"Your idea of modifying the refrigerator door to expose the controls
is interesting.  I have wondered why the controls were not made
accessible with the door closed."

Don't have a clear recollection but am sure I saw this modification
on someone's Dometic door at one of the Vanagon campouts, probably
Syncro Safari '04, maybe. Sierge from Canada comes to mind.

The top of the door had been cut across the top, about 3" down from
the top, hinged, and if I recall, the seal had been moved (not sure any
longer if that is required as I don't remember the basic/OE design of
the location of that seal). It was quite nice, convenient to change
setting without opening the door.

bob