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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: George Stoltz on October 22, 2010, 11:32:39 pm

Title: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: George Stoltz on October 22, 2010, 11:32:39 pm
Stuff wears out.  The magnetic gasket on our refrigerator is separating and needs to be replaced.  Could not find a source for this part on Barry's web site.

Has anyone had to order this part?  I need a source.

Thank you.
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: Barry Beam on October 22, 2010, 11:41:43 pm
Quote
The magnetic gasket on our refrigerator is separating and needs to be replaced.
Whats the model number of the refer??
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: George Stoltz on October 22, 2010, 11:57:23 pm
Barry
 1282
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: Barry Beam on October 23, 2010, 12:27:17 am
Quote
The magnetic gasket on our refrigerator is separating and needs to be replaced
George, Try
http://www.aaarv.net/dometic_gasket_kits.htm (http://www.aaarv.net/dometic_gasket_kits.htm)
Gasket Part #3108708.458  for RM1272, NDR1272, RM1282, NDR1282
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: George Stoltz on October 23, 2010, 05:14:40 pm
Barry:
 
Thank you.  I will make some calls this week while we are in Nac.
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: George Stoltz on October 23, 2010, 05:18:47 pm
Has anyone replaced any refrigerator door gasket?  I want to know if it was a peel and stick application.  If so, and if the replacement gasket for our model cannot be purchased  for less than $298 plus S&H, then I will buy one or two other kits and piece it together.  A price of $300 sounds like highway robbery to me.
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: Barry Beam on October 23, 2010, 05:24:33 pm
Quote
Has anyone replaced any refrigerator door gasket?  I want to know if it was a peel and stick application.
You have to cut the old gasket from the door.
Instructions here:
http://www.aaarv.net/dometic_door_gaskets.htm (http://www.aaarv.net/dometic_door_gaskets.htm)
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: amos.harrison on October 23, 2010, 11:23:34 pm
George,

For what it's worth, $300 buys you both the fridge and freezer gaskets.  Once they're gone, I don't think there is a substitute that will do the job.  They have to provide a uniform tight seal all around the perimeter on the door. 
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: George Stoltz on October 23, 2010, 11:29:55 pm
Sorry, but the $298.49 is clearly shown as the cost of the gasket replacement kit Only. I wish it were otherwise.
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: amos.harrison on October 24, 2010, 06:39:38 am
George,

I was surprised when I ordered the Dometic gasket kit to replace my freezer gasket and got both door gaskets.  I used the one and still have the other waiting for the refrigerator side to fail.
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: George Stoltz on October 24, 2010, 09:44:08 am
Do you recall where you got it and what the price was?  And, is is peel and stick?
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: amos.harrison on October 24, 2010, 03:56:39 pm
I got the Dometic parts vendor's name and number from FT parts.  I can look it up if you can't get it easily.  Yes, it's peel and stick.  That's why the surface has to be prepped very carefully.  You have to be very careful about how you position the gasket before you peel.  You only get one chance.
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: George Stoltz on October 24, 2010, 09:20:32 pm
Amos,
 
Thank you.  That is a great piece of information.  An ultra-thin Sharpie could be used to mark alongside of the old gasket before installing the new one.
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on October 25, 2010, 09:21:30 am
I am sure that it is obvious but.. Door must be removed for gasket replacement.. It cannot be done in place,  and I'll echo that you only get ONE chance at the sticky tape on the new gasket.  I did one a couple years ago and it is time consuming and stressful to do it right.
Good luck
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: Rick on October 25, 2010, 11:26:52 am
Can you use wax paper underneath before final stick down and slide it out as you go?
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on October 25, 2010, 12:18:42 pm
Rick, Wax paper might be the answer, I would try it to see if adhesive will stick to It and if not you have a solution.  That's the value of this forum, someone has been there done that and has a better idea.
Good Luck
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: George Stoltz on October 25, 2010, 05:38:01 pm
Stuff wears out.  The magnetic gasket on our refrigerator is separating and needs to be replaced.  Could not find a source for this part on Barry's web site.

Has anyone had to order this part?  I need a source.

Thank you.



I am closing in on a solution and want to share my thinking here because we don't always have to buy a replacement part in order to fix something.  I could not bring myself to spend $300 for a fridge gasket that cost $15 at most to make.

