Community Forums

pdeinc · 05-09-2019, 05:47 AM

The internal latch for the refrigerator in our 2013 rv broke on our last trip and when I called a Dometic parts supplier, they said it's discontinued and no longer available. Needless to say, I was stunned that parts for a 4 year old appliance are no longer available. What the hell are you supposed to do, replace the whole damn thing because the door won't stay closed while traveling?

gljurczyk · 05-09-2019, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdeinc

The internal latch for the refrigerator in our 2013 rv broke on our last trip and when I called a Dometic parts supplier, they said it's discontinued and no longer available. Needless to say, I was stunned that parts for a 4 year old appliance are no longer available. What the hell are you supposed to do, replace the whole damn thing because the door won't stay closed while traveling?

I would call Dometic direct, not a parts supplier, I think I read somewhere that a manufactor had to keep parts for 5 years after the end of production. They might also have another model handle that would replace it. Also check eBay, because that supplier told you that it doesn't mean there is no part left in stock in this whole United States.

knit · 05-09-2019, 06:22 AM

What model is the refrigerator?

KanzKran · 05-09-2019, 06:38 AM

And if it were me, and if the latch looks a bit weak, I'd buy two new ones if I could find them at all. Tuck the spare away somewhere for safe keeping, in a place you know you can find it again.

puttin · 05-09-2019, 06:53 AM

Have you looked at Amazon? I ordered one of those for my sister a couple of years ago.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=dometic+r...refrigerator+%

scbwr · 05-09-2019, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by puttin

Have you looked at Amazon? I ordered one of those for my sister a couple of years ago.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=dometic+r...refrigerator+%

I hate to tell ya, but that link brings up a lotta stuff!

Old-Biscuit · 05-09-2019, 01:25 PM

It would be helpful if you posted MODEL

You might be surprised at what forum members can come up with.

pdeinc · 05-10-2019, 06:15 AM

Lots of good answers, I'll see if I can address all of them. The model is RML 8555 and the particular part number is 2413267010. I scoured the internet including Amazon and Ebay even before calling Dometic suppliers. Dometic themselves has not responded to my second request, the first one just gave me a link for local Dometic dealers.

And yes, I thought there was a minimum time that parts had to be available and it was more than 4 years. I suppose I could research that question but it still won't produce a part. The portion that is broken is a separate piece of the assembly and while I came fabricate just about anything either by machining, forming or welding, that piece doesn't lend itself to any of those processes. Perhaps it's time to purchase a 3d printer, this isn't the first time one would come in handy!

puttin · 05-10-2019, 06:56 AM

I found a thread over on a Sprinter owner's forum:

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=69281

bruceisla · 05-10-2019, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdeinc

The internal latch for the refrigerator in our 2013 rv broke on our last trip and when I called a Dometic parts supplier, they said it's discontinued and no longer available. Needless to say, I was stunned that parts for a 4 year old appliance are no longer available. What the hell are you supposed to do, replace the whole damn thing because the door won't stay closed while traveling?

A picture of the part would be helpful.

Gary RVRoamer · 05-10-2019, 09:59 AM

Quote:

I think I read somewhere that a manufactor had to keep parts for 5 years after the end of production.

Simply NOT true, except for a few specific products types. Passenger cars have rules like that, but most products have no requirements to ever provide repair parts. It's largely up to the manufacturer to determine if they want to be in the parts business.

pdeinc · 05-11-2019, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

Simply NOT true, except for a few specific products types. Passenger cars have rules like that, but most products have no requirements to ever provide repair parts. It's largely up to the manufacturer to determine if they want to be in the parts business.

Good to know, thanks.

pdeinc · 05-11-2019, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by puttin

I found a thread over on a Sprinter owner's forum:

https://sprinter-source.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=69281

Wow, over a hundred dollars for a replacement! Even crazier is the piece that breaks is a separate small plastic part costing cents to fabricate! I suppose I am going to have to put my fabrication skills to the test.