Mod idea needed for exterior panel warping

[Cameron]

hello, just noticed this after a camping trip, the exterior plastic panel (fridge) seems to have warped a bit, maybe it's picking up some of the wind which is pulling it out?

I'd hate for this problem to continue and discover that I've lost the panel. Other than duct tape, I'm hoping someone has an idea of how I can make this flush again.

 

 

 

 

[topgun2]

I'd put in a Service ticket and see what they have to say about this.

Obviously, if you are still under warranty then it will be a "no brainer".  

Bill

[mossemi]

If you are out of warranty then maybe look at a piece of aluminum angle or tubing attached on the inside of the vent.  Maybe a piece on each side or just one in the middle would suffice.  You could experiment with different stiffeners and temporarily attach it with zip ties.

Mossey

[Patriot]

I just submitted a work ticket on this same issue. We are still under warranty. I have requested service send me a new frame and refrigerator vent panel which I will install. I sent a video and these pictures to Mike Sharpe along with the work ticket.

 

Add/edit - here is the left side of the vent which sits flush -

 

[Patriot]

Update - Mike Sharpe let me know he is having the parts department ship me a replacement vent frame tomorrow.
Yet again, awesome Customer Service by Oliver Service Center Staff. I will post up a few pics after I install the new vent.

-David

[Cameron]

thanks Patriot for letting me know that I'm not the only one

still in warranty for another month

just created a ticket regarding this

 

 

 

[Patriot]

10 hours ago, Cameron said:

thanks Patriot for letting me know that I'm not the only one

still in warranty for another month

just created a ticket regarding this

 

 

 

Cameron,

Your welcome, just passing it forward. 👍🏻🇺🇸

[Fargoman]

Hi Cameron,

After reading your post, I noticed that the panel on my LE2 is not completely flush with the trailer body, but not quite as pronounced as your photo shows. I attached two velcro strips, on the back vertical sides of the panel, to better secure the panel. I suspect that a replacement panel would eventually warp a bit, as the plastic is quite flexible.

[Patriot]

@Fargoman,

I considered installing a few short narrow Velcro strips as well to remove the bow in the panel, and may still have to even after installing the new vent frame and panel. I looked at a few Ollies at the Rally and did not see the bowing panel issue. Hopefully a new panel will correct the fit and finished look.

Good mod hack repair/suggestion if any one is out of warranty and does not want to purchase another frame and panel I say Velcro On! 😊
 

-Patriot

[SeaDawg]

Back in the day, those panels were bigger, metal, and they didn't warp. But, they were really ugly, and rusted.

Today, they're plastic, don't rust, but can warp. 

I hope Oliver will file a claim with norcold/dometic. My 14+ year old plastic  vents have not warped. They're smaller, and I suspect a more thermally stable plastic. 

[Patriot]

@Cameron
Just a follow up on this minor repair. I received the new frame and vent today from Oliver - wow fast shipping. Removed the old vent and frame, cleaned off caulk and applied 3m tape to the inside of the frame (pic) and reinstalled the frame (tip- do not tighten the S/S screws so tight that it tweaks or warps the frame, just snug them down do not over tighten. The old frame may have been tighten down to tight on the assembly line which resulted in the warp on the original vent door and frame just not matching up.) Now no more bow in the vent door. Reinstalled the insect screens and done.

Thank you to Oliver parts department for the super fast shipping.