Dometic L500 Vent Discontinued? The Correct LS200 Replacement Explained
If your caravan or motorhome is fitted with a Dometic L500 fridge vent, you may already be aware that replacements are now extremely difficult to find. The reason is simple.
The Dometic L500 vent has been discontinued and is no longer manufactured or supplied.
This causes a real problem when an L500 vent becomes cracked, faded, damaged, or needs replacing during fridge repairs. Fortunately, there is a proven and manufacturer-approved solution that allows the original opening to be reused safely and correctly.
This guide explains how a discontinued L500 vent can be replaced using two Dometic LS200 vents, what parts are required, and what you need to know before fitting.
Is the Dometic L500 Vent Really Discontinued?
Yes. The Dometic L500 refrigerator ventilation system is no longer available and cannot be ordered as a replacement part.
As a result:
- New L500 vents are no longer produced
- Genuine replacements are almost impossible to source
- Any remaining stock is usually old, overpriced, or incorrectly listed
This is a common issue on older caravans and motorhomes where the fridge system itself is still perfectly serviceable, but the external vent has failed.
What Was the Dometic L500 Vent Used For?
The L500 was a large, single-piece external ventilation grille designed for caravan and motorhome absorption fridges.
Typical characteristics included:
- A single large vent opening
- External wall installation
- Use as either an upper or lower fridge vent
- An overall cut-out size of approximately 342 × 453 mm
Because of this specific size, there is no direct one-to-one replacement vent available.
View and download the PDF Here
The Official Replacement Solution Using Two LS200 Vents
Dometic’s recommended solution for a defective L500 vent is to replace it with two LS200 ventilation systems, installed vertically in the original opening.
Each Dometic LS200 vent measures approximately 156 × 453 mm. When two LS200 vents are stacked, the total height comes close to the original L500 opening.
Why Two LS200 Vents Are Required
The measurements explain why this solution works.
- Original L500 cut-out height: 342 mm
- Two LS200 vents combined: 312 mm
This leaves a 30 mm gap, which is filled using a spacer or filler section.
What Is the Filler Bar or Spacer?
The filler bar is a horizontal spacer fitted between the two LS200 vents.
Its purpose is to:
- Fill the remaining height difference
- Maintain structural integrity
- Ensure correct alignment of both vents
- Create a neat and weather-tight installation
- The filler section measures 30 × 453 mm and sits centrally between the two LS200 frames. This creates a complete assembly that fills the original L500 opening correctly.
The spacer can be purpose-made or professionally fabricated from suitable exterior-grade material.
How the Replacement Layout Works
When replacing an L500 vent using the LS200 solution, the process is as follows:
- The original L500 vent is removed from the caravan or motorhome wall
- Two LS200 vent frames are installed vertically
- A 30 mm filler bar is positioned between them
- Both vents are secured and sealed correctly
- External vent grilles are fitted to complete the installation
This layout preserves proper airflow and meets the ventilation requirements of absorption refrigerators.
Will This Affect Fridge Performance?
No. When installed correctly, this replacement method maintains correct fridge ventilation.
Using two LS200 vents provides the necessary air intake and exhaust required for safe and efficient refrigerator operation. This solution is specifically recommended for situations where the L500 vent is no longer available.
What Parts Are Needed to Replace an L500 Vent?
To carry out this replacement, you will need:
- Two Dometic LS200 fridge vents
- One 30 × 453 mm filler bar or spacer
- Appropriate fixings and exterior-grade sealant
It is important to ensure the correct LS200 variant is selected for your specific installation.