Cover for exterior refrigerator vents on T@B 320S

Etheridges
Etheridges Member Posts: 5
edited November 2023 in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
Hello all,

I recently purchased a 2017 T@B 320S that has the Norcold N180.3 three-way refrigerator. On one of my trips, I recently lost one of the refrigerator exterior vent covers. These covers seem to be smaller than most based on the research I have done on Amazon, etc.. I have included measurements in the attached photos. I noticed another discussion similar to this one that another member posted. A link was provided to Norcold covers on Amazon. I checked the items at those links and they are not the same as mine (they are bigger). I reached out to my nearest T@B dealer and they said the Nucamp factory no longer carries the bases or covers. There are no part numbers on either the base or the cover. Does anyone know what the part numbers are or what aftermarket covers to buy?

Thanks!
Joel















2017 T@B 320S
2015 Dodge Ram 5.7 Hemi

Comments

  • dragonsdofly
    dragonsdofly Member Posts: 1,927
    @Etheridges welcome and congratulations on your trailer.

    Our resident experts, I'm sure, will have you pointed in the correct direction soon. And, welcome again!
    2017 t@b sofitel(Dr@gonsFly)TV 2015 Silverado 2500hd(Behemoth). Wyandotte, Michigan.
    Draco dormiens numquam titilandus.
  • MuttonChops
    MuttonChops Member Posts: 1,994
    @Ethenridges, welcome to the TaB Family.

    I've also searched the forum and web for the 320S 14 x 7 inch side wall vents with no luck.  Am suspecting that specific size is an OEM only part**.

    If nüCamp has no old stock to sell.  You maybe forced to cut a larger access hole for the retail available 20-inch wide panels or create some other DIY solution.

       ** Just like the factory standard fresh water tank fill port installed in the years before the
        Nautilus System became standard. There seems to be generic brand part suppliers located
        in the big RV Factory regions that produce lots of items that differ from Brand Name items
        that are sold directly to builders at non-brand prices of course.  RV Builder then stops
        stocking said parts when no longer used in their rigs.
    '18 320 S,  pitched axle, 3020HE; PNW based
    TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
    TV: '25 Canyon AT4
    Adventures:  58   Nights:  405  Towing Miles 50,180
  • pthomas745
    pthomas745 Administrator, Moderator Posts: 4,605
    Why does this have to be a "louvered" vent?  I know that water is an issue, but what other options instead of the louvers are possible? All  the vents are supposed to do is move the warm air from the top of the fridge, and even that is done with a "computer" fan that is pretty wimpy.  Why not just a round hole in a panel in front of the fan?
    2017 Outback
    Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
  • MuttonChops
    MuttonChops Member Posts: 1,994
    pthomas745 said:
    . . . Why does this have to be a "louvered" vent?  I know that water is an issue, but what other options instead of the louvers are possible?
    IMHO, louvered style panels are the only realistic approach for a rectangle cut-out.  with water (Rain) being the primary and an important factor.

    Plus, the original post is for a 'replacement' not a re-design ;)
    pthomas745 said:
    . . .All the vents are supposed to do is move the warm air from the top of the fridge, and even that is done with a "computer" fan that is pretty wimpy.
    Don't believe the "computer fan" is standard on all model years.  Might be for Fridge model 3136 around year 2015/16.  While on the model year 2018, fridge 180.3, then is no fan. (I've added two 3-inch fans to my rig)
    pthomas745 said:
    . . . Why not just a round hole in a panel in front of the fan?
    Fridge model 3136 rigs (some years) did use round vents.
    Yet, again original post was how to replace the factory vent panel . . .
    and web-search suggests a direct replacement is not available to retail buyers.
    '18 320 S,  pitched axle, 3020HE; PNW based
    TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
    TV: '25 Canyon AT4
    Adventures:  58   Nights:  405  Towing Miles 50,180
  • Chiprchuk
    Chiprchuk Member Posts: 23
    @Etheridges I had the same issue about a month ago and was able to purchase a replacement from my "local" dealer https://www.vogelsrvs.com/location-and-directions . I just measured my replacement and it seems to be a perfect match to yours. Try a different dealer. Give them a picture and the vin number .... you might luck out.
    Tab 320-S Boondock Edge 2019
    T/V Ford Ranger 2023 4x4

