Dometic RMS8551 Freezer Flap Seal

[RogerL]

Our Lunar Clubman is just over 10 years old - while cleaning the fridge/freezer ready for our next trip I noticed that the freezer flap seal has gone brittle with bits breaking off - it may explain why the frozen food had more frost on last trip than usual.

An internet search shows that the seal isn't available on it's own and a new freezer flap door, complete with seal, is £72 + postage! I also searched for universal freezer door seals but couldn't find anything usable.

This shouldn't happen on a 10 year old caravan fridge/freezer as we can't think of anything we've done wrong - has anyone else experienced the same, or similar, problem - is there any alternative but to raid the piggy bank?

 

[audiorob]

Seems parts are available in Australia with the gasket costing equivalent of £20, but like you I cannot find the part in the Uk except as part of the whole door and hinges . Have you tried contacting the manufacturers directly?

 

[Dustydog]

Is it worth a call or note to Dometic?

 

[audiorob]

I have had my door our and easily dismantled to give the seal a thorough clean and refitted it as it was intact. In which case you would know the necessary dimensions. Then I note that SealsDirect that always advertise in the PC mag do a 'P-seal' in various sizes

Rubber P Seal | Rubber Extrusions | Seals Direct

Rubber P seals are supplied with a round bulb and flange. They are ideal for hatch seals, door seals, flood gates and piping between panels on cars.

www.sealsdirect.co.uk

although black not white might offer a good size to fit round the hatch as a DIY replacement?
about £5 per metre!

 

[RogerL]

Is it worth a call or note to Dometic?

I've sent them a "contact us" message but no reply yet.

I have had my door our and easily dismantled to give the seal a thorough clean and replaced it as it was intact. In which case you would know the necessary dimensions. Then I note that SealsDirect that always advertise in the PC mag do a 'P-seal' in various sizes

Rubber P Seal | Rubber Extrusions | Seals Direct

Rubber P seals are supplied with a round bulb and flange. They are ideal for hatch seals, door seals, flood gates and piping between panels on cars.

www.sealsdirect.co.uk

although black not white might offer a good size to fit round the hatch as a DIY replacement?
about £5 per metre!

Those seals are all way bigger than the seal that's fitted which is only about 4mm wide - it also has corners moulded in, which could be difficult to replicate.

 

[RogerL]

Since we're going away shortly I needed a short-term fix so I bought some self-adhesive draught excluder from B&Q - it's 9mm wide and 3mm deep - I've fitted it outboard of the existing gasket and checked it doesn't stop the flap from closing properly.

We'll see how well it works next trip.

 

[RogerL]

An update - of sorts.

Three weeks later and no response at all from Dometic, not what I expected from a leading brand of caravan equipment.

The good news is that my bodge using a draught excluder from B&Q worked very well, better than the original seal EVER worked!

This one https://www.diy.com/departments/dia...-draught-seal-l-6m-w-9mm-t-4mm/1802900_BQ.prd

 

[audiorob]

Just in case others need to follow your example it seems B&Q sell this and other profiles in white which may be preferable for a semi permanent solution!

 

[RogerL]

Just in case others need to follow your example it seems B&Q sell this and other profiles in white which pay be preferable for a semi permanent solution!

Thanks for the additional information - many B&Qs stock only a few product lines with the others available from their website on Click & Collect basis.

 

[Gafferbill]

......P and E profile self stick insulation strip is widely available sold as draught excluder.
I used it on an older caravan to seal the main windows. It wasn't cost effective to replace the hardened and cracked original seals.
The P profile was accurately stuck to the window to mesh against the E profile stuck to the caravan .....worked well for a couple of years before the caravan was finally broken up.
It's handy stuff!

 

[Raywood]

I would try breakers as if they have the bit it will be far cheaper there.

 

[smyluk]

Those seals are all way bigger than the seal that's fitted which is only about 4mm wide - it also has corners moulded in, which could be difficult to replicate.

Take a look at this sponge seal https://www.sealsdirect.co.uk/shop/srs1706-21263

It's not 4mm wide but a lot closer at 9mm. If you're looking to replicate moulded corners, you could easily trim this with a 45 degree angle and stick together.