PM

All strapped in, Jim. And, fridge is working fine on propane, but 3 bags of ice is in the Engel because -you never know. Got to keep that Taylor ham pork roll safe.

Regards potential post Q foraging into Mexico - I got my passport but ---we cannot find Nancy's passport.

(Damn!) Regardless, all loaded for tomorrow.

Just back from the gas station and, a nice chat with a couple met there who are on their way back home to Mississippi, towing their Oliver, from Quartzsite. Told me all about when Jon V. was walking past their Oliver at Q and got chased by their Doberman.

currinh · 02-02-2020, 10:47 PM

Myron:

We are wintering in Brenda, some 12 miles east of Q. If you need an address to ship the part to let me know. We'll likely not attend the rally but it's not a long drive to come pick it up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyronL

Too late to order a replacement. Hope when I get to Quartzsite some vendor there will have the part.

Patandlinda · 02-03-2020, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by currinh

Myron:

We are wintering in Brenda, some 12 miles east of Q. If you need an address to ship the part to let me know. We'll likely not attend the rally but it's not a long drive to come pick it up.

Disappointed Hugh Linda and I were hoping to see your new home ! Pat

h2owmn · 02-03-2020, 10:30 AM

Hugh and Linda, my sentiments are the same.

Ron in BC · 02-03-2020, 03:01 PM

Oh man, I'm probably going to be in the dog house when you hear this. I had my 19 fridge door updated with the better insulated one and put the old one aside in case of damage to the new one. Of course, after we got the 21 it was now surplus and my intent was to take it to Q'site to see if you or Pat wanted it or wanted to strip it of usable parts. Of course in the usual last minute packing up I somehow forgot to load it.

Doesn't help you now but we'll figure out how to make it your new spare door.

Ron

Patandlinda · 02-03-2020, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

Oh man, I'm probably going to be in the dog house when you hear this. I had my 19 fridge door updated with the better insulated one and put the old one aside in case of damage to the new one. Of course, after we got the 21 it was now surplus and my intent was to take it to Q'site to see if you or Pat wanted it or wanted to strip it of usable parts. Of course in the usual last minute packing up I somehow forgot to load it.

Doesn't help you now but we'll figure out how to make it your new spare door.

Ron

Thankyou Ron for thinking of us ,but Myron really could use the replacement door . When all that was going on I was able to get one of those doors too but so far haven’t had any issues with our door . So I have my original door too in case . See you soon. Pat

scubarx · 03-21-2020, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyronL

...Just back from the gas station and, a nice chat with a couple met there who are on their way back home to Mississippi, towing their Oliver, from Quartzsite. Told me all about when Jon V. was walking past their Oliver at Q and got chased by their Doberman.

We did make it home and Reacher didn't chase anyone!!! I think he wanted to get home as bad as we did.

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