I only need to replace the bottom section that is about 23 inches long, and so I decided to try to find a smaller gasket.  Ebay turned up 3 suppliers and I have contacted each, but have not heard back.  This solution will be between $40 and about $75.

Next I  went to Lowes and found a decent alternative.  It is a roll of white vinyl weatherstripping with pressure sensitive tape on one side.  It is pretty close to the height and width that I need.  Cost was under $7.00 for the roll.  But I will hold off to see if I can get a real (but smaller) Dometic gasket on ebay and cut off the short length needed.

So, whatever solution I use, I am saving a huge amount of money that is better spent on something else for our coach.

Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: Kent Speers on October 25, 2010, 06:01:39 pm
Once again it appears we think alike George. I like cheap and even better, cheap that works. Since these frig strips are not magnetic, I can't see why the $7.00 solution wouldn't work fine. So what if you would have to replace it after a while. It might last for years. All that is required is that it is air tight. Maybe use a little caulk at the corners.
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: George Stoltz on October 25, 2010, 06:05:01 pm
Kent,
 
I agree.
 
Quote

Once again it appears we think alike George. I like cheap and even better, cheap that works. Since these frig strips are not magnetic, I can't see why the $7.00 solution wouldn't work fine. So what if you would have to replace it after a while. It might last for years. All that is required is that it is air tight. Maybe use a little caulk at the corners.
 
Kent Speers
 1993 U300 40' (Restored at FOT 2009)
 
V692 DDEC Engine
 2002 Subaru Outback
 
 
--
 
George & Sandy & Trixie
Lost in America in a 40' Foretravel aka "Moose"
Follow our adventures at
 
http://sangeo-travels.blogspot.com/
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: Virginia on October 26, 2010, 12:19:03 pm

I only need to replace the bottom section that is about 23 inches long,.......Next I  went to Lowes and found a decent alternative.  It is a roll of white vinyl weatherstripping with pressure sensitive tape on one side.  It is pretty close to the height and width that I need.  Cost was under $7.00 for the roll.  But I will hold off to see if I can get a real (but smaller) Dometic gasket on ebay and cut off the short length needed.

So, whatever solution I use, I am saving a huge amount of money that is better spent on something else for our coach.

George,

Having similar issue with my fridge door and discussing with FOT -

I got the white weatherstripping from Lowe's also - Cut gasket area back but did not remove the back of the gasket attached to door, stuck the weatherstripping over it and then used some silicone sealant to seal each end to the gasket - PRESTO

This will work well for me for a while - I was also told it is better to replace the whole door instead of the gasket  :)) YEA, only money!!!
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: George Stoltz on October 26, 2010, 02:39:50 pm
Virginia,
 
I am delighted to hear of your success, but I am having a little bit of trouble trying to get a mental picture.  I know a photo will not show that much.
 
What is not clear to me is:
 
To what did you attached the sticky part of the new white weather stripping?   
 
Am I correct in understanding that the sealant (caulk?) that you used was just to join the corners at the 45 degree angle?
 
Finally, the old gasket has a flat magnetic strip inside.  Did you re-use this or just discard it?
 
Isn't this just the greatest forum?
 
Thanks for your additional input.
 
And whoever told you that nonsense about it being better to just go ahead and replace the whole door is more interested in increasing the number at the bottom of the invoice. .
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: Virginia on October 26, 2010, 07:47:31 pm
OK George - I'm going to work on loading this picture  :o bear or bare with me  :))

I left the magnetic back side of gasket on door - the weatherstripping is stuck to the backside of the gasket which is stuck to the magnetic part - Now this is as clear as Deep Dish Chocolate Pecan Pie with Blue Bell Ice Cream on top, dang that sounds good  :P :P :P

Yea I just put a tiny bit of sealant up on each edge of the gasket to more or less give the two materials something to hold them down on the back side - I was afraid to use it on the front side for fear of gluing the door shut as well as it was dang hot weather and did not want my beer to get hot  ;D ;D ;D

Well now I'm not sure of the bottom line on that replacing the fridge door concept - it may be a deep story even I don't care to know the end of - - BUT you've got it pegged. I'll wait for the whole dang fridge to die before I start parting it out.
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: JohnFitz on October 26, 2010, 08:32:15 pm
George,

Here might be another alternative:
http://www.mcmaster.com/#magnetic-gaskets/=9g6waa (http://www.mcmaster.com/#magnetic-gaskets/=9g6waa)
(incase the link doesn't work it's on page 3441)

It's a kit made just for freezers and refrigerators with magnetic seals.  I have never used them so I don't know how well they work but I'm rarely disappointed with McMaster-Carr quality.  I use McMaster-Carr catalog a lot at work and home (mostly on the  coach) for over 15 years.
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: George Stoltz on October 27, 2010, 11:46:19 am
O.K.  Success!!!

