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Old 04-15-2023, 05:06 PM   #1
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2023 27' Globetrotter
Seattle , Washington
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Norcold N8DC - Latch not functioning?

I have a Norcold N8DC in my 2023 GT. Over the past month, the fridge door has started not catching on the latch plate. I've found I can gaffer tape the door secure for travel, but would like to make sure the latch is doing it's job.

I've adjusted the bracket as best I can, but I am out of adjustment room. I don't think I can adjust the hinges, as the freezer door is latching fine. It almost seems like the fridge door bushings are worn - but that's worrysome because this is a new unit.

Anyone else ran into this and/or have a solution?
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Old 04-25-2023, 05:22 PM   #2
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​2020 Atlas​
Phoenix , Arizona
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I empathize as during our very first trip with our 2023 Globetrotter 27FB, during the first 100 miles, the door of the fridge compartment was open and the fridge contents were strewn about.
Apparently the dealer installs the doors of the fridge and the freezer above the N8DC but when milk, juice, contents and placed on the door shelf this causes the door to misalign with the latch.
The solution is to place washers on the door hinge - must be done at Airstream service centers to avoid invalidation of the warranty. The problem was that we were on our journey to Canada and not due back for a month so we had to rely on bungee cords.
Hilarious needing bungee cords for expensive trailer $146,000.Click image for larger version

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Old 04-25-2023, 05:33 PM   #3
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​2020 Atlas​
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Bungee cords a necessity with Airstream trailers?

With our new 2023 Globetrotter, the mirror in the bathroom kept opening, so to the bungee pack I sprang.
The solution when I got home was that the Airstream dealer replaced the standard 5lb latch with a stronger 10lb latch but at a cost - I was forced to pay a service charge.
One would assume that Airstream would cover poorly working parts during the first few years but I was told that the 10lb latch was not standard.
I argued that the 5lb latch failed to no avail. They wanted me to just replace the 5lb latch with the equivalent 5lb latch, have the bungees ready, instead of pushing for customer satisfaction.Click image for larger version

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Old 04-25-2023, 08:51 PM   #4
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West Olive , Michigan
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I just installed 2 additional latches for our bathroom overhead cabinet with mirror… so far it has not opened again. Closes easily enough and the opening force (although 3x higher technically) is inconsequential. I bought them on Amazon.
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Old 04-26-2023, 06:51 AM   #5
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Boise , ID
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We used a well placed small command hook on the bottom of the cabinet and elastic hair ties to hold the mirror down for travel days. Worked well!

The fridge was a whole other long story. I made a lock for the door, but it’s not great for fast access. The dealer put a new handle and lock on the fridge over the winter and I’m interested to try it out. In my opinion, the lower hinge bracket is bent down allowing the door to sag just enough to not stay latched. It bent despite putting nearly nothing in the door in anticipation of such problems. I also added more washers to the hinge pin to raise the door with limited success. I hate to say it, but painters tape might be a decent solution for this problem.
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Old 04-26-2023, 07:00 AM   #6
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Picture of the lock. It’s bear proof. Just watch yourself when you walk by as it will grab your shoulder. I’m sure a better iteration can be had, but it’s what I made in Homer Alaska last summer.
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Old 04-26-2023, 08:08 AM   #7
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I like that idea… these Norcold refrigerators latch nicer but don’t hold. And, unlike Dometic, they don’t have a built-in option to keep the doors ajar for storage to ventilate. The aftermarket Camco magnet isn’t strong enough for when trailer is jostled around in the storage facility… trying to design a rapid prototype (3D printed one as they say now). Big miss on Norcold’s part to miss that. Frustratingly cheap design.
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Old 04-30-2023, 09:00 AM   #8
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Thank you for your replies and suggestions. On Amazon I found a set of four 10 lb latches: https://www.amazon.com/Grabber-Catch.../dp/B07N77BKGH
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Old 05-01-2023, 08:22 AM   #9
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2023 27' Globetrotter
Seattle , Washington
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Robkhoo View Post
I empathize as during our very first trip with our 2023 Globetrotter 27FB, during the first 100 miles, the door of the fridge compartment was open and the fridge contents were strewn about.
Apparently the dealer installs the doors of the fridge and the freezer above the N8DC but when milk, juice, contents and placed on the door shelf this causes the door to misalign with the latch.
The solution is to place washers on the door hinge - must be done at Airstream service centers to avoid invalidation of the warranty. The problem was that we were on our journey to Canada and not due back for a month so we had to rely on bungee cords.
Hilarious needing bungee cords for expensive trailer $146,000.Attachment 430721
I might try this. Did you end up getting the washers installed? Did it help long term?
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Old 05-01-2023, 08:22 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bunker View Post
Attachment 430735

Picture of the lock. It’s bear proof. Just watch yourself when you walk by as it will grab your shoulder. I’m sure a better iteration can be had, but it’s what I made in Homer Alaska last summer.
Interested to learn more. What does this attach to, so the doors are anchored?
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Old 05-01-2023, 08:23 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bunker View Post
We used a well placed small command hook on the bottom of the cabinet and elastic hair ties to hold the mirror down for travel days. Worked well!
Brillian! Will be doing this as I have the same problem on really rough roads.
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Old 05-01-2023, 10:27 AM   #12
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Boise , ID
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TrotGlober View Post
Interested to learn more. What does this attach to, so the doors are anchored?


There are 2 threaded spots in the fridge frame to allow the door hinges to be switched. I removed the screws an use the holes to place my threaded studs for this lock. It solves any issues with the freezer as well.
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Old 05-29-2023, 07:12 PM   #13
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2023 27' Globetrotter
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bunker View Post
There are 2 threaded spots in the fridge frame to allow the door hinges to be switched. I removed the screws an use the holes to place my threaded studs for this lock. It solves any issues with the freezer as well.
I riffed on @Bunker's approach and simplified just a little. 10-32 x 3.5" screw, wingnut, fender washer, rubber washer, and a jam nut on the back of it. I might order a proper thumbscrew to replace it soon, but for now, it works like a champ.
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Old 05-30-2023, 06:50 AM   #14
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Strong work!
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