2nd Nov 2026
Special-Order RV Fridge Parts: Lead Times, Shipping Costs and How to Order the Right One
Many RV refrigerator parts are not sitting on a shelf anywhere. They ship from the manufacturer’s distributor after you order. Here is how our special-order parts work, what shipping costs, and how to make sure you order the right one, because a wrong special-order part is expensive to send back.
Quick answer
- In-stock parts ordered before 3pm EST ship the same business day.
- Special-order parts show a lead time on the product page, usually 7–10 days, sometimes 2–3 weeks for some Norcold parts.
- Special-order parts ship for a flat $15. Larger items, like cooling units and doors, have a higher fixed shipping charge because of their size.
Jump to:
- How to tell if a part is special order
- Lead times
- Shipping costs
- Order the right part the first time
- Returns on special-order parts
- FAQ
How to tell if a part is special order
Look at the availability line on the product page. In-stock parts say In Stock. Special-order parts show an estimated lead time, such as “7-10 day estimated lead time.”
Lead times
| Availability | When it ships | Ships from |
|---|---|---|
| In Stock | Same business day if ordered before 3pm EST | Our warehouse |
| 7–10 day lead time | Most special-order parts | Manufacturer’s distributor |
| 2–3 week lead time | Some Norcold parts | Manufacturer’s distributor |
Lead times are estimates from the distributor. If a date matters (a trip, a rental), call us before you order and we will check current stock. You can track your order on our order status page.
Shipping costs
Special-order parts ship for a flat $15. In-stock parts ship at standard rates calculated at checkout.
Larger special-order items, such as cooling units and doors, have a higher fixed shipping charge because of their size. Those size-based charges can change over time, so the amount shown on the product page and at checkout is the one that applies to your order.
Order the right part the first time
- Get your model and product or serial number from the label inside the fridge.
- Match the part number on the manufacturer’s diagram. Our guide to reading a Dometic parts diagram walks through it.
- Order by part number, not by description. Distributor descriptions are often wrong.
- If anything does not line up, call 800-712-8822 before you order.
Returns on special-order parts
You have 30 days to return most parts. If you ordered the wrong part, there is a 20% restocking fee. Cooling units and complete refrigerators cannot be returned unless we made the mistake. Full details are on our shipping, returns and cancellations page.
This is why confirming fit matters most on big special-order items. Five minutes on the phone is cheaper than a restocking fee or a cooling unit you cannot send back.
FAQ
Can I cancel a special-order part?
Contact us right away. See our cancellation policy for how special orders are handled.
Do in-stock and special-order parts ship together?
Not always. They often ship separately from different locations, so you may get two tracking numbers.
Why is the lead time longer than the page said?
Lead times are the distributor’s estimate, and backorders happen. Call or email us and we will check the current status.
Questions about a special-order part? Reach us through customer service or call 800-712-8822.