Norcold plastic refrigerator door hinge

[rockintom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by janieD Hinge relief spacer Here are some pics of what I was trying to describe earlier of inserting a spacer between the refrigerator door frame and the metal hinge pin bracket: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...8615295&type=1 The spacer is a piece of 3/16 x 1 1/4 inch stock trim I found at a lumber yard. Originally I wanted it to raise our counter top extension, but it comes in handy for various projects. Just lift the door up as far as you can and insert the stick as shown. The door seals tight enough to hold the door up, even without the spacer, so I had to open the door to get it to sit on the spacer. If I want the stick out of the way, I can push the whole thing under the door. When you're done towing, just remove the stick and open the door. The door slowly settles back *onto the lower door hinge and you're back in business. John

Your link to Facebook didn't work. Says it's expired. You can just post it here. Go to "Adanced" and scroll down to "Manage Attachments" and click "browse" and "upload". It's that simple. rockin'

[Bruce and Jenna]

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Originally Posted by rockintom Thanks Bruce good photos.......now I understand. So simple. I can't believe Norcold got away from the metel hinges. You still wouldn't be able to load that door up too much as the lower part of the hinge (metal one attached to the refer) will still bend down like your is doing now Bruce!!! Thanks again buddy. rockin'

Bending with no wood insert. At least that part is metal.

Yeah, we remove bottles and other weighty stuff from the door before moving.

[janieD]

Ok, I used Toms instructions for attachments, haven't used that on this forum so thanks for the lesson. Here's the photos of Johns idea for a fix.

[rockintom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by janieD Ok, I used Toms instructions for attachments, haven't used that on this forum so thanks for the lesson. Here's the photos of Johns idea for a fix. Attachment 16288 Attachment 16291 Attachment 16289 Attachment 16290

Thanks John, I see what your doing, and I think it will definitely help the downward load on that hinge area. I do worry about the "side load" of that same area. Hopefully the hinge kit I'm getting will take care of both. Let us know how it works out. I also would be afraid I'd trip over the piece of wood in the door sticking out. May need to paint it RED!!!

Don forget I over analysis everything!!! Even my fine box wine!!

[janieD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockintom Thanks John, I see what your doing, and I think it will definitely help the downward load on that hinge area. I do worry about the "side load" of that same area. Hopefully the hinge kit I'm getting will take care of both. Let us know how it works out. I also would be afraid I'd trip over the piece of wood in the door sticking out. May need to paint it RED!!! Don forget I over analysis everything!!! Even my fine box wine!!

The side load is shared by both hinges, and no one has ever posted a problem with the upper hinge. Maybe because the lower hinge always fails first and then both hinges get replaced with the new door, so you could be right. I'm actually less confident about the Norcold hinge kit described by Bruce. It should help with distributing the downwarwd shock over more of the hinge, but the load would still be concentrated at the hinge point. It wouldn't appear to have any effect on the side load. I think Norcold's fix was to reduce their warranty to one year. It's also currious that they labeled their hinge kit for "rough use". For a product designed for RVs, I would think it would be for normal use.
John

[rockintom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by janieD The side load is shared by both hinges, and no one has ever posted a problem with the upper hinge. Maybe because the lower hinge always fails first and then both hinges get replaced with the new door, so you could be right. I'm actually less confident about the Norcold hinge kit described by Bruce. It should help with distributing the downwarwd shock over more of the hinge, but the load would still be concentrated at the hinge point. It wouldn't appear to have any effect on the side load. I think Norcold's fix was to reduce their warranty to one year. It's also currious that they labeled their hinge kit for "rough use". For a product designed for RVs, I would think it would be for normal use. John

I hear you John......after doing lots of research.....I've not heard or read about a failure after the hinge kit installation.....maybe I'm just being very optimistic. We do have the plastic black front paneling which is a lot lighter than the wood, we'll still take the super heavy bottle out of the door in travel and we pray on a regular basis. Maybe all that and we'll be OK! rockin'

[Bruce and Jenna]

Quote:

Originally Posted by janieD It's also currious that they labeled their hinge kit for "rough use". For a product designed for RVs, I would think it would be for normal use. John

I believe Norcold says that the hinge is designed for the door with the plastic cover. RV manufacturers add the heavy cover, but do not add the hinge reinforcement. I'm surprised that Norcold does not deny claims for wood panel doors. Which does not let them off the hook for changing the hinge from metal to plastic.

[rockintom]

I got my hinge kit today and did the install in about 5 minutes. The hardest thing is taking the stuff out of the inside of the door. And since it's out, might as well clean it!!! Here are the pix of the support brackets and washers. The instructions didn't say anything about it but I put the second bracket on the top hinge. It fits and works fine, and additional support there ain't gonna hurt a thing. As most of you that know me, know that I go a bit overboard on things and I plan to still taking out the VERY heavy items out of the door when traveling......you gotta remember we travel these darn CA roads!!!! Let me know if you have any questions. rockin'

[Bruce and Jenna]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockintom The instructions didn't say anything about it but I put the second bracket on the top hinge.

Good idea. That's thinkin' outside the icebox!

[FLYING BUTCH]

I have been kinda following this post. I called me Beaver dealer's parts person regarding the problem. He said they have only replaced the hinges in maybe 3-4 different coaches in past several years!! He said it is no problem at all to get a replacement hinge (no need to get complete door??? or a kit). 541-322-2184 ask for Larry

[rockintom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLYING BUTCH I have been kinda following this post. I called me Beaver dealer's parts person regarding the problem. He said they have only replaced the hinges in maybe 3-4 different coaches in past several years!! He said it is no problem at all to get a replacement hinge (no need to get complete door??? or a kit). 541-322-2184 ask for Larry

Flying,

This issue applies to N6 thru N10 models on 2007 and newer RVs.....maybe your refering to a N12 model. Trust me....this issue does exist! Look at any of the RV forums out there and take note. rockin'

[Bruce and Jenna]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLYING BUTCH I have been kinda following this post. I called me Beaver dealer's parts person regarding the problem. He said they have only replaced the hinges in maybe 3-4 different coaches in past several years!! He said it is no problem at all to get a replacement hinge (no need to get complete door??? or a kit). 541-322-2184 ask for Larry

And with the doors for our refrigs, you cannot replace the hinge on the door. Maybe the lower half that supports the door, but that part is metal.

Rockin right. Plenty evidence of from others on this and other forums.

[rockintom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockintom Flying, This issue applies to N6 thru N10 models on 2007 and newer RVs.....maybe your refering to a N12 model. Trust me....this issue does exist! Look at any of the RV forums out there and take note. rockin'

Another thing just came to me. Wonder if your parts guy may be thinking of a Dometic refer? rockin'

[rockintom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLYING BUTCH I have been kinda following this post. I called me Beaver dealer's parts person regarding the problem. He said they have only replaced the hinges in maybe 3-4 different coaches in past several years!! He said it is no problem at all to get a replacement hinge (no need to get complete door??? or a kit). 541-322-2184 ask for Larry

Just thought of something else........the MH don't get the rough ride treatment like a 5th wheels do......