Custom Fridge/Freezer Doors - Recommendations?

[InsuredApple]

We have a custom fridge/freezer, and the company that made the doors is out of business (which wouldn't help anyhow). We are having issues with the fridge and freezer maintaining temperature. We've has at least 3 different refrigeration companies to the boat, inspecting the compressors, the cooling platers etc... it's the door.

Here is what I've concluded. The doors are not big enough, making the seal area fairly small. The door latch also doesn't latch tightly, and the attachment bolts on the door/handle don't stay tight.

Anyhow, I'm looking for someone to build custom doors, and then ship them to Fort Lauderdale with hinges and latches -- so I can install them.

Any recommendations?

[Bill O]

Pictures are always welcome and help a lot for ideas.

Also can you explain what you mean when you say the doors are not big enough? Do they need to be thicker/more insulation or larger access?

Are you openings stepped w/at least 2 seal sets, preferably 1 magnetic seal? Something like this http://www.rparts.com/images/hatches...installdim.jpg

I believe Rparts still sells doors, but not sure if they custom/only do standard sizes. Icebox Hatches and hardware - RPARTS.COM

Could always make your own and have sources for custom magnetic seals at a reasonable cost.

[Richard Kollmann]

Originally Posted by InsuredApple

We have a custom fridge/freezer, and the company that made the doors is out of business (which wouldn't help anyhow). We are having issues with the fridge and freezer maintaining temperature. We've has at least 3 different refrigeration companies to the boat, inspecting the compressors, the cooling platers etc... it's the door.

Here is what I've concluded. The doors are not big enough, making the seal area fairly small. The door latch also doesn't latch tightly, and the attachment bolts on the door/handle don't stay tight.

Anyhow, I'm looking for someone to build custom doors, and then ship them to Fort Lauderdale with hinges and latches -- so I can install them.

Any recommendations?

There is a oriental cabinet maker that buys marine materials from the specialty wood supplier a few blocks south of Lester Diner You can get the boat cabinet maker contact there. He can also acquire the proper heavy door hardware with positive latching also in Ft Lauderdale.

[InsuredApple]

Here are some pictures...

[Bill O]

Thanks for the pics, very helpful.


It appears you have magnetic seals already (yes?), but there is some discoloration on the upper corner of the fridge wall indicating a possible gap.

Have you done the "light test" at night (light inside the fridge/freezer) to see if there are gaps on the seals?

It was a bit disappointing using a metal flange and SS door as it gets too cold outside the seal causing sweat build up. In extreme humidity, its a pain as excessive sweat builds up and can start dripping.

[Richard Kollmann]

I was on the wrong track and new replacement doors that attempt to solve multiple problems may not be a good idea. You say latching and securing tight against seal is a problem, Latch bolts come lose and refrigeration may not be up to satisfying desired box temperatures but you do not mention excessive power use or compressor running excessively.

Locking latch bolts so they will not loosen might be possible with thread Lock Tight sold at Auto stores.

Testing leak resistance of door seal can easily be checked once door is closed tight enough to compress seal all the around door frame. The way you can confirm seal is adequately compressed is to close door many times around the door while placing a 1 inch fabric ribbon under seal, then seeing how hard it is to pull it out.

If you find the door seal is not sufficient there is a motor home, trailer RV parts store that carries all types of door seals just east of intersection at Indian bingo stop light.

There may be better industrial over the counter refrigerator door latches at the cabinet hinge and door store on Tigertrail road. Also check McMasters Car hardware catalog on line.

Once if door locking and seal is OK you need to check insulation inside door by after door is closed for several hours feel outside of door, if cool or there is condensation insulation in it is inadequate. From picture there seems to be space between door and shelving. Samsung multi door refrigerators had this problem so the put stainless one inch thick insulation panels on inside of doors.

If you have secured door and its seal and door exterior is not cooler than cabin temperature then problem is with refrigeration systems performance.