  • Etheridges
    Etheridges Member Posts: 5
    edited November 2023
    Hey Chiprchuk, thanks for sharing. Do you per chance know who manufactured the one you purchased? Any part # available?
    2017 T@B 320S
    2015 Dodge Ram 5.7 Hemi
  • DM159
    DM159 Member Posts: 54
    I've had some luck with Norcold fridge parts from online RV part sources in Great Britain.  I don't remember their names but there are plenty. 

    2023 TAB 400 with modifications in process.

  • Chiprchuk
    Chiprchuk Member Posts: 23
    @Etheridges I just checked both parts. Frame and cover. No marking what soever  period. Sorry. 
    Tab 320-S Boondock Edge 2019
    T/V Ford Ranger 2023 4x4

  • Etheridges
    Etheridges Member Posts: 5
    @Chiprchuk Thanks for checking.
    2017 T@B 320S
    2015 Dodge Ram 5.7 Hemi
  • BlackBurnian
    BlackBurnian Member Posts: 1
    Unbelievable. Seems like this is an issue with the older t@bs. My vent cover just flew off yesterday going down the interstate. Would be nice to find a replacement ASAP. Sooooo.... It is a problem. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
  • BrianZ
    BrianZ Member Posts: 1,770
    edited November 2023
    Guess I'd better look into securing these vents, so when those pitiful little black plastic twist knobs that loosely hold it on fail, then the cover won't fall off.  I do have a couple spare knobs because they seem so loose fitting.  I've also got a custom insect screen inside...
    https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/8261/permanent-screens-for-exterior-vents-mud-daubers-and-other-insects
    -Brian in Chester, Virginia
    TV: 2005 Toyota Sienna LE (3.3L V6)
    RV: 2018 T@B 320S, >100 mods 
  • Chiprchuk
    Chiprchuk Member Posts: 23
    @BlackBurnian I would try calling a dealership... As I mentioned earlier, I had the same issue about a month ago and was able to purchase a replacement from my "local" dealer https://www.vogelsrvs.com/location-and-directions. Provide a picture and the vin number .... you might luck out. 
    Tab 320-S Boondock Edge 2019
    T/V Ford Ranger 2023 4x4

  • pthomas745
    pthomas745 Administrator, Moderator Posts: 4,605
    @Etheridges way to dig!  I skimmed through ebay on these, but could not get past a different part number.  But, you finding the part number brought up the same seller at ebay.


    2017 Outback
    Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
  • Chiprchuk
    Chiprchuk Member Posts: 23
    Wow - I must have gotten the last one from Nucamp 

    Tab 320-S Boondock Edge 2019
    T/V Ford Ranger 2023 4x4

  • MuttonChops
    MuttonChops Member Posts: 1,994
    Etheridges said:
    . . . T@B 320S with the Norcold 180.3 three way refrigerator.

    First, the part number. It is Norcold 638406PW.
    Great 'share'.

    And nice to know I was wrong (earlier comment) that these covers were OEM only/special.
    We can order them - - even if the retail suppliers are limited in sources and stock - -


    '18 320 S,  pitched axle, 3020HE; PNW based
    TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
    TV: '25 Canyon AT4
    Adventures:  58   Nights:  405  Towing Miles 50,180
  • MuttonChops
    MuttonChops Member Posts: 1,994
    @Etheridges ; after all your hard work . . . . .

    nuCamp is selling this door Direct From Their Web-Site




    //shop.nucamprv.com    {not an active link}

    '18 320 S,  pitched axle, 3020HE; PNW based
    TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
    TV: '25 Canyon AT4
    Adventures:  58   Nights:  405  Towing Miles 50,180
  • Jessicainanrv
    Jessicainanrv Member Posts: 2
    I am also in need of one of these covers. I have made every attempt to get one. However, the manufacturer no longer is making them and they are all sold on ebay. 

