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Old 08-06-2014, 05:01 PM   #1
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Keeping the cabinets closed

Last weekend got home to find several cabinets had opened spewing their contents across the floor. Had anyone experienced the same and come up with a solution?

1st image is the original catch
2nd and 3rd are a couple options to replace them with.

From Lee Valley
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Old 08-06-2014, 05:09 PM   #2
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We have always stored dry goods, such as canned goods, in a series of bins that we store in the pantry. I think this stops the shifting of objects that can force the doors open.

The only time the cabinets opened during travel was when we stored 2 litre bottles of Coke in the shallow cabinet beneath the fridge. Now, we store them in bins as well.

We also use bins in the overhead cabinets to keep mugs and glasses from tumbling about.

Sharon
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Old 08-06-2014, 05:22 PM   #3
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If I am traveling a rough back road, I'll run re-usable zap straps through the handle on one drawer and then another, since they tend not to cooperate with one another.
And, I bungee the fridge door.
Re-usable zap straps are very useful around camp. I get them from Lee Valley Tools.
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Fridge bungee.jpg   zap strap.JPG  
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Old 08-06-2014, 06:20 PM   #4
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I use those refrigerator bars in my cabinets, none have opened---
they come in various sizes/lengths, also good to use in the refer
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...rigerator+bars
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Old 08-06-2014, 06:45 PM   #5
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I tried those fridge bars without success until I attached hard rubber bumpers ( the same little buttons that keep your stove cover from hitting the counter ).
I stuck one on each side of the cupboard and then I cut a cross-shaped slit in the plastic that covers the end of the fridge bar. The button snugs into the tube and that stopped them from sliding and popping off.
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Old 08-06-2014, 08:02 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by padlin View Post
Last weekend got home to find several cabinets had opened spewing their contents across the floor. Had anyone experienced the same and come up with a solution?

1st image is the original catch
2nd and 3rd are a couple options to replace them with.

From Lee Valley
You can try holding the pinched point (behind the triangle the penetrates the rollers) with a needle nose pliers and tapping on the end of the triangle with a small hammer a bit to widen the latch width the rollers have to slip over. Doesn't take much to make the latch action stiffer.
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Old 08-06-2014, 08:08 PM   #7
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It appears these can be adjusted, a little. There is a slot in the screw so if you remove the male part and spread it a little to make a higher fit.
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Old 08-06-2014, 08:12 PM   #8
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Might I suggest you investigate Phlip-It latches. While a bit pricey at 2 for $10, I retrofitted my previously owned Scamp (total cost around $80) and they secured storage cabinets when travelling and simplified opening cabinets when on site. When not in the "lock" position, the need to tug to open the cabinet is entirely eliminated.
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Old 08-06-2014, 08:56 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by C&G in FL View Post
Might I suggest you investigate Phlip-It latches. While a bit pricey at 2 for $10, I retrofitted my previously owned Scamp (total cost around $80) and they secured storage cabinets when travelling and simplified opening cabinets when on site. When not in the "lock" position, the need to tug to open the cabinet is entirely eliminated.
Wifey hates brass, and also ruled them ugly besides............LOL
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Old 08-06-2014, 09:19 PM   #10
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Check Lee Valley Tools for options:

Catches, Latches & Bolts - Lee Valley Tools - Woodworking Tools, Gardening Tools, Hardware Supplies
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Old 08-06-2014, 09:23 PM   #11
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This one is clever:

On/Off Magnetic Latches - Lee Valley Tools
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Old 08-06-2014, 09:42 PM   #12
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My 16' Scamp Deluxe uses the bottom image catches, Bob has in that top post. They've never come open, ever. Just pinch the "U" shape catch a bit, and they'll hold tight! I have replaced a couple of the catches... they're just lightweight brass, but about $.75 each at Lowes.

There are certainly "nicer looking" cabinet hardware available, but these work as designed. I've never been disappointed. YMMV
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Old 08-06-2014, 10:54 PM   #13
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Think I'll be putting these on my 21 shower door to keep it from popping open. Same design used in machining vises for metalworking.

http://www.leevalley.com/en/Hardware...60&cat=3,41399
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Old 08-07-2014, 03:17 AM   #14
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Quote:
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Wifey hates brass, and also ruled them ugly besides............LOL
Well, what can I say. My "wifey" didn't see them as ugly, has no aversion to brass, and absolutely loved their simple and effective functionality. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So neither one of us is LOL. We're just laughing that some unhappy campers are constantly cleaning up messes because they persist using ineffective, poorly designed latches.
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Old 08-07-2014, 03:25 AM   #15
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We stopped by Chilliwack for a repair on our rock shield (don't ask--totally stupid mistake) and while there Sharon mentioned that our closet door was coming open on rough roads. After several unsuccessful tries at tightening the catch they finally put in a second catch and presto--door stays closed.
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Old 08-07-2014, 06:42 AM   #16
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Quote:
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Think I'll be putting these on my 21 shower door to keep it from popping open. Same design used in machining vises for metalworking.

On/Off Magnetic Latches - Lee Valley Tools
Seems the 21' Escape with the front bath may not have this problem, you may want to wait until it happens, if my opens in transit, it shuts itself when I stop!!
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Old 08-07-2014, 08:12 AM   #17
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I have never yet had an issue with any of the catches failing, on the cabinets or the door to the bath, and I do travel on some bumpy stuff.
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Old 08-07-2014, 10:17 AM   #18
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We use 2 .99 child safety locks on the 2 swing out cabinet doors, and a 3 foot bungee cord with hooks at each end for the bathroom door. I hook it under the cabinet handle and stretch it across the opening of the wardrobe closet and loop it around the bath door handle. In my trailer, it also crosses the microwave door. Secures 4 doors. Simple, cheap and low tech. 12000 miles and works like a champ!

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Old 08-07-2014, 12:13 PM   #19
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I have found that if we arrange our goods inside our cabinets such that heaviest items are in lowermost cabinets and loose items are kept in baskets or boxes, things do not generally fall out if the door should open. With items packed properly within the cabinets, there will be minimal pressure on the inside of doors, and less (not zero) likelihood that they may pop open in flight. So far this has worked for us and I have had no reason to tie things shut. If for some reason our cabinet doors do develop a future tendency to pop open, I would resolve this by repairing/replacing the latches rather than resorting to tieing or strapping things shut.
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Old 08-07-2014, 12:22 PM   #20
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I agree with that train of thought, sometimes while traveling we will stop for lunch at a rest area, I'll enter the trailer to obtain items from the refer as well as cabinets. Not having to undo or untie or unlatch several items helps. Other than the child lock on the refer I keep things as Dave does in baskets, light above and heavy down below.
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