Norcold RV Refrigerator Vents: Sidewall & Roof Cap Size Guide
Replacing a cracked RV refrigerator vent starts with identifying whether you need the lower service-access grille, an upper sidewall vent, a roof exhaust cap or a roof vent base. Norcold makes different sizes and colour-coded parts. This guide separates the common 620505 and 621156 sidewall vent families from the 622293 roof exhaust components so you can compare the correct pieces before ordering.
How refrigerator ventilation is arranged
Gas absorption refrigerators need fresh air entering low in the exterior enclosure and warm air leaving above the cooling unit. Some installations use both an upper and lower sidewall vent; others use a lower wall vent and a roof exhaust. The approved arrangement depends on the exact refrigerator and RV installation.
Basic airflow reference
Upper exhaust
Approved upper sidewall vent or roof cap/base
↑
Cooling unit at rear of refrigerator
↑
Lower intake and service access
Approved lower sidewall vent
Conceptual airflow illustration, not an installation or gas-venting diagram. Follow the certified vent arrangement in your refrigerator's manual.
Find the refrigerator modelRead the model and serial identification on the appliance, then consult its certified vent chart. Refrigerators of similar size do not necessarily have the same openings.
Measure the wall openingCheck the actual rough opening behind the vent, not only the outside grille. Note corner style, frame tabs and the number of latches.
Match factory and colour numbersSeparate catalog part numbers from Norcold factory references; confirm Black, Polar White, Bright White or Aero Gray as appropriate.
Norcold 620505 vs 621156 vent sizes
Norcold's installation literature identifies two common sidewall vent cutouts. The measurements below are the manufacturer's rough opening dimensions, not the exterior frame size.
| Vent family | Rough opening, width × height | Typical role |
|---|---|---|
| 620505 small | 17 13/16 × 6 3/16 in | Approved upper or lower side vent, depending on refrigerator model |
| 621156 large | 21½ × 13¾ in | Approved upper or lower side vent, depending on refrigerator model |
| 616319 roof exhaust base | 5¼ × 24 in | Upper roof vent base, paired with approved roof cap |
| 622293 roof exhaust cap | No separate cutout | Weather cap above the compatible roof vent base |
Fitment and safety: Do not reduce, block or redesign the manufacturer's ventilation pathway to make a different grille fit. The lower vent also serves as service access and must meet the model-specific propane safety and positioning requirements. If the fridge was converted from absorption cooling to a 12V compressor model, follow the replacement appliance's separate ventilation directions.
Norcold exterior vent part-number chart
Part numbers in the first column are catalog references; the adjacent factory numbers help identify the original component. Colour names and some older references differ even within the same opening family.
| Part | Factory ref. | Component | Colour | Opening / note | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50670 | 622293CBW | Roof cap | Polar White | Roof assembly | View |
| 50669 | 622293CBK | Roof cap | Black | Roof assembly | View |
| 50603 | 616319BWH | Roof vent base | Bright White | Roof assembly | View |
| 50657 | 621156PW | Large side vent | Polar White | 21½ × 13¾ | View |
| 621156AG | 621156AG | Large side vent | Aero Gray | 21½ × 13¾ | View |
| 50655 | 621156BK | Large side vent | Black | 21½ × 13¾ | View |
| 50656 | 621156BW | Large side vent | Bright White | 21½ × 13¾ | View |
| 50650 | 620505BK | Small side vent | Black | 17 13/16 × 6 3/16 | View |
| 50652 | 620505PW | Small side vent | Polar White | 17 13/16 × 6 3/16 | View |
| 50806 | 637318BK | Model-specific side vent | Black | Verify by original MPN | View |
| 50807 | 637318BW | Model-specific side vent | Bright White | Verify by original MPN | View |
| 51040 | 69110027 | Model-specific side vent | Black | Verify by original MPN | View |
| 50612 | 617772 | Vent door latch | Black | Not applicable | View |
Compare Norcold vent products and photographs
Each linked card opens the exact product listing. Use the photos as visual aids, but rely on the appliance model, factory part number and opening dimensions when deciding on a replacement.
Large 621156 side vents
These large plastic vents share a manufacturer-listed rough opening of 21½ inches wide by 13¾ inches high. Match the colour code and original vent family.
Small 620505 side vents
The smaller side vent uses a 17 13/16-inch-wide by 6 3/16-inch-high rough opening. A small vent is not a replacement for the 621156 cutout.
Norcold 50652
Small side vent · Polar White
Reference: 620505PW
Rough wall opening 17 13/16 × 6 3/16 in
622293 roof caps and 616319 base
Roof vent caps and the base are separate pieces. Match the base and cap to the certified roof-exhaust assembly and use the refrigerator's installation instructions.
Norcold 50670
Roof cap · Polar White
Reference: 622293CBW
Check the exact listing and refrigerator model
Norcold 50603
Roof vent base · Bright White
Reference: 616319BWH
Check the exact listing and refrigerator model
Model-specific side vents
These are listed for particular Norcold refrigerator families. Their exact model and mounting dimensions must be checked separately; they are not alternate colours for the 621156/620505 panels.
Norcold 50806
Model-specific side vent · Black
Reference: 637318BK
Check the exact listing and refrigerator model
Norcold 50807
Model-specific side vent · Bright White
Reference: 637318BW
Check the exact listing and refrigerator model
Norcold 51040
Model-specific side vent · Black
Reference: 69110027
Check the exact listing and refrigerator model
Service-vent latch
If only the removable vent latch is broken, inspect the original fastener before replacing the complete vent.
Norcold 50612
Vent door latch · Black
Reference: 617772
Check the exact listing and refrigerator model
Common Norcold vent questions
Do the 621156 and 620505 vents fit the same hole?
No. The 621156 vent has a 21½ × 13¾-inch rough opening, while the 620505 is 17 13/16 × 6 3/16 inches. Neither is a dimensionally interchangeable replacement for the other.
Does a Norcold 622293 roof cap include the vent base?
The 622293 reference identifies the roof exhaust cap; the approved roof vent base is a separate 616319-family component. Check the item listing to determine what is included.
Are Polar White and Bright White the same finish?
They are separate colour descriptions and often have different part-number suffixes. Match the original reference if appearance matters.
Find parts for your refrigerator model
See the Norcold N611 parts diagrams, N811 model reference and N8XF exploded parts guide. For another manufacturer, visit the separate Dometic 3311236 roof vent cap and base reference.
Manufacturer technical references: Norcold N611V/N811V installation manual (vent cutout table) and Norcold N4000 series vent dimensions (PDF).
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