    Does anyone on here have an extra they would be willing to sell?
  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Member Posts: 10,035
    @Jessicainanrv - the links below appear to have stock.  The first one is on sale which can offset the shipping.  I would grab one of these.


    https://www.americaautodirect.com/norcold-638406pw-vent-door-assembly-pw/

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/275858417136

    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
  • Jessicainanrv
    Jessicainanrv Member Posts: 2
    I wish I would have seen this comment earlier. I never received any notification. Thank you for your help.. Unfortunately, they are all out as well now. I think I am going to have to find a way to makeshift my own cover.. fingers crossed  :)
  • rcarlson1957
    rcarlson1957 Member Posts: 265
    @pthomas745 - I put two computer fans behind that vent and a controller above the frig door and it really helps with heat dissipation for the frig when it's hot out for the 3 way frig. 

    2018 TAB 320S
    2020 Honda Ridgeline RTL
    North Texas
    Trips - 50 Mileage - @67k
    "Our favorite trip will always be our next one"

  • terichen
    terichen Member Posts: 1
    Our Norcold vent flew off our 2018 Tab 320s. We tried to order from many places including Nucamp. Not available. What can we do?
  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Member Posts: 10,035
    @terichen - see above posts.  3 D printer?
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Member Posts: 10,035
    Groupe Alliance in Quebec Carrie’s them.  Ask for Pierre Lair. 

    I am sharing this info for those still looking for a frig vent cover.  Thank you terichen.
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
  • Chiprchuk
    Chiprchuk Member Posts: 23
    1875 Chemin de Chambly, Carignan, QC, J3L 4N4, Canada
    Tab 320-S Boondock Edge 2019
    T/V Ford Ranger 2023 4x4

  • Carolfish
    Carolfish Member Posts: 3
    Has anybody found a way to install a vent cover for the Norcold Frig? There are 2 vents (same size of approximately 15”x 8”) with white plastic covers, on the passenger sidewall, just in front of the door. Lost one on the interstate, and used cardboard and duct tape as temporary fix (removing when parked and refrigerator on). I’ve been told the part number is 638406PW BUT NuCamp says no longer available, and no dealers I’ve contacted have them either. Any one else come up with a creative solution? Sheet metal? I’d post a picture for info but haven’t figured that out on this site yet.  Thank you.
    2018 320s. Tow vehicle 2011 Nissan Frontier, 2WD, 6 cyl, tonneau cover on bed.
  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Member Posts: 10,035
    @Carolfish - I moved your post over here.  Please see the above posts, especially the recent February info.
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
  • KarrieK
    KarrieK Member Posts: 4
    2018 320s lost one of our vents on our drive home from dealer doing other maintenance.  Dealer can’t find any, I’ve scoured the internet and…. Nothing.  Currently using a home vent cover (metal) secured w zip ties.  I must say after 3000 miles w this setup, I’m pretty happy w it.
  • pthomas745
    pthomas745 Administrator, Moderator Posts: 4,605
    There are several people over on the FB pages with vast 3d printing experience, CAD, etc.  They can fabricate practically any of these various vents and ports and plastic things on these trailers...but....to do this, they need to have the actual vent and bracket in hand to make precise measurements.  If anyone can provide the bracket and maybe a  vent cover (if it hasn't flown away!) please send me a message and I can get you in touch with this 3d printer person (a new Tab owner).

    Did anyone follow up with Sharon_is_Sam's suggestion above?
    2017 Outback
    Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
  • 3DPrintGuy246
    3DPrintGuy246 Member Posts: 6
    edited April 27
    Hi! Im new here, and I recently reversed engineered the vent cover (for a 2018 NuCamp T@B 320 S) and 3D printed a test and it works great!
    If you're interested please let me know.

    The cover needs to be printed in 2 pieces, and glued together due to size limitations of my 3D printer. 
    I can also print these in black. If you want a different color, let me know 

    Heres what I would charge: 
    Labor/Materials = $80 (+Shipping)
    (Hardware included) 



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