Dometic Refrigerator Gasket Failed

[Paul Braun]

I have a newer Dometic refrigerator that has a failed gasket. This model has a magnetic metal strip inside the gasket to aid in the seal. As you can see from the photo the rubber or plastic gasket material has failed and the metal rod drops out.

I spoke with Dometic and unfortunately the unit is out of warranty. About six months before the unit’s manufacturing date they reduced warranties from three years to two years, otherwise it would be covered. Dometic sells a repair kit for this problem. The kit costs $135 plus $25 shipping. The price seems a bit steep to me. It can be a tricky install and they recommend having a RV repair person perform the process.

I doubt that there are low cost alternatives of the same gasket. Now it becomes a matter of a repair or alternate gasket. Do any of you have some thoughts on how to proceed?

[Tim Wood]

Paul, If it were me I would try and repair the gasket before replacing the whole thing. You might find that a repair will work just fine and give you some more years wear out of the gasket. I mean all we are trying to do is seal in the cold and keep the warm temps out. I think a can of the liquid rubber stuff you use for dipping tool handles in may do the trick.

[Donna D.]

I wonder what's in the repair kit? Is the magnet within the gasket used to pull the door into the body or is it just a chunk of metal to thicken the gasket? The Dometic in my trailer is as old as the trailer 24 years... and there isn't any metal in the gasket. This must be a new 'feature.'

The way to test a gasket is to cut a strip of paper, close the door with the paper hanging out between the gasket and the frig body. Pull on the paper. Does it tug out or pull freely out? Check several places on all four sides.

And, we all know... just because someone has the letters "RV" before their title doesn't necessarily mean they know what they're doing. Who's to say the RV repair person has EVER changed a refrigerator gasket.

So, your choices... if the paper tug determines it's a leaker is to use some other gasket material. Or, buy the kit yourself and do the work yourself. OR, take it to a RV repair person and let them buy the kit and be liable for the repair. I wouldn't buy the kit and have someone else put it in. YMMV

[Alf S.]

Hi: Paul Braun... I'm lucky to have a great RV Fridge specialist nearby. In that respect it would be a toss up if I'd attempt it myself. The inner part of the door seal is the magnet and that vinyl must be kept really clean to prevent it from sticking. To replace it it looks to me like the door must come off and be completely taken down to get the gasket over the edge of the door. Not a job for the faint of heart but appeals to my cheap nature.
I think I'd get a second opinion from a good RV Tech before ordering the kit. A repair would be IMHO just buying some time before it sticks again.
Sorry I can't be more helpfull in your stituation.http://www.gammonsrv.com My local shop that can even rebuild the cooling units.
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie p.s. They still show a 3yr. parts and shipping warranty...2yrs. on labour. Could be worth a call?

[KamperBob]

Hi,

So what was the solution? And how's it's been since? Inquiring minds want to know.

Bob

[Paul Braun]

I used Tim's suggestion and purchased the plastic for dipping and creating handles on tools like pliers. Cost about $10 US, did not search for a color match, you have to strain to see the repair as is. The can of plasticizer? came with a brush and it was quite easy to hold the magnetized strip of metal in the gasket while applying the sealant. I let it dry and did two more coats.

The fix worked all of last season and based on the photo below still looks to be holding well.

[KamperBob]

Thanks for the follow up, Paul. I'm glad to hear it's holding up well.

Bob