Yesterday at Wal-Mart I decided to look and see what they had on hand in the way of weather stripping.  I found the perfect item (same product that Virginia Cunningham found and used) for only $5.00. Think of two thick-walled soda straws side by side.  That's what I got.  (See photos).

I cut out the "bad" section, cleaned the vinyl with alcohol, warmed up the plastic with a hair dryer and peeled the adhesive protective strip and pressed into place.  Less than 10 minutes to do the job.

Note:  the new seal does not contain a magnetic strip.  However, since the door has a latch to hold it shut and this action compresses the seal I put into place, I have every confidence that cold air will not leak from the bottom.

The $295.00 saved sure looks better in my pocket.

Installer's note: the pieces of rope on the bathroom floor were used to hold the door open during service.  ;D :)) ;D
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: Barry Beam on October 27, 2010, 12:08:27 pm
Nice job George.
Very creative.  :)
Let us know if you see any temperature loss from your normal.
On our Dometic the gasket is part of the door and there are no replacement doors available or a replacement refer that fits that hole.
When my hinge broke on my door I found that out & was faced with this dilemma.
Luckily I figured a way to mold a new hinge and save the door.
http://www.beamalarm.com/Documents/dometic_ndr-1492_hinge_repair.htm (http://www.beamalarm.com/Documents/dometic_ndr-1492_hinge_repair.htm)
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: George Stoltz on October 27, 2010, 12:22:51 pm
Thank you, Barry.  I remember reading about your innovative repair to the door.  So, next time will you be putting in a residential style refrigerator?
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: Barry Beam on October 27, 2010, 12:24:14 pm
NO, FOT Consignment.  :o ???
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: amos.harrison on October 27, 2010, 09:03:02 pm
George,

Just curious.  Did you try the dollar bill test along your new gasket?
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: George Stoltz on October 27, 2010, 09:26:47 pm
Brett,
 
I forgot all about that.  Next time I have a spare dollar I will give it a try and let you know.
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: J. D. Stevens on October 27, 2010, 09:43:28 pm
George,

If you don't have a dollar, you could just use one of your 20s or 100s. I expect the thickness and texture are the same.  ;)
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: George Stoltz on October 27, 2010, 09:47:30 pm
I'm in Nac.  I have no spare currency of any denomination.  Maybe I can borrow one from James Stallings.  The factory takes money and does not give it back.  Same for MOT.  It could be a while before I do the test.
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: Dave Head on October 27, 2010, 10:18:56 pm
Use your FOT receipt...
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: George Stoltz on November 04, 2010, 09:32:25 pm
UPDATE

After failing the dollar bill test, I decided to add a strip of the same gasket material to the opposite side of the box.  Now both pieces press against each other and hold my dollar bill so tight I thought Peter was inside.
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: nitehawk on November 04, 2010, 10:20:27 pm
George!!! Once again I have the answer for you----SHOE GOO !!    I repaired the door seal on our old class C with the aforementioned SHOE GOO after trying silicon seal that ended up not holding the seal together. The SHOE GOO and small diameter nylon rope repositioned the door seal on my old truck and eliminated the wind noise and rain leaks.
The stuff holds different materials together that some of the so-called all purpose glues don't.
Title: Re: Need new gasket for 2-door Dometic refrigerator
Post by: Peter & Beth on November 04, 2010, 10:38:11 pm
UPDATE

After failing the dollar bill test, I decided to add a strip of the same gasket material to the opposite side of the box.  Now both pieces press against each other and hold my dollar bill so tight I thought Peter was inside.
George,
I resemble that remark.  I've been tied up answering questions from the Fed's...something about using counterfeit Xerox copied bills to check RV refrigerator gaskets.    :-X