Wanted-- Fridge vent cover for Birchaven ~ 20" x 12" [message #327658] |
Mon, 01 January 2018 23:08 |
timthenomad
Messages: 63 Registered: June 2015 Location: Austin, TX
Karma: 5
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Hi All,
My side refrigerator vent door went missing and I am looking to replace it. It is for the Birchaven and is a little smaller than 20" x 12"(19 7/8 x 11 3/4 I think --Dometic Part #RM2217). I believe it is smaller than the Royal ones which run around 22x14 (Dometic #RM2214).
I checked with most all of the vendors and did a pretty through web search. Nobody seemed to have one. Just thought I'd hit up the list to see if anyone has something that will work kicking around,
Thank you
Tim Taylor
Tim Taylor
Austin TX
Philadelphia PA
76 Birchaven (SB)
76 Triumph TR6
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Re: Wanted-- Fridge vent cover for Birchaven ~ 20" x 12" [message #327695 is a reply to message #327661] |
Tue, 02 January 2018 23:31 |
timthenomad
Messages: 63 Registered: June 2015 Location: Austin, TX
Karma: 5
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Hi Ken,
I called Applied, the Sirum's, Cinnabar, sent the co-opt an email. I might have even called Gateway.
Jim didn't have the Dometic aluminum cover in the right size (he does have the Royal one). He does have one of the newer plastic covers in a size that could be made to work on the Birch, but one would have to remover the frame and expand the hole some.
--tim
Tim Taylor
Austin TX
Philadelphia PA
76 Birchaven (SB)
76 Triumph TR6
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Re: Wanted-- Fridge vent cover for Birchaven ~ 20" x 12" [message #328700 is a reply to message #327658] |
Mon, 29 January 2018 21:34 |
timthenomad
Messages: 63 Registered: June 2015 Location: Austin, TX
Karma: 5
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Hi Guys,
Just wanted to follow up and post a resolution here in case anyone finds themselves in similar situation.
I was able to fabricate a pretty convincing replica for around $18.00 by ordering a return air grill off of amazon. The size was perfect, just had to bondo and sand the two screw holes, install the thumb latch, and paint it to match.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017BW6FX0/
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UC8U30/
They have all kind of sizes. I imagine one could do the same and make a Royal sized one, or a propane vent door. Just keep in mind they list them according to vent size. The actual size of the grille is about 1" bigger around so that 18x10 one is actually just about 19.75" x 11.75"
Tim Taylor
Austin TX
Philadelphia PA
76 Birchaven (SB)
76 Triumph TR6
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Re: Wanted-- Fridge vent cover for Birchaven ~ 20" x 12" [message #328710 is a reply to message #327695] |
Tue, 30 January 2018 13:31 |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769 Registered: February 2013 Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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Tim,
I used one of the plastic ones from Jim. It is larger, and I did have to shave off the inside framing, but it is plastic and was easy to do. I did not have to modify the opening on the coach in any way, so if I wanted to go back I could. I did have to make a bracket for the latches to use, but that was a 12" length of aluminum angle and some dremel work.
Once you remove the inside framing of the plastic door frame, it conforms to the curve of the coach, and IMHO,, looks more original than that factory door did.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/adventures/p57979-contoured-fridge-access-door.html
The vents in the door itself fit inside the opening, and the frame has enough depth to secure the tabs on the door without disturbing the surface of the coach. I used puty tape to position it, and then ran some screws to fasten the frame to the surface - much the same way the original was fastened.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/adventures/p57981-very-rough-opening-with-framing.html
It appears from my rough opening that my original door was installed at 4:59 on Friday afternoon...
good luck on the quest.
Edit: I just realized I replied to this in the other forum. My apologies - CRS is setting in.
timthenomad wrote on Tue, 02 January 2018 23:31Hi Ken,
I called Applied, the Sirum's, Cinnabar, sent the co-opt an email. I might have even called Gateway.
Jim didn't have the Dometic aluminum cover in the right size (he does have the Royal one). He does have one of the newer plastic covers in a size that could be made to work on the Birch, but one would have to remover the frame and expand the hole some.
--tim
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
[Updated on: Tue, 30 January 2018 13:34] Report message to a moderator
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